Thrift shops and garage sales are the best! You never know what you'll find!
But guess what could be lurking amongst those treasures?
Yup, bedbugs! Eeewww!
Aren't Bedbugs Just Part Of A Quaint Bedtime Rhyme?
You've heard the phrase, "Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite," but is that a real thing? YES, it is! 🥺
Facts about bedbugs
Small, oval, brownish insects
Live on the blood of mammals
About the size of an apple seed
Cause itchy spots or welts in some (but not all) people
Bedbugs come out at night and like to hide in bedrooms so they can bite people...kind of like miniature vampires.
Where They Lurk
The most common secondhand items that could house bedbugs are:
Upholstered furniture
Mattresses/bedding
Stuffed animals
Books
But they can really be found in anything 😭😭😭
Take These Steps When Purchasing Used Goods
Examine clothing by turning it inside out and checking seams .
Consider avoiding upholstered items and bedding!
Use a flashlight and check all crevices.
Wash, then dry items on high heat as soon as you get home.
Place items in your bathtub. The bugs will crawl out and get stuck in the tub where they'll be easier to spot.
Quiz
Tanya loves thrifting, but wants to avoid getting bed bugs! What should she do?
Worst Case Scenario
If you actually get bedbugs (or suspect you have them), the best thing to do is call an exterminator.
Cheer up, it's not all bad news! Some exterminators use dogs to detect bedbugs. Their tails perk up when they smell them!
Take Action
Execute your bedbug avoidance plan today!
Enjoy your treasures!
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