Any worries about Bed Bugs?

**kaitala** · 03-31-2011, 09:31 AM

As if there isn't enough in the world to worry about, now there's the bed bug issue. I know they've been found in new-retail stores, too, but are there any special precautions you take when you buy from a second hand store or CL?

I used the walmart bedding spray (I think it's actually designed to kill lice) when I picked up a stroller and backpack from a second hand store. Don't know if it would really help or just makes me feel better.

**khaski** · 03-31-2011, 10:50 AM

Clothing/bedding leaves the bag straight into a hot wash and hot dryer (if fabric allows). I do this straight away, don't let the bags 'hand out' more than a few hours, have had no issues yet. And you're right, bed bugs have showed up at major retailers lately (was it a NIKE store in NYC that had to close down for a while to deal with them?).

**krbshappy71** · 03-31-2011, 02:41 PM

Is this regional? I'm asking because I hear a lot of people talking about the problem but have not experienced it myself. My girls and I have had hand-me-down beds for years, never had an issue. Most recently scored a bed 3 years ago off Craig's list, no problem, and then a few weeks ago from a friend who had been storing it in her house, no problem.

**Greebo** · 03-31-2011, 02:45 PM

We had major problems with them at one of our rentals until we dusted with diatomaceous earth

That stuff was AWESOME - and food and pet safe!

**bonnotsm9** · 03-31-2011, 03:20 PM

We've had problems in the St. Louis area. Now we put everything that can in a hot wash then hot drier. Everything that we can't get sprayed with the chemical that works on bedbugs.

**Greebo** · 03-31-2011, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by bonnotsm9

We've had problems in the St. Louis area. Now we put everything that can in a hot wash then hot drier. Everything that we can't get sprayed with the chemical that works on bedbugs.

If you're really using a chemical, and not diatomaceous earth, I encourage you to get DE instead. It's not a chemical - it's basically very very fine powdery sand that kills bedbugs but doesn't hurt you (well it may dry your skin out a bit).

**benosayi** · 04-05-2011, 10:32 PM

I put my hats and stuff things I buy from the thrift store in the deep freezer in a bag.

**daughter of pearl** · 04-06-2011, 12:22 PM

Never had them, thank God, but am paranoid, because they are very common in the area I live in.

I worry about buying second-hand furniture, and whenever I buy used clothing, I run it through a hot dryer before I put it away.

Strongly agree with Greebo...DE is the best way to go, imho.

Eee... itchy, now!!

**lisaflex** · 04-06-2011, 07:54 PM

we dont have any nor will i buy used couches, beds or chairs.

bedding (sheets) i would if it still had the tag on it and then i woiuld immediately bring it home and wash and dry.

i am concerned about them. we nixxed this past thanksgiving trip to NYC due to the outbreak! i was freaked out!

**2ndGenGranola** · 04-07-2011, 04:04 PM

My friends who are in the pest control business told all their friends to stop the second hand shopping and dumpster diving for now. Their business is booming and in most cases it is a second hand item that was brought in infected.

**Pemberleyan** · 04-07-2011, 05:45 PM

I don't worry about it a lot, but I have changed my habits. I haven't bought upholstered furniture in several years,and probably won't do it again. Any fabric or clothing goes to the washing machine from the bag.