Thrift shops are a great way to save some money. You can find books for 90 percent off their cover price and clothes at roughly the same amount of savings. You can find household items for cheap and even your favorite old Huey Lewis and the News CD for around a dollar. However, be careful you don’t come home with more than you bargained for. Keep an eyes out for bedbugs.
Shopping for used clothes at a thrift store is fun and you can often come across gently used clothing that looks great and feels snug. However, you have to remember that these are previously owned clothes you are wearing here. Given the recent infestation of bed bugs across the country, you really can’t be too careful when it comes to avoiding these critters. Once they are in your home, you could have a real problem on your hands. Make sure to thoroughly wash used clothes before you wear them and get them straight in the machine when your get home rather than risk infestation by putting clothes with bed bugs among your existing wardrobe.
If it’s too late and you’ve already got bed bugs infesting your home, there are a couple things you can do to rid yourself of the problem.
1.) Insecticides and non-toxic sprays- Bed bugs have become increasingly resistant to insecticides. For that reason alone it’s good to go with a non-toxic spray but it’s also better for your health and the health of your family.
2.) Protect Your House- Once you realize you have a bed bug problem, the first thing you need to do is clean your place thoroughly. After that, make sure to seal items like bedding, clothes, and shoes. This will prevent the infestation from spreading further and help keep the rest of your house safe.
There aren’t a ton of reported cases of bedbugs from thrift shop clothing but it does happen. You don’t know where these clothes you purchase came from so take caution.