How To Dispose Of Furniture With Bed Bugs? (A-Z Explained)

Bed bugs can be very uncomfortable and tricky to get rid of. When furniture is infested with bed bugs, it can become a difficult task to safely and properly dispose of the furniture so that you do not spread the bed bug infestation to other areas of your home or business.

In this article, I will discuss how to properly identify and how to dispose of furniture with bed bugs carefully and effectively. With the right approach and knowledge in this guide, I’ll ensure that your furniture is safely removed without contributing to the spread of bedbugs.

How To Dispose Of Furniture With Bed Bugs? – Key Takeaways

[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]

• Start with identifying the signs of bed bugs in furniture, which may include live crawling bed bugs, bed bug eggs, shed skin, and tiny black or dark brown stains.
• To dispose of infested furniture, first, prepare it by wrapping it in a large plastic cover and labeling it as infested.
• Then, select one of the disposal options, such as taking it to a disposal center, hiring a professional disposal service, or scheduling a collection with your local council. 
• Alternatively, if you don’t want to dispose of it, you can opt for treatment options, such as heat treatment, insecticides, fumigation, or steam treatment.[/su_note]

See also: Can Bed Bugs Live In Recliners? Where Do They Hide?

What Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are tiny, brownish-red bugs that resemble apple seeds in shape and size. Their bodies are flat and oval, and they have six legs but no wings. Despite being unable to fly, they can quickly scurry across walls, floors, and even ceilings.

Adult bed bugs are usually between 4-5 mm in length, but they can become engorged and swollen after feeding on blood, which makes them appear larger and darker in colour. These have a distinct, sweet odor often described as smelling like coriander. 

What Are Signs of Bed Bugs in Furniture?

Bed bugs can be challenging to locate, but they leave signs behind showcasing that they are present. If you suspect that your furniture may be infested with bed bugs, the following are a few signs to look for. 

1. Live Crawling Bed Bugs – Bed bugs are small and brownish-red in colour. They can be found crawling on furniture or on nearby surfaces such as walls or floors.
2. Bed Bug Eggs – You may see the eggs or eggshells of the bed bug eggs that are as tiny as the pinhead (about 1mm) and have pale yellow skins. 
3. Shed Skin – These bugs shed their skin as they grow, leaving behind translucent shell-like skin-like structures that can be found on furniture or near where they hide.
4. Tiny black or dark brown stains – Bed bugs leave behind fecal matter, which appears as small flecks or stains on furniture or bedding.

If you find any of these indications, there are chances that there are bugs in your furniture. If this is the case, it’s important to properly dispose of them properly to save yourself from being bitten. 

How to Dispose of Infested Furniture?

Suppose you are sure that your furniture has bed bugs, and you want to dispose of it. In such a case, you must go through all the steps given below to smoothly go through the process. 

1. Prepare Your Furniture for Disposal.

Well, the disposal process starts with preparing the furniture. This phase is simple, and all you have to do is to follow these steps. 

1. Get/ purchase large plastic furniture covers specifically designed for moving furniture. If you don’t have these covers in your home, you can find these at local hardware stores. 
2. Place the plastic cover over the furniture and wrap it completely, making sure to cover all sides and corners.
3. Use tape to completely seal the plastic cover, ensuring no bed bugs can escape during transport.
4. Once done with the wrapping, clearly label the furniture as infested to warn others of the bed bug infestation; you can write “infested with bed bugs” on the outside. 

[su_note note_color=”#ffe466″]Note: Avoid using the narrow household plastic wrap that can easily tear, allowing bed bugs to escape. Instead, use the proper plastic cover or heavy-duty plastic to properly seal the furniture.[/su_note]

2. Select One Disposal Option & Implement it. 

When you have furniture that is infested with bed bugs, it’s crucial to dispose of it properly to avoid spreading the infestation. The following are a few methods to consider in such a case.

Disposal Center

You can take the bed bug-infested furniture to a local disposal center. Some centers offer free disposal services for large items such as furniture items. However, taking infested items to a disposal center can be unsanitary, and you may also spread the infestation to your vehicle.

Professional Disposal Service

The most convenient and stress-free option is to hire a professional waste management company specializing in safely removing, transporting, and disposing of bed bug-infested furniture. 

This method ensures no-strings-attached collection and disposal, recycling in an environmentally sustainable manner, and the expertise of a competent disposal company.

Council Collection

Another option is to schedule a collection with your local council for a reasonable fee. Many councils offer bulk rubbish collection, which includes furniture pieces. However, there may be a delay in collection due to high demand, allowing the infestation to spread further.

Tips for Disposing of Bed Bug-Infested Furniture

Although now you know different ways and necessary precautions to dispose of bed bugs-infested furniture, I would still like to recall a few tips here. 

1. Seal the infested furniture in plastic before moving it to stop bed bugs from escalating.
2. Do not donate or give away infested furniture, as this could spread the infestation to others.
3. After disposing of the furniture, thoroughly clean and vacuum the surrounding area to remove any remaining bed bugs and eggs.
4. Don’t dump infested furniture in public areas.
5. Follow all the local laws and regulations to avoid harming other people or getting some litigations against you.
6. Avoid transporting infested furniture on public transportation.

Other Options for Bed Bug-Infested Furniture; Treatment option.

If you don’t want to dispose of your furniture, bed bugs can be eliminated through various treatments, such as Heat Treatment, Insecticides, Fumigation, Steam Treatment, and Fumigation. 

1. Heat Treatment is a method that includes subjecting the affected area to elevated temperatures. 
2. Insecticides can be applied as sprays, dusts, or foams. 
3. Fumigation involves enclosing the infested area and introducing a gas.
4. Steam Treatment involves applying high-temperature steam to infested areas. 

Hiring a professional pest control company to perform these treatments is important, as some bed bugs may be resistant to certain treatments.

How To Prevent Bed Bugs in Furniture?

Suppose you haven’t yet any signs of bed bugs on your furniture, but you want to keep it safe from this issue. In such a case, the following are tips for preventing bed bugs from entering your furniture.

• Make it a habit to routinely examine used furniture for any indications of bed bugs before introducing it to your living space.
• Use bedbug-proof covers on all box springs and mattresses.
• Regularly vacuum your furniture, paying extra attention to any cracks, crevices, and seams where bed bugs may hide.
• Make sure to launder your bedding and any other washable items using the highest temperature setting available in your washing machine and dryer.
• To prevent bed bugs from climbing up your furniture, you may want to use bed bug interceptors that can trap these pests.

How to Dispose Of Furniture With Bed Bugs?

Getting rid of bed bug-infested furniture might be difficult since you want to prevent the bed bugs from spreading to other areas. Here are some actions to take: 

• Transport the furniture to a location where it can be picked up for disposal.
• Wrap the infested furniture in plastic.
• Label it with a “bed bugs” label.
• And dispose of it at a landfill that takes infested objects. 

Before getting rid of the furniture, it’s necessary to verify with the local government and speak with a pest control expert to ensure the infestation has been removed.

How to Dispose Of a Mattress With Bed Bugs?

This is how you can dispose of a mattress with bed bugs.

1. Wrap the mattress securely in plastic – Use plastic covers specifically designed for moving furniture. Ensure the plastic covers seal completely to prevent bed bugs from escaping during transport.
2. Arrange for professional disposal – Contact a professional waste management company that is authorized to remove and dispose of infested mattresses safely and in an environmentally sustainable manner.

[su_note note_color=”#ffe466″]Note: Avoid donating or selling the mattress because doing so can unintentionally cause the infestation to spread to others.[/su_note]

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, eliminating bed bugs from your furniture is crucial to prevent their spread into your living spaces. Taking the necessary precautions and using the right techniques can help you safely dispose of infested furniture. 

Always adhere to the local rules and regulations, and if needed, consider seeking assistance from professionals. Do not allow bed bugs to overrun your home. Act fast and protect your family and surroundings. 

Related articles:

• Keep Your Lazy Boy Recliner Looking Like New
• Tips for recliner comfort with sciatica
• Weight limit for recliners
• Finding the perfect recliner for tall people