A free couch on Facebook Marketplace cost me over $1,200

Let me start with this: I was just trying to save a little money. I moved into a new apartment, and between rent, deposits, and bills, I didn’t have the budget for furniture. So when I saw someone giving away a nice-looking couch on Facebook Marketplace — “free to a good home” — I jumped on it.

It looked clean. No stains, no weird smells, nothing sketchy. The person seemed nice, said they were redecorating, and I figured, what’s the harm?

I didn’t notice anything wrong for the first week or so. Then I started waking up with these weird bites — grouped together, a little itchy. I chalked it up to mosquitoes. Then a few more showed up. I started checking my mattress. Nothing. Sheets? Nothing. It wasn’t until I flipped over one of the couch cushions that I saw them — tiny dark spots and a little reddish smear. That’s when the panic set in.

The infestation spread faster than I could react

Once I knew what I was looking at, I couldn’t unsee it. I found more signs under the couch frame. Then in the carpet. Then eventually… in my bedroom. These things don’t stay put. They travel.

I tried sprays. I tried vacuuming like a maniac. I even tried sealing the couch in plastic. But the bugs were already in other parts of the apartment by then. I had to call a pest control company. They did a heat treatment, which worked — but it wasn’t cheap.

Final cost: $1,247!

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Lessons learned the hard way

If I could go back, I’d spend the money on a cheap futon from IKEA or sleep on the floor a little longer. That couch ended up being one of the most expensive “free” things I’ve ever accepted.

If you’re reading this and considering taking used furniture from someone — even a friend — please, please check it carefully. Or better yet, just don’t risk it.

It’s not worth bringing bed bugs into your home!

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Have you had a close call with used furniture? Share your story in the comments.

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