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!
Editor's Note
Stories like this are incredibly common. Bed bugs often hitch rides in secondhand furniture — especially couches, chairs, and mattresses — even when they look spotless. These pests hide in seams, under fabric, and deep in the frame where they’re nearly impossible to spot on inspection.
Our advice: never take upholstered furniture from unknown sources unless it’s been heat-treated or verified pest-free by a pro.
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!
Have you had a close call with used furniture? Share your story in the comments.
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