Bed bugs have become more of common issue in this day and age. However, there are many ways that you can unintentionally bring bed bugs to your home. Many people are unaware of how these pests operate, and they bring them into their homes without suspecting anything.
One of the biggest threats of a bed bug infestation is new furniture. Many people don’t think about bed bugs when buying new furniture, and they don’t question its safety. Bed bug infestations can be very much present in large furniture retail stores like IKEA if the store is not properly inspecting and preventing infestations.
Bed Bug Injury Law is here to educate you on your legal rights if you are the victim of a bed bug infestation from newly bought IKEA furniture.
Bed Bugs in Store-Bought Furniture
Bed bugs aren’t exclusively found in hotels and motels. Bed bugs are often finding their way into new furniture and in stores such as IKEA. This is particularly true for those areas where bug infestations aren’t cared for properly.
Bed bugs crawl into small cracks and secluded areas where they can create their nests and lay their eggs. An adult female bed bug can lay more than a dozen eggs each day. A bed bug can survive for an extended period of time without eating while continuing to lay eggs.
In large retail stores, bed bugs can find plenty of furniture where they can make homes and reproduce. Many people associate bed bugs with old furniture and unmaintained areas, but this is not always the case.
Did you find Bed Bugs in IKEA Furniture
Have you brought home a new set of furniture from IKEA only to realize that you’ve brought bed bugs home as well?
When you purchase furniture from IKEA or any other furniture store, there is a risk of bed bugs attaching to your shoes, clothes, or bags and following you home in the store was not properly inspected and treated for infestations. These pests can also attach themselves to your newly purchased furniture and make their way into your home.
IKEA bed bugs are just one of the risks you might have to pay attention to. Many furniture sold in stores could also potentially be infested with bed bugs. These parasites can live everywhere and don’t even have to show themselves for a long time.
This is why bed bugs are so difficult to spot and recognize to the untrained eye. Here is where they usually live:
- Behind headboards
- Beneath and between cushions
- In curtains
- Inside furniture
- In cracks within the walls
- Within screws of new furniture
There are many IKEA stores worldwide. Some of those may not have proper pest control practices, and this makes them vulnerable to infestations. This means that even if you don’t buy anything, you may still bring bed bugs back home. Bed bugs can crawl onto clothing, handbags, or shoes and spread everywhere.
Actions to Take After an IKEA Bed Bug Infestation
No matter if you found bed bugs in IKEA furniture or you noticed you brought these pests home from the store with you, you will have to make the necessary steps to prevent the infestation from growing. The first thing you should do is call a licensed pest control company.
They can inspect your home and figure out where the infestation has spread. Furthermore, they have all the tools and knowledge to remove these pests and clear out your home. Remember, the longer you wait, the more the infestation will grow. Bed bugs will multiply and find their way in other parts of your home.
Pest control can also document the severity of the situation and act as a witness that the infestation happened. This can be beneficial if you decide to seek legal action.
Be sure to document all signs of a bed bug infestation. Take pictures of any bed bug bites which resemble small red bumps in small clusters. Look for actual evidence of physical bed bugs such as:
- Bed bug waste – small black or dark-brown spots on sheets, mattresses, or furniture
- Bed bug eggs – small white barrel-shaped eggs or eggshells
- Adult bed bugs – small oval-shaped reddish-brown insects
Potential Compensation for an IKEA Bug Infestation
If you or someone else has suffered from bed bug bites from an infestation you brought back from an IKEA store, then you may be able to pursue compensation for your troubles. Here are some of the potential reimbursements you may be able to pursue:
- Replacement furniture
- Reimbursement for pain and suffering
- Payments to cover medical bills
- Compensation for extermination bills
- Property damage coverage
- Lost wages
- Out of pocket expenses
Contact Bed Bug Injury Law
Bed Bug Injury Law has helped clients deal with bed bug infestations by assessing the situation and their legal options. Many people have never encountered bed bugs in their lives and don’t know what their rights are and how to handle the situation.
This is where we may be able to help. We can help you understand the situation and see what your legal options are. Of course, every situation has its specific and unique circumstances that need to be taken into account.
Before doing anything on your own, make sure to consult with us to determine if you have a case! Get a free consultation today!