Woman embraces the thrifting craze, learns its dark side the hard way as it unleashes a biblical plague of bedbugs

TikTok creator Mattea learned the hard way that the hottest fashion trend comes with a terrifying risk after she contracted bedbugs from a recent thrifting haul. The user, who posts under the handle @matteaing, initially shared a seemingly normal “come thrifting with me” video, filming herself trying on cozy sweaters in front of the store mirror. This is a nightmare scenario, and honestly, it’s awful for anyone who loves finding unique, budget-friendly pieces.

While thrifting is incredibly popular right now for all ages and income levels, Mattea later updated the footage with on-screen text that read, “None of these sweaters were worth the bed bugs.” She added a caption expressing severe regret, saying she wished she could “go back in time and SHAKE HER.” We’ve all been there, making a purchase we immediately regret, but this takes buyer’s remorse to a whole new, terrifying level.

It’s easy to see why thrifting has exploded in popularity. You often find pieces with better quality than new mall clothes, the prices are low, and you get one-of-a-kind items. You aren’t going to see ten other people wearing the same top you just snagged. However, this convenience sometimes comes with tiny, six-legged passengers, per Bro Bible.

Wash everything you get second-hand with really hot water

If you’re wondering if you can really pick up bedbugs from secondhand clothes, the answer is a resounding yes. These pests are excellent hitchhikers. They don’t just stick to beds; they’ll travel on luggage, furniture, clothes, or even the seat you sat on in the store. All it takes is one infested donation center or a single sweater tossed into your car for them to tag along back to your house.

The worst part about these little invaders is that they are surprisingly hard to spot, though they are visible if you look closely. They are flat, brownish, and shaped like tiny apple seeds. They love to hide, tucking faint spots or eggs into seams and tags. It takes only a few seconds to check these areas, but most shoppers don’t even think to look for them.

So, what should you do if you bring home a haul? Prevention is key. Luckily, bedbugs absolutely hate heat. You need to wash everything the moment it comes home. Hot water and high heat in the dryer will kill them before they have a chance to settle in your closet. Even for delicate items that can’t handle a full hot wash, a spin through the dryer on a high heat setting can help eradicate any pests hiding in the fabric.

You need to be especially vigilant if you buy secondhand furniture or decorative items. Bedbugs absolutely love the underside of cushions, cracks, and fabric seams. Once they get into furniture, they’re incredibly hard to remove. You’ve got to inspect every single inch of that couch or chair before it crosses your threshold.