Flea Market Finds: Avoid fleas (or bedbugs) at the flea market – Charleston Gazette-Mail (subscription)

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Flea markets got their name from French markets where shoppers worried about fleas in old items.

Do you remember as a child hearing about people going to flea markets? Like me, did you think they were actually selling fleas at this market?

How did flea markets get their name?

It seems in the early days, the original outdoor markets in Paris were in less than desirable neighborhoods and often featured items that were tattered, shabby and quite possibly full of fleas. The French phrase marche aux puces was given to such markets and literally means market of the fleas.

In todays world of dumpster diving, Facebook flipping and yard sales, how do you know if you are bringing something that has the potential to live on in more ways than one into your home? If, like me, you cannot give up your junk-loving habit, there are a few things you can do to protect your home from unwanted visitors.

n Never, ever buy or bring home a used mattress from a thrift store or flea market. Bedbugs hide in the coils and can live there for months in between meals. Tiny eggs and brown droppings are signs of these critters and your cue to stay away.

n Upholstered furniture can be a great buy at a flea market, but buyer beware! If possible, know your vendor, and only buy from someone who is reputable. If you do spy a comfy chair, dont be shy about taking the cushions off and inspecting it for signs of infestation.

n If you do take the leap and buy an upholstered piece of furniture, consider having it professionally cleaned before bringing it into your home.

n Wrap used clothing in a plastic bag and freeze it for three days. Bedbugs cannot survive freezing temperatures. Once you thaw out the clothing, place it in the dryer on high heat to kill any remaining bugs or eggs.

If you called and left your information with me about the recent American Pickers Flea Market Finds article, it has been forwarded to the show. Mike and Frank are finished picking in our area, but they will keep your information on file for the next time they come into our area.

Lesa Smith is owner of Salvaged to Sassy, a shop for fine vintage home decor, custom painting and more located at 2120 Pennsylvania Ave., in Charleston. The shop is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, follow Salvaged to Sassy on Facebook.

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Flea Market Finds: Avoid fleas (or bedbugs) at the flea market - Charleston Gazette-Mail (subscription)

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