Bed bugs have been appearing in homes, schools and hospitals across the country. Those who are going to pick out that new couch may want to make sure that they aren't getting more than what they bargained for when shopping at a used furniture store, according to the news channel KBAK-TV.

The media outlet reports that people shouldn't shy away from used furniture, but they may want to look for evidence of bed bugs in the cracks and underneath the cushions. However, one Goodwill in Bakerfield, California, decided to not hold mattresses because of the issue.

"We'd encourage the public to continue to buy second-hand furniture, as long as you feel comfortable that the organization has taken the necessary measures to get rid of the risk of bed bugs," local Goodwill spokesman Ken Beurmann told the news source.

Used furniture isn't the only place that bed bugs have been popping up. According to Medline Plus, these little pests can latch onto people's clothing and luggage. To prevent bed bugs, individuals may want to purchase mattress covers, which can keep them at bay or trap them until professional help arrives.