A donated bag brought bed bugs into an Australian op shop, causing a massive infestation, closure, and financial loss.

A volunteer at the Daylesford Community Op Shop in Victoria was bitten by bed bugs emerging from a donated bag, triggering a major infestation that forced the store to close, destroy thousands in donated goods, and spend over $3,000 on cleanup. Two additional deep cleans are required before reopening, possibly delaying operations by ten days. The presence of mature bugs raised concerns about intentional donation, though staff hope it was accidental. As a volunteer-run shop that supports the local community, the financial losses threaten its future, prompting plans for a fundraising sausage sizzle.