A trained detection dog smells live bed bugs and viable eggs hidden inside furniture joints, behind baseboards and under mattress tags. For lodging near the I-5 interchange or a busy family home in Kettleman City, a dog team can cover every room in one appointment.
Good Times to Call a Dog Team
- Screening a set of guest rooms after a single complaint.
- Bites with no bugs found during a visual check.
- Very early infestations with only a few bugs.
- Confirming that a past treatment worked.
- Homes packed with bunk beds, toys and stored furniture.
How the Search Goes
- WalkthroughThe handler tours the property and sets a search order.
- SearchThe dog works along beds, furniture, trim and outlets.
- AlertThe dog sits, freezes or points its nose at the odor source.
- VerifyThe handler inspects each alert by eye before it counts.
What to Ask the Handler
Ask where the dog was trained and certified, how often it is tested on live bed bugs and how alerts are confirmed. Be wary of any company that wants to treat a full building because of one unconfirmed alert.
Before the Dog Arrives
- Keep family pets in a yard, car or neighbor's house during the search.
- Skip scented candles, air fresheners and heavy cooking that day.
- Hold off on any insecticide for several days beforehand.
Questions About K9 Inspections
Can one dog team check a whole row of motel rooms?
Yes, and that is one of the best uses for a dog. A team can move through many rooms in a single visit, which helps lodging owners find the source without closing every room.
Does a dog alert prove we have bed bugs?
Not by itself. The handler should find a live bug or egg at the exact spot the dog marked. Treatment plans should rest on confirmed alerts only.
How it works: Bed Bug Control CA is a licensed California bed bug service. A licensed technician comes out to your Kettleman City address to look for signs. You get a written quote before any treatment.