A trained detection dog can pick up the scent of live bed bugs and viable eggs inside a couch frame, behind trim or under a mattress. Where a Rio Oso property has several dwellings, one dog team can work through all of them in a single stop.
Good Times to Use a Dog
- Parcels with a second home, mobile home or RV.
- Bites with no visible bugs.
- Very new infestations with low numbers.
- Checking that an earlier treatment worked.
- Clearing a rental unit between tenants.
How the Search Goes
- PlanThe handler walks the property and picks a search order.
- SweepThe dog works beds, furniture, baseboards and outlets.
- AlertThe dog freezes and points its nose at the exact source.
- ConfirmThe handler examines each alert and verifies it visually.
What to Ask the Handler
Ask where the dog was trained and certified, how often it works on live bed bugs and how alerts get verified. Be wary of anyone who wants to treat several homes on the strength of a single alert nobody confirmed.
Prep for the Visit
- Shut farm dogs and cats in a shop or another building.
- Avoid air fresheners, candles and heavy cooking smells that day.
- Do not apply any insecticide for several days ahead.
Questions About K9 Inspections
Can the dog check both homes on our parcel in one trip?
Usually. Dog teams cover ground quickly, so adding a mobile home, granny unit or RV to the visit is routine. Name every place people sleep when you book.
Do we treat as soon as the dog alerts?
No. An alert is only a lead until the handler spots a live bug or egg right where the dog indicated. Plans should rest on confirmed finds alone.
When you contact us: Bed Bug Control CA runs its own bed bug inspections and treatments. A licensed technician comes out to your Rio Oso address to look for signs. Nothing is treated until you approve the price in writing.