A detection dog picks up the scent of live bed bugs and eggs that can still hatch, even when they are hidden inside a couch frame, a bunk rail or a crack in old flooring. On Geyserville properties with a main house, cottages and worker housing, a K9 team can cover every building in one short visit.
When a Dog Is Worth It
- Ranch parcels with more than one building where people sleep.
- Inns and other lodging with many guest rooms.
- Bites with no bugs found by eye.
- Farmhouses with lots of trim, paneling and floor gaps.
- Making sure treatment worked before a harvest crew or guests arrive.
How the Dog Works
- ArriveThe dog has been trained to react only to live bed bugs and viable eggs.
- SearchOn a leash, the dog works beds, seating, trim and outlets, one room at a time.
- SignalThe dog sits or fixes its nose on the source of the scent.
- CheckThe handler looks for bugs or eggs at every alert.
What to Ask the Team
Ask who trained and certified the dog, how often the pair practices and how each alert is confirmed. Be wary of anyone who wants to treat every building on a ranch because of one alert nobody checked.
Before the Team Arrives
- Keep ranch dogs and house pets away from the search area.
- Hold off on scented candles and strong cooking smells that day.
- Skip bug sprays for several days beforehand.
Questions About K9 Inspections
Can the dog cover the house, the cottage and the bunk building in one trip?
Usually. A dog team moves quickly, so searching every building on a parcel in a single visit is a common request.
The dog alerted. Do I have bed bugs for sure?
Not yet. The handler has to find and confirm evidence at every alert by sight before treatment is planned.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA handles bed bug work from the first inspection to the final check. Our team sets up your Geyserville inspection after the first call. You get a written quote before any treatment.