Bed bugs are not only a huge annoyance that can cause a horrible odor, unsightly red welts and constant itching – they are a massive challenge when it comes to getting rid of them due to their elusiveness. One of the first steps to effectively kill these frustrating creatures is by calling in a bed bug inspection.  To completely get rid of them in the fastest amount of time possible, pinpointing the exact location as well as the severity of an infestation is crucial.

If you suspect bed bugs, it may be time to have the pros take a look. Here are three things you should know about bed bug inspections that can help ensure success and a bed bug free household.

Do-it-yourself options

While you might think you can easily perform an inspection yourself, keep in mind that many people wrongly assume a bite mark on the skin equals a bed bug infestation. If you don’t have the pest control expertise to correctly identify these very tiny specimens, professionals who know where to look and what to look for should be called in or you might end up wasting a lot of time, money and stress in getting rid of something you never had in the first place.

Canine inspection

Today’s high tech tool for pinpointing bed bugs involves a canine inspection. This method is the most effective at pinpointing the infestation location that will allow for a targeted treatment leading to lower costs as well as less time to resolve the problem.

When choosing a company for a canine bed bug inspection, be sure they are using canines with extensive training and experienced handlers who have been certified to be in compliance with NESDCA and the NPMA. Some companies use canines that have not been through such rigorous training, making their results sometimes unreliable.

Before the inspection

 It’s important to properly prepare for a bed bug inspection by doing the following:

  • Strip all mattresses and box springs completely of any linens
  • Be sure there is nothing underneath or directly around each bed in the home
  • Furniture should be moved at least two feet from the wall
  • Remove any pictures or other wall-hangings and place them on the floor.
  • Lock any valuables away in a safe place

If you are under time constraints Assured Environments is a pest control company that offers to do all of the prep work as part of their pre-preparation services so that you don’t have to.