A trained scent dog can pick up live bed bugs and viable eggs hidden inside a recliner, along a carpet edge or in the frame of a bunk bed. In many of Oakley's larger two-story homes, a K9 team covers every bedroom, loft and guest room in one relatively short visit.
When a Dog Makes Sense
- Big homes with many bedrooms where a hand search takes hours.
- Bites with no bugs found by eye.
- After family visits, to check every room guests used.
- Boats, RVs and trailers used on Delta or camping trips.
- A follow-up check after treatment.
How the Search Works
- Walk-inThe handler starts at the front door, since the dog reacts only to the scent of living bugs and eggs that can hatch.
- SweepThe handler leads the dog past beds, couches, carpet edges and outlets.
- SignalWhen it finds the scent, the dog stops and holds a sit or a nose point at that spot.
- VerifyThe handler checks each alert by sight.
What to Ask the K9 Team
Find out where the dog trained, which group certifies it, how often it practices and how the handler confirms alerts. Be wary of a plan to treat every room in a large house because of one alert nobody verified.
Getting Ready
- Keep family pets in the yard or a closed room during the search.
- Avoid scented candles, sprays and heavy cooking that morning.
- Do not apply any bug spray in the days before the visit.
Questions About K9 Inspections
Can the dog check our travel trailer as well?
Many K9 teams can search an RV, trailer or boat cabin during the same visit. Ask when you book so the handler plans time for it.
If the dog alerts, is that proof?
Not by itself. Each Oakley alert should be backed up by the handler actually seeing bugs or eggs there before anyone schedules treatment.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves Oakley. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.