A trained detection dog can catch the scent of live bed bugs and their eggs tucked inside a couch cushion, behind wood trim or in a gap in the wall. Across National City apartment buildings, mobile home parks and older houses, a K9 team can clear a lot of square footage in a single short visit.
Good Times to Use a Dog
- A building with several units near the port, 8th Street or downtown that all need a look.
- A mobile home park, where skirting and built-in cabinets slow down a purely visual check.
- Bite marks with no bug ever spotted.
- A building with frequent move-ins and move-outs between tenants.
- A follow-up sweep once treatment has wrapped up.
How It Works
- ArrivalThe dog is trained to respond only to live bed bugs and viable eggs.
- The searchThe handler works the dog along beds, seating, baseboards and walls.
- The alertThe dog sits or noses at the exact spot of the scent.
- ConfirmationThe handler checks each alert visually before calling it.
Choosing a K9 Team
Ask where the dog was trained, how it stays certified, how often it practices and whether every alert gets a visual check. Steer clear of anyone offering to treat an entire building off one unconfirmed alert.
Preparing for the Visit
- Keep any pets of yours away from the search area.
- Avoid strong cooking smells, candles or air fresheners that day.
- Hold off on bug spray in the days beforehand.
Questions About K9 Inspections
Can a dog check several apartments in one visit?
Yes. That is one of the most common uses in older buildings near downtown and the 8th Street corridor, since a dog can clear or flag a unit far faster than a purely visual check.
What happens if the dog alerts?
The handler inspects the spot by eye to confirm. Treatment should only be planned after an alert has been confirmed.
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 National City. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.