Frequently Asked Questions
We recognize that dealing with a potential bed bug infestation can be stressful, and sifting through abundant online information can be overwhelming. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of questions frequently posed by our customers.
Should your query not be addressed below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support hotline at
(212) 256-1744 or email us at support@nycbedbuginspections.com, available 24/7, for further assistance.
How do I know if I have Bed Bugs?
The most indicative signs of a bed bug infestation are the red, itchy bumps that appear on the skin following a bite. Additional signs include blood stains on sheets and dark spots of bed bug excrement on bedding, mattresses, clothing, or walls. However, bed bugs are adept at concealment, often hiding in places like alarm clocks or electrical outlets, making them challenging to detect. This is why canine inspections are highly recommended; the acute sense of smell of our trained dogs can detect what might be invisible to the human eye, ensuring a thorough and reliable inspection.
How accurate is a K9 Bed Bug Inspection?
A K9 bed bug inspection is highly accurate, our well-trained dogs having the ability to detect bed bugs with impressive precision. Our bed bug detection dogs boast a 95% accuracy rate and can identify the presence of even a single bed bug or egg from up to 8 feet away. This acute sense of smell, estimated to be tens of thousands to potentially even 100,000 times more advanced than humans, allows them to detect bed bugs, their eggs, and their feces in concealed locations that might be challenging for human inspectors to access or notice.
How does the inspection work?
To uphold the highest standards in bed bug detection, our technicians perform meticulous visual inspections using flashlights. Before the inspection, we request you to prepare your property by tidying rooms and temporarily relocating pets, enabling our dogs to execute precise and thorough searches. Throughout the inspection, our dogs scrutinize furniture, baseboards, curtains, electrical outlets, and more with their highly trained senses. If they detect any live bed bugs or viable eggs, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred pest control company for treatment. We recommend a follow-up inspection post-treatment to confirm the complete eradication of bed bugs and their eggs.
How are the dogs trained?
Our dogs and handlers undergo rigorous, national certification to uphold the highest standards in canine scent detection. Our training regimen involves daily sessions with live bed bugs to ensure optimal accuracy in detection. Indeed, we maintain a population of live bed bugs in our facility specifically for training purposes, but rest assured, they are securely contained and pose no risk of escape!