PotOmac Working Dogs

Detecting Bed Bugs with Canine Expertise

OUR BED BUG DETECTION DOG FEATURED IN WASHINGTONIAN!

We are thrilled to share that Ellie, our certified bed bug detection dog, is featured in the Washingtonian article, “Meet the Working Dogs of DC”!   Read the Full Article Here

Professional Canine Bed Bug Detection You Can Trust in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Potomac Working Dogs provides canine bed bug inspections for homes in the DC metro area, including Northern Virginia, Northwest DC and Montgomery County, Maryland. Our NESDCA certified bed bug detection team finds live bed bugs and viable eggs so you can confirm a problem early or verify that treatment worked, without guesswork. Because we only perform inspections and never sell treatments, there is no conflict of interest, just clear, trustworthy results you and your pest control provider can rely on.


Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, early detection is critical. Bed bugs spread quickly, and even a single missed bug can turn into a costly problem. Our dogs are trained to detect what human eyes often miss, giving you clarity and peace of mind.


Schedule Your Inspection Today

Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one.  Schedule your professional bed bug detection today and get clarity and peace of mind before committing to treatment

Who We Inspect For

For Homes

 A K9 bed bug inspection covers your whole home, not just bedrooms and furniture. Our bed bug detection dog systematically checks key areas like bedrooms, living spaces, closets, laundry rooms, and luggage so you know exactly where live bed bugs and viable eggs may be hiding.

This whole‑house approach helps pinpoint true hot spots, such as travel bags, recently used clothing, or bedding, instead of guessing and treating everything.

 

For Senior Living & Facilities

 Assisted living, rehab, and other care communities rely on reputation and resident trust. Regular K9 bed bug inspections help catch issues early, before complaints, bad reviews, or family concerns spread online. Our bed bug detection dog can quickly screen rooms and common areas so you can target treatment where it is truly needed and avoid unnecessary whole‑wing shutdowns.

 

For Property Managers & Real Estate

 For apartments, condos, and rental portfolios, a K9 bed bug inspection helps pinpoint exactly which units have activity. This saves money versus treating entire buildings and helps resolve tenant complaints with objective, third‑party results. Our bed bug detection dog provides documentation you can share with owners, boards, and pest control vendors to support fair, evidence‑based decisions.

Why Choose Potomac Working Dogs?

Potomac Working Dogs focuses only on canine bed bug inspections, not general pest control, so you get fast, accurate answers without any pressure to buy treatments.

 

  • Superior Accuracy with NESDCA-Certified Dogs: Our NESDCA certified bed bug detection team uses a trained canine whose sense of smell can locate live bed bugs and viable eggs that human inspections often miss. This helps catch low‑level or hidden activity before it becomes a larger, more expensive infestation. 
  • Fast and Efficient Inspections: Canine inspections cover large areas quickly, reducing disruption for homes, multi‑unit buildings, and sensitive facilities like senior living communities. Because dogs rely on scent rather than chemicals or invasive prep, K9 bed bug inspections are a low‑impact, environmentally friendly way to find where treatment is truly needed.
  • Unbiased Results You Can Trust: We only perform inspections and never sell treatment, so there is no financial incentive to exaggerate or minimize a problem. You receive a clear report you and your pest control provider can use to decide the right next step.
  • Discreet Services for Homes & Businesses:  Inspections are conducted with discretion and professionalism to protect your privacy and, for businesses, your reputation with residents, guests, and families.
Certified canine team conducting professional bed bug detection DC inspection on residential mattress

FAQs About Bed Bug Detection

Signs include tiny red bites on your skin, dark spots on mattresses, or a sweet musty odor. Even if you don’t see bugs, our dogs can detect bed bugs early—before infestations spread.

Yes. Bed bugs often hide in seams of mattresses, behind baseboards, or inside furniture. Our canine team inspects all potential hiding spots, giving you accurate results without missing any areas.

Most inspections are completed within 1–2 hours for homes or offices. Dogs can detect infestations humans would often miss, helping you take action quickly.

Avoid moving items unnecessarily, as this can spread bed bugs. Make a note of any suspicious bites or activity, and keep bedrooms and common areas accessible for inspection.

No. We focus solely on detection. This ensures our results are unbiased. After detection, we provide a detailed report so you can choose the best treatment plan with a pest control professional.

Absolutely. We perform inspections quietly and efficiently, minimizing disruption and protecting your business’s reputation. Our canine teams work in offices, hotels, and other commercial facilities with full professionalism.

The success rate of canine bed bug detection is very high. In one study, dogs were able to detect bed bugs with 97% accuracy. 

 

Reference:  The Ability of bed bug- detecting canines to detect live bed bugs and viable bed bug eggs published by PubMed in August 2008