Preparing for a Canine Bed Bug Inspection
In order to ensure the highest accuracy and efficiency during a canine bed bug inspection, there are several steps you should take to prepare your space:
Cleanliness and Access: Tidy the space by reducing clutter, especially in walkways and around furniture, so the canine team can safely access key areas like bed frames, sofas, baseboards, and carpets
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⚠️ Do not wash bedding, vacuum, or move items where bed bugs might be hiding. It’s important to leave suspected areas as undisturbed as possible so the dog can follow natural scent trails.
Containment Supplies: Have large trash bags available. If the canine alerts to an item that can be washed or discarded (e.g., clothing, linens), you’ll want a way to contain and isolate it quickly and safely.
Air Fresheners: Remove any air fresheners or strongly scented items at least 24 hours before the inspection, as these can interfere with the canine’s ability to detect the scent of bed bugs.
Temperature: Maintain a moderate temperature in the space. Extremely hot or cold temperatures might impact the dog’s ability to perform its job effectively.
Airflow Control: Normal HVAC use is fine, but please turn off fans, open windows, or any window units that are actively blowing air during the inspection. Excess air movement can interfere with the dog’s ability to detect scent accurately.
Quiet Environment: Minimize noise and foot traffic in the area during the inspection. This allows the canine to focus solely on the task at hand without distractions.
People and Pets: Keep other pets in a separate area during the inspection. If possible, limit the number of people present in the area while the inspection is taking place.
Food and Pet Toys: Remove all food and pet toys from the area to avoid distraction during the inspection.
Personal Items: Secure personal items of value. While the canine team is trained to respect your space, it’s always a good idea to secure any items that could be damaged or that are of significant sentimental or monetary value.
Remember, the goal of these preparations is to create an environment that is conducive for the canine to work as effectively as possible. This ensures you receive the most accurate results from your inspection.