Selecting a Pest Company

Being familiar with bed bug behavior and treatment will help you select the best pest control company for your needs. Choosing the wrong company can mean an extended infestation and wasted money.

Some companies do not charge for inspection, but many do. Ask if the fee will be applied toward the work, if you select them. It is helpful If you have a specimen at the time of the interview, however you want to see the PCO inspect and find bed bugs on their own.

When your pest company comes to inspect, ask:

• How will you treat the sofa?"
• What pesticides will you use?
• Where will you treat?
• How long is the residual of that pesticide?
  

The answers should be very specific and detailed. If they don't provide specific information, reconsider using their services. A pest control company that takes the time to explain where they will treat, what they will use, and how often they will repeat bed bug treatment will most likely be detailed in their treatment.

Bed Bug treatment can be complex. Write down everything the inspector tells you. Have them show you where they will treat and what they will use to treat that specific area. For instance, ask about the baseboards. There may be as many as three pesticides applied, depending on the company and the individual infestation.

Be cautious about hiring a company that can't find bed bugs in your house. If they can't find them during an inspection it may mean you don't have bed bugs, or that the company may not have the bed bug experience you need to get rid of them.

Ask questions about what pesticides they use, and if they are labeled for bed bugs. Ask about the residual time for each chemical. Take notes, and take your time. Click on the excellent new publication by OSU on how to select the right pest company for you and your family.

Keep in mind that pest control companies must be licensed to use specific chemicals. Some companies save money by only becoming licensed in a couple of chemicals, while others are licensed to use a vast arsenal of pesticides. This may affect what a company uses to treat bed bugs.

With chemical treatment you typically don't want to wash your floors after treatment. if the pest company has used a long term residual around the baseboards, or a growth regulator on the floors, washing could erase your treatment.

Always ask your pest professional for advice about washing the floors, when to "unpack" and any other precautions you may need to take after treatment.

Bed bug sniffing dogs

A well trained dog and handler will be able to find bed bugs if they are in your home. Dogs can be 90% or more accurate in sniffing out bed bugs. Sprague Pest Control in Portland and Seattle offer inspections to homes and businesses.

The dog will alert to the area the bed bugs are in by sitting or pointing. If the dog alerts positive, insist the inspector find physical evidence right then. This will ensure you do not pay for treatment based on a false positive. Physical evidence can be bed bugs, their castings or eggs.

Bites do not constitute evidence, but can be a reason to have an inspection. You are looking for a detailed company that doesn't rush through the process or try to conceal their methods.

How To Inspect for Bed Bugs