Question 1

How accurate are bed bug detection dogs?

Accepted Answer

Detection dogs are exceptionally accurate when properly trained and handled. Industry research published in the Journal of Economic Entomology found that trained K9 teams identify live bed bugs with up to 98% accuracy, compared to only 17 to 30% accuracy for human visual inspections. Our own inspections and track record have surpassed these numbers. Across thousands of inspections, our dogs have produced verifiable proof of alerts 99.9% of the time. Every working dog on our team is certified annually through the World Detector Dog Organization (WDDO).

Question 2

How long does an inspection take?

Accepted Answer

Inspection time depends on the type of property. For a private residence, a typical inspection takes 30 to 60 minutes. Commercial properties are more complex and need to be timed out individually based on size and layout, but overall each room takes just a few minutes for the K9 team to clear. We will give you an accurate time estimate based on your specific property.

Question 3

What does an inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is scope and location based. It depends on the type of property, square footage, number of rooms, and where you're located within our service area. Most inspections start at $400. 
Call us at (410) 449-0112 for an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs.

Question 4

How quickly can you come out?

Accepted Answer

We work with you to schedule as soon as possible. At times we have same day availability, and a private residence in our local area can typically be inspected within 24 to 48 hours of booking with the office. Larger jobs require more lead time, since notifying tenants and coordinating with onsite management usually requires at least 72 hours. We aim for as soon as you are ready, and you can always book ahead for a future date.

Question 5

What do I need to do to prepare for the inspection?

Accepted Answer

Preparation is straightforward, but it matters. Secure all pets outside the inspection rooms. Avoid using household cleaners, disinfectants, or smoking in inspection areas for at least 3 hours before we arrive. Discontinue plug in air fresheners, candles, and incense for 24 hours prior. Vacuum any carpet powders or diatomaceous earth, and clear inspection rooms of clutter so the K9 team can fully access the space. Turn off freestanding fans, portable A/C units, and space heaters 30 minutes before our arrival. A complete prep checklist will be provided when you book.

Question 6

Are your dogs safe around children and pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our dogs are people friendly and pet friendly. For safety and to keep them focused on the job, we do not allow engagement during the inspection. We ask that household pets be secured in a non inspection area before we arrive, and that family members not pet or interact with the dogs until the inspection is complete. Always ask the handler before greeting the dog.

Question 7

What happens if the dogs find bed bugs?

Accepted Answer

When the K9 team alerts to bed bugs, we will show you exactly where they were found so you can see the evidence firsthand. You will also receive a written report documenting the alerts. We are an inspection only company, meaning we do not perform extermination.

Question 8

What if no bed bugs are found?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a clean report you can use for peace of mind, real estate transactions, lease disputes, post treatment verification, or property management documentation.

Question 9

Can you inspect hotels, apartments, and commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work regularly with property managers, hotels, assisted living facilities, dormitories, schools, offices, and commercial properties throughout MD, DC, VA, DE, and PA. Anywhere bed bugs or humans are likely to be, we have probably inspected. We also offer recurring inspection schedules for properties that want proactive monitoring.

Question 10

Why use a dog instead of a visual inspection?

Accepted Answer

Bed bugs are tiny and at times hide deep inside seams, cracks, outlets, and furniture joints, places human inspectors cannot see without dismantling the room. A trained K9 team can pinpoint live bed bugs and viable eggs in minutes by scent alone, with dramatically higher accuracy than visual inspection. Two other major advantages are speed and early detection. Our K9 teams can cover far more space in a day than a human inspector working visually. We are also significantly better at finding newer, low level infestations. Once an infestation is a few months old it can often be spotted visually with more ease, but the value of a K9 inspection is catching it earlier, before it spreads.

Question 11

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Pest K9 Unit, LLC is licensed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Our working dogs are licensed and certified by the World Detector Dog Organization (WDDO.org). We are fully insured.

Question 12

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our standard service area covers Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. We occasionally take jobs outside this region for established clients or commercial projects. Call (410) 449-0112 to confirm pricing and service coverage for your specific location.

Call Today! (410) 449-0112

Frequently asked questions