Northwest K9 Bed Bug Detectives
Northwest K9 Bed Bug Detectives is a locally owned and operated company serving Seattle, Tacoma and the surrounding Puget Sound area, specializing in bed bug detection, bed bug extermination and bed bug prevention. The team pairs certified bed bug detection dogs with visual inspections to confirm exactly which rooms are infested, then treats with heat, and its canine teams are also used after treatment to verify that an infestation has been eliminated. Heat treatments raise the space to 122 degrees Fahrenheit using high-powered fans to circulate the hot air, with technicians taking temperature readings every 15 minutes throughout the day so no cold spots remain, and most jobs run 6 to 10 hours in a single day. Alongside heat, the company uses an Integrated Pest Management approach that includes vacuum cleaning, steaming, mattress encasements and Diatomaceous Earth as a residual method, and it uses child- and animal-safe methods. Residential work, commercial hotel and property inspections, preventative maintenance plans and a bed bug-free certification program for hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites are all offered. Work is performed under WSDA PCO License #85810.
Services
Bed bug dog inspections
Commercial bed bug inspections
Bed bug heat treatment
Residential bed bug treatment
Commercial bed bug treatment
Why choose us?
Location & hours
Seattle, Washington
FAQs
What areas do you serve?
Northwest K9 Bed Bug Detectives provides bed bug inspections and treatments for Seattle, Tacoma and the surrounding areas, covering the greater Puget Sound region.
How do I know the dog is detecting bed bugs and not another pest?
The dogs are trained solely on live bed bug scent and no others, because training a dog on more than one scent can cause confusion and false alerts. They are trained to ignore other pests, and a demonstration using a control hide is provided to show the dog's ability before the inspection proceeds.
Are your dogs certified?
Yes. The dogs are trained and certified through NESDCA, the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association, on an annual basis. Certification tests are timed and the dog must locate live bed bug hides within a set period without alerting on distraction hides, and teams are re-certified regularly.
How accurate is a dog inspection?
The K9 teams find live bed bugs, eggs and evidence 97% of the time on average, even in the earliest stages of an infestation, and can detect as little as a single bug or egg. They also inspect multiple rooms, apartments or buildings in a fraction of the time a human visual inspection takes.
How does heat treatment work and how long does it take?
The heat is raised to 122 degrees Fahrenheit and circulated with high-powered fans so it penetrates furniture, clothing, belongings and wall voids. Technicians take multiple temperature readings every 15 minutes throughout the day to check for cold spots. Treatments take between 6 and 10 hours, with the crew arriving in the morning and usually finishing by early evening.
How do I prepare for a heat treatment?
Heat treatments require minimal preparation in most situations, and there is usually no need to wash and dry clothing or dispose of infested furniture. You may need to reduce clutter so the heat penetrates properly and remove heat sensitive items such as candles, crayons, lipstick or flammable items. You will be provided instructions on how to prepare your home.
How is a job priced?
There is no one size fits all pricing structure. The team insists on inspecting or obtaining positive verification of bed bugs before quoting a final price, and prices jobs according to findings rather than offering a flat fee. Factors such as the size, structure, age and accessibility of the home and the amount of clutter are taken into account, and because dogs pinpoint the infested rooms the whole home may not need to be heated. Contact the team to get started with a free estimate.
When are you open?
Office hours are Monday through Friday, with Saturday available by prior appointment only and Sunday closed. Call (206) 801-3522 or use the contact form on the company website to reach the team.