A thorough bed bug inspection is vital in determining if there is an infestation present and its size and scope. There are several important things to keep in mind before checking for bed bugs. First, bed bugs are flat and small, easily hiding in spaces as narrow as a sheet of paper. Second, bed bug inspections should be performed with as little activity as possible to prevent them from scattering. Third, the highest concentration of bed bugs are typically found in and around the sleeping quarters.
Before setting out to conduct a bed bug inspection, one should first acquire the necessary tools, and learn where the most common places bed bugs are likely to hide in your home or business.
To perform a proper bed bug inspection follow the steps provided below.
TOOLS FOR BED BUG INSPECTION
• Disposable Gloves • Magnifying Glass • Knife (For Prying, Probing) • Flashlight (To See Behind/Underneath Objects, Inside Crevices) • Screwdriver (Dismantling /Removing Objects) • Adhesive Tape (Picking Up bed bugs) • Plastic Bag (Storing Specimen For Identification If Needed)
HOW TO CHECK FOR BED BUGS
As mentioned earlier, due to their minuscule size and extremely flat body shape, bed bugs are able to conceal themselves in a myriad of places within a structure. It is imperative to realize therefore that quite often bed bugs are discovered where the untrained eye would not think to examine.
Patience is paramount. A proper bed bug inspection of an average-sized room can typically require 1-2 hours.
WHERE TO CHECK FOR BED BUGS
Those attempting their own bed bug inspections should be prepared to inspect all items located within the suspected area, in addition to common furnishings, such as beds, bed frames, headboards, carpets, dressers, and wall fixtures, ignoring only sealed objects that cannot be accessed externally.
