An inspection settles two things before any money goes into treatment: whether you truly have bed bugs, and which rooms they have reached. For Santa Rosa tenants, the written findings are also what a landlord must pass along under California law.
Good Reasons to Book One
- New bites keep showing up in the morning.
- You see rusty spots on the fitted sheet or mattress edge.
- A small reddish bug or shed skin turned up near the bed.
- You just moved, came back from a trip or hosted guests.
- A used mattress, couch or bed frame came into the house.
Where the Technician Looks
The search centers on spots close to where people sleep and sit: mattress seams and labels, the box spring underside, bed frame joints, headboards, nightstand drawers, sofa cushions and frames, recliners, baseboards, outlet plates and the folds of curtains. In a shared rental they will usually want to see every bedroom.
How the Appointment Runs
- A few questionsWhen the bites began, who sleeps where and any recent moves, travel or furniture.
- Sleeping areas firstEach bedroom is checked before the living room seating.
- Evidence shownAny bugs, eggs, skins or stains are pointed out and often photographed.
- Next stepsYou hear which rooms are affected and which treatments suit the home.
For Santa Rosa Renters and Landlords
AB 551 requires a landlord to give affected tenants a licensed operator's findings within 2 business days, and to tell all tenants when a common area is involved. With so many shared houses near the Junior College, checking every bedroom on the same visit prevents a second round.
Getting Ready
- Leave the bed unmade so the signs are still there.
- Skip any spraying before the visit.
- Clear piles of clothes and boxes away from beds and couches.
Questions About Inspections
Could my bites be from something else?
Quite possibly. Flea, spider and mosquito bites can look alike, and some people show no marks from bed bugs at all. An inspection looks for bugs, eggs, skins and stains, which bites alone cannot prove.
The technician found nothing but I still get bites. Now what?
Ask for a K9 search or a second look in a few weeks. A very new infestation can be just a handful of bugs tucked out of sight.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves Santa Rosa. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.