An inspection answers two questions before anyone pays for treatment: are these really bed bugs, and how far have they spread? In Altadena, where many houses date from before 1940 and some have a guest house or studio on the lot, a room-by-room map keeps the plan from being too small or too large.
When to Book an Inspection
- Tiny dark dots keep turning up on sheets or pillowcases.
- You found a flat brown insect or a pale shed skin near a bed.
- Someone recently returned from a hotel or temporary rental with bites.
- A donated or used mattress, couch or dresser came into the home.
Where the Technician Looks
The check begins where people sleep and sit: mattress seams, the underside of the box spring, headboard joints, sofa and recliner folds, drawer corners and the edges of baseboards and trim.
How the Visit Works
- HistoryWhere everyone sleeps, when bites began and any recent moves or travel.
- Beds firstEvery bed and couch, including in a guest unit, is checked.
- ProofAny bugs, eggs or spotting are pointed out and often photographed.
- Next stepsYou hear which rooms need treatment and which methods suit them.
Inspections in Altadena Homes
Altadena houses built in the 1910s through the 1930s often have wood trim, plaster cracks and built-in cabinets where bugs can tuck in. Point the inspector to any guest house, studio or converted garage too. Tenants should ask for a copy of the findings, since AB 551 requires the landlord to share them within 2 business days.
Before the Visit
- Leave beds unmade so any spotting stays visible.
- Hold off on sprays, dusts and foggers.
- Clear clutter from under beds and along closet floors.
Questions About Inspections
Only one person in the house has bites. Could it still be bed bugs?
Yes. Some people react strongly and others show no marks at all. An Altadena inspector relies on bugs, eggs, shed skins and fecal spots rather than on who has bites.
Can I check for bed bugs on my own?
You can. Shine a flashlight along mattress seams, box spring corners and bed frame joints. Early cases are easy to miss, so if bites keep coming after a clean check, schedule a pro or a K9 search.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA handles bed bug work from the first inspection to the final check. A licensed technician comes out to your Altadena address to look for signs. Nothing is treated until you approve the price in writing.