Bed Bug Inspection Checklist

Creating a comprehensive bed bug inspection checklist can help ensure that you thoroughly inspect all potential hiding spots and document your findings effectively.

Here’s a detailed bed bug inspection checklist:

1. Preparation

• Gather Tools: Flashlight, magnifying glass, gloves, plastic bags, double-sided tape, and a credit card or similar tool.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, pants, and gloves to avoid bites.

2. Inspect Sleeping Areas

• Mattress and Box Spring:
  • Seams and Edges: Check seams, tufts, and folds for live bugs, eggs, and fecal spots.
  • Under Labels: Lift and inspect beneath labels and tags.
  • Inside Mattress: If possible, unzip and check inside.
• Bed Frame and Headboard:
  • Joints and Crevices: Examine joints, screw holes, and crevices.
  • Backside of Headboard: Look for signs behind the headboard.
• Bedding and Linens:
  • Sheets and Pillowcases: Inspect for blood spots and fecal matter.
  • Blankets and Bedspreads: Check for any signs of infestation.

3. Surrounding Areas

• Nightstands and Furniture:
  • Drawers: Remove and inspect all drawer joints and undersides.
  • Shelves and Cabinets: Check for any hidden signs.
• Baseboards and Molding:
  • Cracks and Gaps: Use a flashlight and a credit card to check inside small cracks.
• Electrical Outlets and Switches:
  • Behind Plates: Carefully remove and inspect behind outlet and switch plates.

4. Upholstered Furniture

• Couches and Chairs:
  • Cushions: Remove and inspect cushions thoroughly.
  • Underneath: Check the frame, seams, and underside.

5. Walls and Ceilings

• Wall Hangings and Picture Frames:
  • Backside: Inspect the back of frames and any hanging decorations.
• Ceiling Fixtures:
  • Around Fixtures: Look for signs around light fixtures and ceiling fans.

6. Storage Areas

• Closets and Wardrobes:
  • Clothing and Linens: Check pockets, seams, and folds.
  • Shelves and Floor: Inspect shelves and the floor inside the closet.

7. Luggage and Bags

• Travel Items:
  • Seams and Pockets: Inspect seams, zippers, and pockets of luggage.

8. Other Common Hiding Places

• Books and Magazines: Check inside books and around magazines.
• Toys and Stuffed Animals: Inspect closely for any signs.

Signs of Bed Bugs

• Live Bugs: Small, reddish-brown insects, about the size of an apple seed.
• Eggs: Tiny, white, and oval-shaped, often found in clusters.
• Fecal Spots: Small, dark spots that can bleed into the fabric like ink.
• Shed Skins: Exoskeletons left behind as bed bugs grow.
• Musty Odor: A sweet, musty smell in heavily infested areas.

Post-Inspection Actions

• Document Findings: Take photos and notes of any signs found.
• Containment: Seal infested items in plastic bags to prevent spreading.
• Professional Help: Contact a pest control professional if evidence of bed bugs is found.

Bed Bug Inspection Using eAuditor Audits & Inspection Checklist

eAuditor is a digital inspection app that can be used for various types of inspections, including bed bug inspections. Here’s how you can conduct a bed bug inspection using eAuditor:

1. Set Up eAuditor Account

• Sign up for an eAuditor account if you don’t already have one.
• Download the eAuditor app on your mobile device.

2. Create or Find a Bed Bug Inspection Template

• Create a Template: You can create a customized inspection template tailored to your needs. Include sections such as:
  • Inspection Area: (e.g., bedrooms, living rooms, etc.)
  • Signs of Bed Bugs: (e.g., blood stains on sheets, exoskeletons, live bugs, eggs, etc.)
  • Inspection Tools Used: (e.g., flashlight, magnifying glass, etc.)
  • Photographic Evidence: Sections to upload photos.
  • Actions Taken: Treatment or cleaning steps.
• Find a Template: Alternatively, search for existing bed bug inspection templates in the eAuditor public library and customize it as necessary.

3. Conducting the Inspection

• Prepare Tools: Gather necessary tools such as a flashlight, magnifying glass, gloves, and inspection mirrors.
• Start Inspection: Use your eAuditor app to start a new inspection using your chosen template.
• Inspect Key Areas: Pay special attention to areas where bed bugs are commonly found:
  • Mattresses and box springs
  • Bed frames and headboards
  • Upholstered furniture
  • Carpets and baseboards
  • Electrical outlets and picture frames
• Record Findings: Document your findings in the eAuditor app. Use the template to guide you through each inspection point.
  • Take Photos: Use the app to take photos of any evidence and attach them to the relevant sections of the report.
  • Note Details: Record the severity of the infestation and any actions taken or recommended.

4. Generate and Share Reports

• Generate Report: Once the inspection is complete, eAuditor allows you to generate a comprehensive report.
• Share Report: You can easily share the report with clients, property managers, or your team via email or cloud services directly from the app.

5. Follow Up

• Schedule Follow-Ups: Use eAuditor to schedule follow-up inspections to ensure the bed bug issue has been resolved.
• Track Progress: Keep track of treatment progress and any recurring issues.

By using eAuditor for bed bug inspections, you can streamline the inspection process, ensure thorough documentation, and maintain a consistent inspection routine.

Tips for Using the eAuditor Audits & Inspection Effectively

• Regular Updates: Ensure the eAuditor Audits & Inspection is updated regularly for the latest features and bug fixes.
• Backup Data: Regularly back up inspection data to avoid losing important information.
• Use All Features: Leverage all eAuditor Audits & Inspection features, such as photo documentation, notes, and reporting, for a thorough inspection.