December 3, 2021
Bed bugs are an invasive pest that can infest nearly every corner of your home. Despite their name, they tend to gather anywhere that is warm, including closets, rugs, furniture, or an outlet switch.
Thankfully, pest experts know what it takes to eradicate the irritating pests. With the help of detection dogs, pest control professionals can locate the infestation early and begin treatment as soon as possible.
It is a well-known fact that dogs have a keen sense of smell. The average canine has over 300 million receptors in its nose. Compared to the 30 million receptors that people have, it is no surprise why our furry friends have incredible scent detection capabilities.
For years, dogs were trained to sniff out explosives, narcotics, and even missing people. Their unique and highly accurate sense of smell could help people find things that otherwise would remain lost. Eventually, in the 1970s, canine scent detection was introduced to the pest control industry for finding termites.
Do bed bugs bite dogs? Can dogs smell bed bugs? Bed bug sniffing dog—these questions became crucial as bed bugs were an extremely minor problem during this time, as many households used excessive pesticides that would instantly kill bed bugs. However, in the early 2000s, a new breed of bed bugs nearly impervious to pesticides arose and began infesting homes across the United States, especially in heavily populated areas like New York City. With resistance to the typical treatment, bed bug infestations catapulted throughout the country.
As this new strain of bed bugs arose, pest control professionals needed a unique and effective way to eradicate the swarming pests. The first bed bug-sniffing dogs were introduced to the industry during this time to locate the live bugs and eggs. With proper training, bed bug dogs eventually became a popular inspection technique for households across America.
These training scent dogs can now detect bed bugs in nearly any area of your home. From the sheets on the bed to the stuffed animals in the corner, a properly trained bed bug dog can offer early detection and peace of mind.
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The Oxford Journal published a study in 2008 showing the results of bedbug sniffing dogs in a controlled environment. The main objective of this study was to prove that the canine could not only locate an infestation but differentiate between bed bugs and other household pests.
During this study, researchers placed live bed bugs and viable eggs into polyvinyl chloride containers with a series of air holes. Upon the trial of bed bug detection, the training methods proved efficient as the dogs could not only locate the bed bugs but differentiate them from a termite species known as the German cockroach with a 97.5% accuracy rate.
During the next part of the test, researchers used living adult bed bugs and dead bed bugs. With another successful finding, the training dogs could differentiate between the bugs and the dead bugs and feces with a 95 % accuracy rate.
Although most dogs have impressive smelling capabilities, they must have the proper training and certifications to accurately find bed bugs. Also, a dog with a dry or crusty nose won’t be able to perform bug detection accurately. Typically, a detection dog and its handler must hold a certificate from the National Pest Management Association or the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association, also known as NESDCA. Whether the dogs are trained for narcotics or pests, the NESDCA is the only facility with the proper accreditation.
The dog will inspect the entire building or household during a canine inspection to look for bed bugs. Once they find something, the dog alerts the handler to notify them of the infestation location.
In some cases, a handler will use a second dog or second canine team to locate the infestation. With impressive accuracy rates, the bed bug dogs prove more effective than the human eye alone.
Bed bugs feed on human blood. This not only leads to bug bites but can cause constant irritation for you and your family. Bed bugs rely on humans and warm atmospheres to stay alive. Since they breed at exponential rates, they can be challenging to eradicate.
The best way to eliminate a bed bug infestation is to locate them as soon as possible. Unlike other detection methods, bed bug dogs can identify the pests during the earliest stages of infestation. Finding them early not only gives you peace of mind but can help you prevent further issues.
Need a pest inspection in New York City? Call Discreet Bed Bug Inspections at (917) 337-3202 to get started.
Answer: While dogs have a keen sense of smell, specialized training is essential for them to effectively detect bed bugs. Bed bug sniffing dogs undergo rigorous training to distinguish the unique scent of bed bugs from other odors.
Answer: Bed bugs prefer human blood and typically do not feed on pets like dogs. However, if a bed bug infestation is severe, dogs may experience discomfort from bites. While uncommon, it’s crucial to address bed bug infestations promptly to prevent any adverse effects on pets.
Answer: Bed bug sniffing dogs undergo intensive training, where they learn to recognize the distinct scent of bed bugs. Handlers use controlled environments and actual infested locations to train dogs, making them highly accurate in detecting live bed bugs and their eggs.
Answer: Various dog breeds can excel in bed bug detection, including Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds. The key is selecting dogs with a strong sense of smell and a trainable nature. The breed’s suitability depends on individual traits and training methods.
Answer: Bed bug sniffing dogs are highly reliable, often detecting infestations with impressive accuracy. However, it’s recommended to complement dog inspections with visual inspections by professionals to confirm findings and determine the extent of the infestation. This comprehensive approach ensures thorough bed bug detection and effective treatment.
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