Detection Dogs Join the Fight Against Bedbugs
One of the latest weapons in the fight against the rapidly increasing number of bedbug infestations is the bedbug detection dog.
Bedbug detection dogs are specially trained to literally sniff out bedbugs by following the scent of bedbugs and bedbug waste.
With their highly sensitive sense of smell, bedbug detection dogs are so efficient that they can locate a bedbug nest in your house or apartment within a few minutes. By comparison, a human pest control technician might take several hours to find all the bedbug nests in a particular building.
How dogs can sniff out bedbugs
The number of bedbug detection dogs working in the United States is growing rapidly in response to the huge resurgence in the number of bedbugs over the last decade.
The International Forensic Detection Canine Association put the figure at 200 dogs. Even though the number of bedbug dogs is growing, there still aren't enough to meet the demand from householders.
One of the advantages of bedbug detection dogs is that because insects can hide almost anywhere, there is literally no valid hiding place for a bedbug when it has a dog on its case. Bedbug detection dogs will sniff out their quarry, wherever they sneak off to. This is useful because traditional pest control methods struggle to completely eradicate infestations. It only takes one missed bedbug for the infestation to re-occur at a later date.
How to hire a bedbug detection dog
Leading pest control companies are snapping up bedbug detection dogs in the war against bedbugs. But the demand for their services is high.
To find a pest control company offering bedbug dog detection, check local business directories like Yellow Pages. Remember, though, that a good pest control company will use dogs as one weapon in its bedbug armory. They will also use steam, high power vacuums, freezing and chemicals to control and eliminate bedbugs.
Pest control companies which offer bedbug detection dogs include: Action Pest Control in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia; and Care Pest Control in Vancouver, Canada. The number of pest control companies offering bedbug dog service is growing, though, so check local directories for updates.
