Sniffer Dogs To The Rescue
Published on July 16, 2019 by Alana Korol
A dog's nose contains more than 300 million scent receptors, while humans only have 30 million. This makes dogs highly valuable for discerning a current bed bug infestation or earlier issues. Dogs can smell carcasses, shedded shells, and skin and spot fecal matter.
Unlike human detection, dogs can assess an average bedroom in just minutes. Baseboard and under-carpet detection is much easier for the dog than for humans. A human exterminator with years of experience correctly detects only 30% of the time, and the dogs can sniff out bug pheromones with around a 96% success ratio.
The one downfall to these sniffers is that they may not pick up the bed bugs if the infestation is above their heads. That's where humans can shine as we can see them.
It takes 800 to 1000 specialized hours to qualify for certification in Bed Bug Sniffing. They start training them anywhere from 8 to 12 months old. Like most training facilities, the selected area is staged with bedrooms, and bugs are put into the same hiding spots that bed bugs like to inhabit.
Handlers know that when the dog sits down and points its nose towards the infected area, it has bed bugs present. Homes are just one place for which they are trained. They also search schools, buses, all transportation means, movie theatres, and public buildings.
Beagles, Bloodhounds, Jack Russell Terriers, Labs, and Border Collies are the prime breeds to train for this insect. Smaller dogs are easier to lift if there is an area they cannot reach.
Our natural, plant-based Bed Bug Patrol Killer Spray provides an all-natural solution to infestations of bed bugs, as well as fleas, spiders, and other common indoor bugs. Our 100% natural solution is made in the USA. It relies on the power of natural ingredients like citric acid, clove oil, and peppermint oil to naturally deter these bugs from living in your furnishings and upholstery. Just spray our solution on affected surfaces twice per day, and it will get to work on exterminating your bed bugs and preventing their return. To keep you safe from bed bugs on your travels, arm yourself with our Bed Bug Blasting Travel Spray, which comes in a handy, TSA-approved travel-size bottle for your convenience.
