Dogs are commonly called “man’s best friend,” but did you know they can also be an exterminator’s best friend? Thanks to our furry friends’ olfactory prowess, they can be highly efficient at detecting bed bugs inside homes and businesses.
Canine bed bug inspections are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative way to detect bed bugs. But do they work?
While research varies around the accuracy of canine bed bug inspections, they can be a useful tool to assist exterminators in identifying bed bugs in areas that are difficult to reach or often ignored.
Learn how canine bed bug inspections work and how they can assist you in keeping a bed-bug-free home in Northeast PA.
How Do Canine Bed Bug Inspections Operate?
Canine bed bug inspections work similarly to regular inspections. However, instead of relying on an exterminator wielding a flashlight, the exterminator will use a dog to sniff out bed bugs, similar to a drug-sniffing dog.
During an inspection, a dog will be guided around the property to sniff out the presence of any bed bugs that humans may not be able to detect. If the dog alerts their handler of possible bed bugs or eggs, the handler will mark the area and come back to it later to get rid of the bed bugs.
During a canine bed bug inspection, you and any pets you have will most likely be asked to leave the house before the inspection begins.
How Accurate Are Canine Bed Bug Inspections?
Because of dogs’ sophisticated ability to sniff out things humans can’t detect, canine bed bug inspections are thought to be highly accurate. While research varies, some statistics have cited a 98% accuracy rate, while others have noted a high presence of false positives.
Rest assured, a human will be there to double-check the results from a canine bed bug inspection, verifying its accuracy.
The benefit of enlisting a canine is that they can usually detect bed bugs in areas where humans don’t look or have trouble reaching. Therefore, consider a canine bed bug inspection as having another set of eyes to assist the inspector.
Reasons to Choose a Canine Bed Bug Inspection
Canine bed bug inspections are a great option for people who have not had much luck with traditional bed bug inspections, as dogs are typically able to sniff out bed bugs more effectively than humans can see them. Canine bed bug inspections can also be performed more quickly than traditional inspections, detecting all bed bug life stages.
While the cost of a canine bed bug inspection may be higher than traditional inspections, they are also more effective–plus, they are typically quicker.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Canine Inspection
To prepare your home for a canine bed bug inspection, you will want to remove any strong scents from your home that can throw the dog off.
You should also avoid cooking before the inspection and using any scented cleaning products. It is also a good idea to take out your trash ahead of time and do some general tidying up around the house. Try to keep your home smelling as neutral as possible to give the dog a clean slate to work with.
Finally, you might have to hide or relocate any pets on the property away from the home for a short time to allow the dog to sniff undisturbed.
Are Canine Bed Bug Inspections Worth It?
Canine bed bug inspections leverage a dog’s keen sense of smell to detect bed bugs in areas humans have difficulty detecting. While data is mixed, canine inspections are considered highly accurate.
At its core, canine bed bug inspections provide another set of eyes that can increase the chances of identifying and eliminating bed bugs successfully in your home. Think of Fido as a quality control specialist watching over your inspector to guide them along their path.
A canine bed bug inspection may not be right for you if you have existing pets in your home and cannot relocate them for an inspection. In many cases, a pet may just need to be chained up outside, but we understand not every homeowner can accommodate those requests.
Now that you understand how canine inspections work, you will be able to determine if this type of bed bug inspection is the best option for you. If you spot signs of bed bugs on your property, contact a professional immediately!
FAQs: How Do Canine Bed Bug Inspections Work?
Can dogs detect bed bugs behind walls or in furniture?
Yes, most dogs are trained to detect bed bugs and will be able to tell if any are hiding behind walls or in furniture like couches and mattresses. This is because of a dog’s strong sense of smell and ability to detect things that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Do canine inspections replace the need for chemical treatments?
While chemical treatment may still be needed after discovering bed bugs, canine inspections can ensure that chemicals are applied to the right areas for maximum effectiveness.
Are there any risks associated with canine bed bug inspections?
There are no known significant risks to canine bed bug inspections, as these types of inspections are considered highly effective and can be executed quickly.
How long does a typical canine bed bug inspection take?
Canine bed bug inspections can be done in less time than traditional human inspections, with the average canine inspection taking between 2-15 minutes. However, depending on how large your home is or how severe the infestation is, the inspection may take a little longer to complete.
Can any dog breed be trained for bed bug detection?
Certain dog breeds are commonly used in bed bug inspections, with beagles being the most common due to their keen sense of smell. Other breeds often used include German shepherds, labrador retrievers, and Belgian shepherds.