Bed Bug Detection Dog Service: How it Works

Unfortunately for us as the bed bug epidemic spreads and intensifies there are many methods, techniques and procedures at our disposal to not only eradicate the persistent pests, but to detect them in very small numbers. Up until recently the use of bed bug detection dogs was virtually unheard of. These detection dogs are quickly becoming high demand in many areas of the country.

Bed bug inspection dogs are only half of the team. The other half is the human handler that is trained to guide them, read their body language and maintain their training rituals on a daily basis. This is no small task and a large undertaking that most pest control companies smartly shy away from. However, the effectiveness of a well maintained and trained bed bug detection dog team is unmatched compared to other methods. The dog has its strong points being the sense of smell, efficiency and ability to work fast. The handler has the eyes and brains of the operation. Should there be an indication of bed bug activity by the dog the handler\’s job is to verify the location. This is done through visual confirmation of every spot the dog indicates on and other common areas where bedbugs usually reside.

A bed bug inspection dog is not necessary in all cases. If the infestation can easily be found visually then there is obviously no reason to employ a detection team. The bed bug K-9 team is best used for very light infestations that are very difficult to visually detect, to confirm/deny reports of bedbug activity and to inspect a location post-treatment to ensure the treatment was effective. The most useful application for a K-9 Bedbug inspection team is pro-active searching in a commercial environment where time equals money such as the hospitality industry. The team can effectively search a hotel room in a fraction of the time it takes a technician alone, do it more accurately and more cost effectively. Prices for bed bug detection dog teams vary across the country. Pricing for hotels that utilize a proactive inspection program range from $8.00-$22.00 per room.

The bedbug dog is only as good as the handler and the training program behind the operation. Dogs are extremely perceptive of any body language the handler may show and it is very easy for an inexperienced or improperly maintained handler to teach the dog to false alert. This is nothing new and has always been the case with detection dogs, but a good handler that is backed by a good detection dog program is taught to recognize this and has the support through his trainer to correct these types of issues. Compared to all of the different scent detection dogs in use today, bed bugs can be one of the most difficult to detect at times due to the very minute amount of odor often available. This being said having a well trained and maintained K-9 Bedbug inspection team is all the more important.

One way to ensure the detection team you are about to hire is trained properly is confirming that the dog has been certified in accordance with the National Pest Management Association\’s bed bug canine certification guidelines. Even claims of certified detection dogs should be investigated as some certifications are not legitimate and are a meaningless formality between the trainer that sold the dog and the person who purchased the dog.

Text only about the author:

Keith Coddington, has been training dogs for many years. He has worked with some of the best in the business in regards to behavioral training, has been certified as a Detection Dog Trainer. Keith is the owner of http://www.cimexk9.com

Keith Coddington, has been training dogs for many years. He has worked with some of the best in the business in regards to behavioral training and has been certified as a Detection Dog Trainer. Keith is the owner of Cimex K9 – Bed Bug Detection Dogs and K9 Natural Instincts – Behavior Solutions

Keith Coddington, has been training dogs for many years. He has worked with some of the best in the business in regards to behavioral training and has been certified as a Detection Dog Trainer. Keith is the owner of http://www.cimexk9.com and http://www.k9naturalinstincts.com

Author Bio: Keith Coddington, has been training dogs for many years. He has worked with some of the best in the business in regards to behavioral training and has been certified as a Detection Dog Trainer. Keith is the owner of Cimex K9 – Bed Bug Detection Dogs and K9 Natural Instincts – Behavior Solutions

Category: Business
Keywords: bed bug detection dog, phoenix bed bug dog, Arizona Bed bug inspection dog, bed bugs phoenix, bed bu

Leave a Reply