Can Dogs Be Trained to Detect Bed Bugs?
A dog can be trained to detect bedbugs by detecting their scent. They have the ability to find live bugs, so if you have a bedbug infestation, your dog will likely find it. However, the dogs must be properly trained and certified to be effective. The National Pest Management Association and the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association accredit facilities that train detection dogs. The dogs are trained to search for infestations throughout a building, and when they do detect bugs, they alert the handler.
There are several companies that offer this service, including Orkin, Ehrlich, and Terminix. These companies train dogs in order to find bedbugs. While their service costs more than private dogs, there are some advantages to hiring a company to do it for you. For instance, dogs trained by these companies have more training than those trained by individuals. However, these dogs still have many limitations, including a high rate of false positives and missed infestations.
Dogs trained to detect bed bugs are trained to follow their noses, which allows them to smell even tiny particles in the air. They also have a high sense of smell, and have the ability to follow trails of pheromones. Using a dog for detection purposes is a great way to ensure the safety of your family.