Dogs trained to sniff out bed bugs are skilled at identifying these pests by searching through homes, hotels, or commercial spaces, using their sense of smell to signal the presence of live bed bugs or their eggs. You can engage a pest control service to utilize these bed bug detection dogs for an inspection of your property. However, you may wonder about the accuracy of these dogs and the cost associated with their services.
Several research studies have been carried out, yielding different outcomes. One study from 2014 indicated that the typical detection rate stood at 44%, while the average rate of false positives was 15%, revealing no link to the experience level of the team or their certification. In contrast, a study conducted in 2008 reported significantly more favorable results.
Before investing in bug-detecting dogs, inquire about the dog’s background and the pest control expert’s track record of success.
Continue reading to discover whether a dog trained to detect bed bugs might be the ideal solution for identifying and eliminating bed bugs in your home.
What are dogs trained to detect bed bugs?
A dog trained to detect bed bugs is a specially trained canine. Handlers employ positive reinforcement techniques during the training process. These dogs learn to identify specific scents and indicate their findings when they detect the target odor.
The beagle is considered the top breed for detection purposes. Their distinctive low-hanging ears help capture scents from the environment, enhancing their ability to sniff. In addition to beagles, other popular breeds for identifying bed bugs are Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and Belgian shepherds.
How Reliable Are Dogs Trained to Detect Bed Bugs?
For many years, dogs have played a crucial role in identifying insect pests. Since 1984, the Animal and Pest Health Inspection Service has employed canine detection to safeguard the nation from the introduction of potentially dangerous insect species.
Dogs have an extraordinary ability to detect odors, reportedly ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than that of an average human. However, research on the reliability of dogs in identifying insects shows significant variation. A 2014 investigation conducted by the Entomological Society of America revealed that dogs trained to detect bed bugs were accurate in less than 50% of cases. In stark contrast, a 2008 study from the University of Florida indicated that a well-trained dog could achieve a 98% success rate in distinguishing bed bugs from other insects, such as termites, ants, and cockroaches. Additionally, this research demonstrated that dogs could differentiate between live bed bugs and their eggs versus dead bed bugs and their droppings with an accuracy of 95%.
Given the significant variation in these results, some specialists advocate for additional research to definitively establish accuracy. In the meantime, the National Pest Management Association advises employing a group of skilled and certified dogs, managed by trustworthy handlers, to achieve better accuracy.
Advantages of Dogs Trained to Detect Bed Bugs
In contrast to people, dogs trained to detect bed bugs are quicker and often more precise. Their keen sense of smell provides significant advantages in identifying pests.
- Locating pests: Thanks to their exceptional sense of smell, dogs are capable of identifying insects and their eggs hidden within mattresses, walls, and furniture.
- Early identification: Dogs have the ability to sense a single live bed bug or a significant outbreak. Locating bed bugs and viable eggs in the initial phases is advantageous, as it enables you to control an infestation before it escalates.
- Rapid scanning: A dog can swiftly traverse an area without the need for visual checks or the necessity to explore or set traps throughout an entire house, unlike a human pest control specialist.
Tips for Employing Dogs Trained to Detect Bed Bugs
As reported by Angi, the price for detecting bed bugs using trained dogs typically falls between $300 and $600. When looking into bed bug detection dogs, it’s important to inquire about the training the dog has received and the extent of its experience in detection work. Here are some useful tips to consider:
- Request visual confirmation: Have the pest control expert conduct their assessment and present you with a bedbug (whether alive or deceased) or any indication of their existence. Prior to consenting to the payment for bedbug removal services, the pest control company should provide you with clear proof of a bedbug infestation in your residence.
- Request a “second opinion”: Inquire about the use of an additional bed bug detection dog to determine if it identifies the presence of bed bugs. However, keep in mind that this may not always yield different results, as both dogs may have received the same training, or a scent that confused the first dog might also mislead the second.
- Position traps in areas where dogs signal an alert: If bed bugs are in the vicinity and the traps are properly situated, they should capture the pests, providing clear evidence of their presence.
- Request pest control certification: A technician specializing in bed bug detection using dogs should possess independent, third-party certification as advised by the NPMA, in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Minimum Standards for Canine Bed Bug Detection Team Certification 404.
Suggestions from the National Pest Management Association
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) supports the employment of “specially trained canine scent detection teams,” emphasizing that “due to their unique skills, these teams can play a crucial role in specific situations, particularly when there is a suspicion of bed bugs, yet no visible bugs or viable eggs are detected during a visual examination.”
The organization also states, “Although teams trained in canine scent detection have proven to be effective, pest control experts should not depend solely on them to confirm the existence of bed bugs.”
NPMA has released a set of guidelines for managing bed bugs, created by a team of experts from the pest control sector, regulatory bodies, academia, and entomology. The organization has provided the document titled Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs for public access and advises that all licensed pest control professionals adhere to these recommendations diligently.
Furthermore, the NPMA advises pest control experts to verify any alerts from bed bug detection dogs. If a dog indicates the presence of bed bugs, the handler or pest management professional must confirm the alert prior to proceeding with any treatment or recommendations. This involves a thorough visual inspection of the area to check for signs of an active infestation or the engagement of a second detection dog team.
Dogs trained to detect bed bugs can be extremely helpful in identifying infestations. However, since homeowners cannot verify the dog’s training or its accuracy in detection, it is essential to obtain proof of bed bug presence prior to initiating any treatment.
Are untrained dogs capable of identifying bed bugs?
Indeed, untrained dogs have the ability to sense the presence of bed bugs through their sense of smell, but they lack the understanding to signal this to a person without proper training.
What are the signs that indicate the presence of bed bugs if they are not visible?
Indicators of a bed bug invasion consist of reddish stains on bed linens caused by crushed bed bugs, dark black specks of bed bug droppings, as well as discarded skins or empty eggshells.
Is it possible to have bed bugs without any visible signs?
Bed bugs can be present without any visible signs, as they excel at concealing themselves, and their eggs are small and difficult to detect. However, once you familiarize yourself with their distinctive indicators, they may become more noticeable when you use a magnifying glass to search for them.
