Sniffer Dogs Deployed to Combat Bedbug Scare in British Homes and Businesses
Amid growing concerns about the resurgence of bedbugs in the UK, sniffer dogs are being employed by pest control experts in both residential homes and commercial establishments.
These canine detectives, including springer spaniels, are proving highly effective in identifying bedbug infestations, even in hard-to-reach areas.
Pest Control Agencies Utilize Canine Expertise
Prominent pest control agencies like Rentokil are among the organizations incorporating sniffer dogs into their strategies.
Paul Blackhurst, the head of the technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control, attested to the dogs’ precision in detecting bedbugs, especially in expansive structures like hotels, where infestations can rapidly spread if not detected early.
Businesses Seek Confirmation from Sniffer Dogs
Businesses concerned about potential bedbug infestations are increasingly turning to sniffer dogs for confirmation.
The dogs’ expertise provides a reliable way to substantiate suspicions of an outbreak.
Canine Training Process and Pheromone Detection
Training sniffer dogs to detect bedbugs is a meticulous process, requiring up to eighteen months.
This training methodology is akin to the approach used to teach dogs to detect drugs and cash.
Sniffer dogs identify bedbugs by detecting the pheromone these insects emit to aggregate, a scent that humans cannot detect as effectively as dogs.
This enables the dogs to locate bedbugs more efficiently than relying solely on human sight.
Increased Demand for Sniffer Dogs
The demand for sniffer dogs specialized in bedbug detection has surged, with an estimated 25% increase in demand since June.
Gary Jakeman, the CEO of K9 Detection Services in Solihull, expressed confidence in the accuracy of well-trained sniffer dogs, such as his springer spaniels Milo and Kobie.
Rising Concerns in London
In London, pest control firms have reported a surge in calls related to bedbugs. These pests have been found not only in homes but also in offices and cars.
Tony King, owner of Pied Piper Pest Control, referred to a “bed bug epidemic” in West London, particularly in flats within Victorian houses, where cases have been prevalent for several months.
The infestations have necessitated increased efforts to address this issue effectively.
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