“Good night. Sleep Tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite!” Many children have heard this saying when going to bed. It originated from colonial times when people used mattresses stuffed with hay and tightened ropes to avoid bed bugs. Bed bugs are tiny parasites that feed on human and animal blood. They leave red welts and can be difficult and costly to get rid of. Dogs are now being used to help detect bed bugs with their excellent sense of smell.
Signs Your Dog Can Find Bed Bugs
Dogs have a strong sense of smell and can be trained to detect scents. They will explore the environment using their nose and show focus and alertness when they find bed bugs. They may wiggle their wet nose against objects and have their ears down and tail pointed. They may also show high energy levels and heightened awareness while searching for bed bugs.
Body Language
While searching for bed bugs, dogs may display signs such as being alert, sniffing, dropping their ears, wrinkling their nose, and having a stiff tail. They may also sit and wait, scratch at the source of the scent, point their nose towards the bed bugs, or emit sounds of excitement.
The History of Dogs Finding Bed Bugs
Bed bugs have been around for centuries, but their infestations have increased in recent years due to pesticide resistance. Humans can detect bed bugs through bites, blood spots, or finding their exoskeletons. Dogs have been trained to assist in bed bug detection, but there are only about 100 certified bed bug detection dogs in the United States.
The Science Behind Dogs Detecting Bed Bugs
Dogs have a strong sense of smell and can detect scents in parts per trillion. Bloodhounds and Beagles are often chosen for bed bug detection because they have even more scent receptors. However, studies on the accuracy of bed bug detection dogs have shown mixed results.
Training a Dog to Detect Bed Bugs
Training programs across the United States specialize in training dogs to detect bed bugs. Dogs with a willing-to-please disposition are selected for training. The training focuses on teaching the dog to identify different phases of the bed bug life span and where to find them. The dog is trained to sit or burrow their nose into the site where bed bugs are detected. Handlers are also trained in obedience and caring for the dogs.
Safety Tips for Bed Bug Detection Dogs
Safety tips for bed bug detection dogs include providing them with good food and healthcare, socializing them with other animals and people, avoiding dangerous situations, using car safety when transporting them, removing distractions from work areas, and not allowing people to approach the dog without permission.
“The use of dogs to detect bed bugs is a promising solution to the growing infestation problem.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Bed bug detection dogs can be a useful tool in identifying and locating bed bug infestations. These dogs have been trained to use their superior sense of smell to sniff out bed bugs in various locations, including mattresses, furniture, and walls.
2️⃣ When a dog detects the presence of bed bugs, they will exhibit certain body language signs such as a focused and alert demeanor, sniffing, dropped ears, wrinkled nose, and a stiff tail. They may also scratch at the source of the scent or point their nose towards the bed bugs.
3️⃣ Training a dog to detect bed bugs involves teaching them to recognize the scent and locations associated with bed bug infestations. Dogs are trained to sit or burrow their nose into the site where the bed bugs are located. Both the dog and handler must undergo training and certification by organizations like the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association (NESDCA).
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How do bed bug detection dogs locate bed bugs?
– Bed bug detection dogs rely on their sense of smell to locate bed bugs. They are trained to explore the environment and sniff for the scent of bed bugs in cracks, furniture, rugs, walls, sockets, and mattresses. They display specific body language cues such as alertness, sniffing, dropped ears, wrinkled nose, and a stiff tail when they detect bed bugs.
2. What are the signs that a dog has found bed bugs?
– When a dog has found bed bugs, they may scratch at the object or area, sit, or bury their nose into the location of the scent. Some dogs may also emit sounds of excitement such as whining or barking. Their body language will show focus, alertness, and a high energy level while they search for bed bugs.
3. How reliable are bed bug detection dogs in finding bed bugs?
– Studies have shown varying levels of accuracy among bed bug detection dogs. A study conducted by the University of Florida found that the dogs were 98% accurate in detecting live bed bugs with no false positives. However, another study found that the dogs were only 44% accurate. Factors such as the size of the infestation, distractors, experience of the trainer or dog, and certification status of the teams can impact the accuracy of the detection.
4. How are dogs trained to detect bed bugs?
– Dogs are trained to detect bed bugs by focusing on the scent and locations that are most likely to lead to successful detection. They are taught to identify the different phases of the bed bug life span and are exposed to canisters with bed bug shell casings and live bed bugs. The training also includes teaching the dogs where to look for bed bugs, such as under mattresses, behind headboards, under carpets, and in closets. The dogs are trained to sit or burrow their nose into the site when they find live bed bugs.
5. What safety tips should be followed when using bed bug detection dogs?
– Some safety tips for bed bug detection dogs include providing them with good food and healthcare, socializing them with other animals and people, avoiding risky environments or the presence of aggressive animals, ensuring car safety during transportation, removing distractions from the search area, and not allowing people to approach the dog without the handler’s permission.
