Video Courtesy of the University of Florida
Why use a Dog?
- A dog specifically trained for bed bug detection will give you quicker and more accurate results.
- Dogs have been used for years by law enforcement and the government to detect bombs, drugs and locate missing persons.
- Dogs are loyal and honest- they work only for food and attention, there is no hidden agenda.
- Dogs properly trained and certified are recognized in court as a "scientific instrument".
- Dogs can track a scent through snow, air, mud, water, ash and even a pile of laundry.
- Dogs help you "go green"
- Dogs require less time than human inspectors
- Research has proven their ability to discriminate live bugs and viable eggs from dead bugs, fecal matter and cast skins
- Dogs are efficient at finding live bed bugs at low infestation levels
- Field evidence shows that one viable vs non-viable stage egg can be detected
Why NESDCA Certfication is Important:
- NESDCA was formed by pest control professionals to ensure the highest standards for entomology scent detection canines are upheld.
- Committed to requiring all entomology scent detection K-9 teams obtain accreditation before performing inspections.
- NESDCA is Committed to:
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Uniting and assisting all entomology scent detection canine teams in the training and continued improvement of all entomology scent-detecting work dog teams, regardless of who the team was trained by.
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Improving the image of the entomology scent-detecting canine team.
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Educating consumers about the benefits of using properly trained entomology scentt detecting dog teams in the process of locating, and eradicating pest problems.
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Contributing to and participating in entomology related research
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Watson's Training:
- Training staff with over 80 years of experience
- Over 10 years of research and development with the University of Florida
- 6000 sq. ft. state of the art (NESDCA),(USDA), and (IACUC) accredited facility
- Training method has been independently tested and consistently proven to be 97% accurate
- Currently the only training program in the world independently studied, tested and published
About Bed Bugs:
- Feed on blood- prefer humans but can feed on animals
- Will leave dark fecal spots on mattresses, clothing, walls etc...
- Feed generally at night
- Will travel up to 20 feet to feed and occasionally further
- Can go up to 18 months without feeding
- Average lifespan is 18 months depending on temperature and environment
- Feed 1-3 times per week
- Hide during the day
- Scent glands emit a sweet odor
- Transported to new locations by "hitchhiking" on luggage, used furniture or clothing
- Can migrate to a new location through pipes, wiring runs and ventilation systems
- A female can lay 10-20 eggs per week (500-1000 eggs per year)
Potential Financial Impact from Bed Bugs:
- Lost income for hotel rooms and apartments that cannot be occupied
- Room refunds or rent reduction
- Cleaning costs
- Replacement of infested furniture
- Loss of income due to damaged reputation
- Litigation and settlements