Rentokil Pest Control has launched its Bed Bug Dog Detect service, in response to an alarming surge in bed bug enquiries, which are up by 65% year-on-year (Q2 2023 vs Q2 2022).
This bed bug detection method harnesses the incredible abilities of specially trained sniffer dogs to ensure rapid and accurate detection of the presence of bed bugs.
Using a backpack vacuum, trained technicians collect an air sample from (for example) a hotel room. This sample is then sent to the dogs who are able to detect any bed bug activity in the room from the scent of the live bed bugs in the air sample alone.
Paul Blackhurst, head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, said this ability to detect early bed bug activity ensures that a bed bug infestation can be tackled before it escalates.
There is also minimal disruptions to the businesses being tested, as the technicians are not required to enter a room fully in order to collect a sample, and can do this from the door alone.
Mr Blackhurst said: “These canine detectives are highly accurate at detecting bed bugs, and can do so in areas that might be challenging for humans to access or inspect thoroughly.
“They are particularly useful in large buildings and hotels where bed bug infestations can quickly spread if not detected early.”