May 31, 2007 — Trained dogs can detect the scent of everything from bombs to humans, and now bedbugs may be added to list of things dogs can sniff out, according to researchers at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Twenty such dogs aced a series of termite- and bedbug-finding tests conducted at the Southeast Pest Management Conference held earlier this month in Gainesville. While termite-sniffing canines have been used since at least the 1990’s, a resurgence of bedbugs over the past few years prompted the additional training.
"Properly trained dogs can assist an inspector by locating the odor of live bedbugs or viable eggs and ignoring evidence of past infestations, like cast skins, dead bugs, fecal matter and hatched eggs," handler Jose "Pepe" Peruyero told Discovery News.
Peruyero’s J&K Canine Academy in High Springs, Florida, has been teaching dogs like Nudie, a Chinese crested terrier mix, to find the elusive insects. Peruyero said many different breeds, including mixes, are up to the task, but "hound types tend to work better."
More than one trainer handles the dogs, which work every day, to get them used to dealing with different people. A food reward system — usually treats procured from a bag latched onto the handler’s waist — encourages the dogs to sniff and search for bedbugs. Repetitive training teaches the canines to associate bedbug odors with work, which, in turn, is associated with tasty treats.
Peruyero, who formerly worked for the Gainesville and Miami Police Departments, said the dogs may sniff at sites, such as apartment complexes and hotels, "where bedbug bites have been reported." They can also verify when an insecticide treatment was effective.
Bedbugs are wingless, reddish brown, oval-shaped nocturnal parasites that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded hosts. Their name comes from their insidious habit of hiding in bedding before feeding on people at night.
