Our incredibly talented puppy friend Dash from Orkin Canada Pest Control came for a visit.

Let's learn more about what makes him so special:

What is a Bed Bug Detection Dog?

Every day canines are hard at work helping in the battle against bed bugs! Orkin's bed bug detection dogs have been specially trained to determine where bed bugs are hiding with amazing accuracy. The dog’s sensitive sense of smell allows them to easily recognize the scent of live bed bugs and bed bug eggs. These dogs are so accurate that they can actually differentiate between live and dead bed bugs! Wow!

The K9 and the handler go through a rigorous training program as a team. At the end of the program, a 3rd party certification body verifies that each canine team is capable of accurately detecting live bed bugs, and then issues a certification. Once in the field, the K9 teams are tested every quarter and recertified annually.

Where do they find these amazing dogs?

The majority of the dogs are rescue dogs obtained from shelters. The expert trainer evaluates their temperament, drive, and overall health and then hand selects the right dogs for the program.

All canines have been paired with a long-term primary handler and a secondary handler. The dogs live and work with their handlers. The K9’s motivation for detecting bed bugs is through a food or toy based reward. Throughout a workday the handler will strategically hide bed bug scents as confirmation of detection accuracy.

These amazing dogs not only provide protection and confirmation of the great work being done by our team members with inspections, but help to offer peace of mind knowing that the items you receive from Find have been thoroughly checked for pests.

What's the process for detection?

The Orkin Canada K9 team will sweep an area using the trained bed bug detection dog. The handler will guide the dog through the area, letting the dog sniff in every applicable space where bed bugs could be hiding. Orkin's bed bug dogs are trained to alert when they have discovered a bed bug scent. Once a dog has alerted to a possible bed bug, the handler will make a visual inspection to confirm the dog’s findings.

Their team work is incredible and Find is grateful for the awesome work they do to help keep us protected from unwanted visitors.

Peace of mind shopping that helps end homelessness? Talk about a great way to invest in your community!

Together, we can end homelessness!