Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Bed bug pest control firms (PCOs), Bed bug k9s, etc.
keep in mind, when using bb dogs
(6 posts)-
alplume
newbite
Joined: Jun '09
Posts: 3
Posted 5 months ago
Mon Jun 8 2009 19:30:33
#
Login to Send PM
This is long, but I wanted to share the experience I had today, for anyone who's starting treatment based on a bedbug dog's assessment, so that others can learn from it before they start the whole shebang. I also want to join the many others on this list who've thanked killerqueen profusely - thank you so much for your help.
It started with my teenage son's waking up one morning with 20-30 bug bites he hadn't had the night before. The doctor thought they might be bedbug bites and suggested we get an exterminator to find out. Our building suggested a bedbug dog company, who came the same day. The dog indicated bedbugs in almost every room of our home. While we started the ordeal of putting all mementos of our existence into sealable plastic bags, we decided to get a second opinion. That dog indicated bedbugs in the two bedrooms and a linen closet. The second dog handler suggested a different exterminator, who wouldn't require so much prep work. At this point, we had never seen a bedbug.
So, which dog were we supposed to believe? And which exterminator were we supposed to listen to in terms of prep work? With two kids and tons of books, I was miserable at the idea of bagging our entire existence, but also at the idea of the bugs coming back. I decided to contact killerqueen because of all the senssible advice I'd read of his on this blog. It was an extra treat to find out about the nymag endorsement.
The first thing he asked was the most important thing to note when you get a canine assessment – “Did the handler confirm the dog’s findings?” KQ explained that it’s as much for the dog’s sake as mine for the handler to actually find a bedbug and/or evidence of a bedbug, such as fecal material or shedding – without making sure the dog is correct before giving it a treat, handlers risk extinguishing the dog’s training. If the dog incorrectly identifies what turns out to be a beetle, for instance, he will now learn he can get a treat not only for finding bedbugs but also other bugs too. Gradually, he’ll lose his effectiveness as a bedbug dog.
This is what happened with us. After starting on all the treatment preparation, we asked kq to inspect the rooms. He looked for hours, at every crevice, wood slat, etc., even ripped open the box springs – there was no evidence of any bedbugs, or shed skin, fecal material, etc, even in the bed where my son had had a couple of dozen bites! The only thing he found, near the beds in both bedrooms, was a couple of carpet beetles.
The moral of the story is – before you spend thousands of dollars and hours on bedbug treatment, please make sure your dog handler confirms the dog’s findings by producing an actual bedbug. It’ll be definitive, but it will also show that the handler is correctly maintaining his dog’s ability to find the right bugs.
-
senior member
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 596
Posted 5 months ago
Mon Jun 8 2009 20:58:39
#
Login to Send PM
You're very welcome alplume!
1 of 2 today.. and its only Monday. I was set to do a bed bug treatment today... only there were no bed bugs there either. As I just mentioned in another thread .... it's getting sickening. I would strongly recommend to anyone looking for K9 inspections to do their homework.... please!
I can make a recommendation for anyone looking for K9 services if I'm permitted (nobugsonme?)
Best of luck alplume .... now get back to the good life! Bed Bug Free =)
-
cincybug
newbite
Joined: Jul '08
Posts: 19
Posted 5 months ago
Mon Jun 8 2009 22:17:45
#
Login to Send PM
KillerQueen - I'd be happy to receive a dog rec. from you in Cincinnati, if you have one to recommend. I'm thinking of getting my (packed car) examined before I move as a final precaution. Planning to take only clothes and dishes with me.
-
KillerQueen - 1 hour ago »
You're very welcome alplume!
1 of 2 today.. and its only Monday. I was set to do a bed bug treatment today... only there were no bed bugs there either. As I just mentioned in another thread .... it's getting sickening. I would strongly recommend to anyone looking for K9 inspections to do their homework.... please!
I can make a recommendation for anyone looking for K9 services if I'm permitted (nobugsonme?)
Best of luck alplume .... now get back to the good life! Bed Bug Free =)Hi KillerQueen,
As a professional, you can recommend a service AS LONG AS you declare any relationship or connection you have with them.
For those who are customers of a firm, the rule is the same.
Recommending ON the boards is great. It is much better than PMing because then others don't benefit.
The only rule is to tell the truth and disclose any connections.
-
surrounded
junior member
Joined: Sep '08
Posts: 75
Posted 4 months ago
Fri Jun 26 2009 14:34:27
#
Login to Send PM
So what are your recommendations, KQ?
-
your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 5,547
Posted 4 months ago
Fri Jun 26 2009 14:52:42
#
Login to Send PM
Yes, as I said, I do hope KQ will post this.
Reply
You must log in to post.
