‘20/20’ Airs Bed Bug Canine Segment

On Jan. 9, ABC’s 20/20 aired a segment "Bedbug-Sniffing Dogs Might Not Accurately Detect Infestations.” Assisted by entomologists Paul Bello and Lou Sorkin, the program staged a sting operation where ten PMPs with canines were asked to inspect a residence confirmed to be free from bed bugs by Bello and Sorkin. The industry was represented by NPMA's Vice President of Public Affairs Missy Henriksen. Four of 11 canines that were used alerted the presence of bed bugs, although only two PMPs appeared to have tried to sell the resident a treatment. NPMA recommends that members reacquaint themselves with Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Bed Bugs. Specifically, the BMPs recommend that prior to making a treatment, the canine handler or a pest management professional should attempt to confirm the canine alert by: 1. Visually inspecting the area to confirm the presence of an active infestation 2. Utilizing a second canine team 3. In some situations, the client may elect to have the room(s) treated without secondary confirmation.

Click here to see a copy of the alert and talking points that were distributed to members Friday.

Source: NPMA