While people rely primarily on sight to find termites, termite detection dogs can “see” what’s invisible to humans with their unique olfactory systems. Their long muzzles, bloodhounds, and basset hounds like Barney have a sense of smell that is anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 times more sensitive than humans.Barney locates termites inside the wall of a home, outside of visible range.
Barney came my way after an intensive training regimen at the Forensic & Scientific Investigations Canine Academy, where he learned the skills he’d need in his new career in New York termite inspection. The academy’s owner, David Latimer, Chief of Police of the Harpersville Police Department in Alabama and president of the World Detector Dog Organization, trained and certified Barney using the same template long used to train bomb-, arson- and narcotics-detection dogs and tracking dogs.
And, why not? Canine special agents have been used for years in law enforcement to locate explosives, drugs, and other contraband in schools, airports, and other transportation hubs. These hard-working animals have shown uncanny, almost supernatural, powers of detection, picking up nearly untraceable scents under seemingly impossible circumstances. Considering the costly destruction termites cause to millions of homes each year, it only makes sense to capitalize on these animals’ remarkable natural skills to mitigate the widespread damage.
I can’t imagine considering a home “clean” of termites now without first letting Barney sign off on the inspection. Dogs are notorious for craving our approval, but I may just rely on his approval more than he depends on mine!
About DQ Pest Control:
DQ Pest Control is a family-owned and operated New York animal control and wildlife removal company serving the New York metropolitan area and Long Island. Specialist David Quinn is a New York exterminator with many years of experience in the family business.
