Editing Detection dog (section)

===Bed bug detection dogs===
Detection dogs are often specially trained by handlers to identify the scent of [[bed bug]]s. With the increased focus on green pest management and [[integrated pest management]], as well as the increase in global travel and shared living accommodations, bed bugs have become more prevalent. Detecting bed bugs is a complicated process because insects have the ability to hide almost anywhere. Detection dogs help solve this problem because of their size, speed, and sense of smell. Detection dogs use their unique ability to smell in parts per trillion in order to track bed bugs in every phase of their life cycle. They can find bugs in places humans cannot such as wall voids, crevices, and furniture gaps. Dogs are also a safer alternative to pesticide use. If detection dogs can find out exactly where bed bugs are located, they can minimize the area that needs to be sprayed.

The [[National Pest Management Association]] released their "Bed Bug Best Management Practices" <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bedbugbmps.org/ |title=NPMA Bed Bugs Best Management Practices website home page |year=2011 |publisher=[[National Pest Management Association]] |access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> in 2011 which outlines the minimum recommendations regarding not only treatment, but the certification and use of bed bug detection canines.  The NPMA's Best Management Practices emphasizes the importance of having bed bug detection dog teams certified by third party organizations who are not affiliated to the trainer or company that sold the canine.

Scientists at the [[University of Kentucky]] reviewed studies on bed bug detection dogs and concluded that although expensive for operators, they are a reliable source as long as they undergo the proper training.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icup.org.uk/reports%5CICUP859.pdf |title=BATTLING BED BUGS IN THE USA |last1=Potter |first1=Michael F |last2=Romero |first2=Alvero |publisher=International Conference on Urban Pests |last3=Haynes |first3=Kenneth F |access-date=5 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306000336/http://icup.org.uk/reports/icup859.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> In another study, detection dogs had a 97.5% correct positive indication rate on identifying bed bugs (''[[Cimex lectularius]]'') and their eggs – with zero false positives – all while accurately distinguishing them from [[carpenter ant]]s, [[Blattella germanica|cockroach]]es, and [[Reticulitermes flavipes|termites]]. They also successfully differentiated live bed bugs and viable bed bug eggs from dead bed bugs, cast skins, and feces with a 95% correct positive indication rate.<ref>{{cite journal |last2=Choe |first2=Dong-Hwan |last3=Sutherland |first3=Andrew M. |last4=Tabuchi |first4=Robin L. |last5=Moore |first5=Sara E. |last6=Lewis |first6=Vernard R. |year=2013 |title=Researchers combat resurgence of bed bug in behavioral studies and monitor trials |journal=California Agriculture |volume=67 |issue=3 |pages=172–8 |doi=10.3733/ca.v067n03p172 |last1=Tsutsui |first1=Neil D. |doi-access=free}}</ref>

Bed bug detection dogs should be certified by a national organization like the World Detector Dog Organization (WDDO) or the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association (NESDCA). There are a few independent K9 bed bug inspection companies that have multiple certifications.