Got bedbugs? Call premium Beagle service

Dubai: The next time you're treating your home for bedbugs, don't be surprised if the pest control guy walks in with a dog.

For the first time in the Middle East, a Dubai-based pest control company has roped in a beagle, a Spanish pedigree dog known for its scent detection prowess, to help sniff out bedbugs.

Sean Baker, Managing Director of National Pest Control, told XPRESS, "Bonnie, the beagle, is the latest addition to our armour in the fight against vermin. She can see with her nose.

"Her introduction is a response to the sharp increase in bedbugs in the UAE. Earlier, only labour camps, hotels and crammed living accommodations reported these pests. But now they've spread to homes — both villas and apartments," said Baker.

He said pest control companies in the West widely employ beagles to detect bedbugs and termites as they have a strong sense of smell and help save time.

In a few minutes, a beagle can do what a technician would take hours to achieve, he said, pointing to how the manual process of checking sheets, mattresses or crevices is effectively replaced by a dog's scent detection.

Every time Bonnie sniffs a bedbug or even the eggs, her level of excitement is a strong pointer for the technician to verify the spot and carry out treatment with low-toxic insecticides.

Baker clarified that Bonnie does not feed on the bugs. "I am personally training her with help from an Australian consultant," he said, adding that more dogs would be introduced in due course of time.

"We will be sensitive to the culture of the region and ask clients whether we can take a dog to their place," he said.

Asked how Bonnie is rewarded for her premium service, Baker said, "She will get a lot of love and attention."

Breed apart

The beagle belongs to the hound family. A scent hound, it can track hare, rabbit and other game. With its keen sense of smell, it also serves as a detection dog. Small in stature, intelligent and even-tempered, it also doubles up as a popular pet.