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Doggie Q & A's:

Q1. Why are we introducing Termite Detection Dogs?
We were introduced to the use of termite detection dogs during an international pest control conference in the USA last year. Termite Dogs are used extensively in USA with outstanding results because they can see through walls, floors etc., and everywhere termites are that traditional means are less successful.

Q2. What kind of dog makes the best scent dog?
Beagles and Terriers, , etc make the best scent detection dogs due to their amazing scent abilities, and detection accuracy of up to 97%
Their size enables them to manoeuvre with ease through houses.

Q3. How are the dogs trained?
The dogs undergo a 12 week training program at an accredited training centre and are certified through ASDTA (Aust Specialist Dog Trainers Assoc). The extensive training ( over 220 recorded hours) will enable the dogs to detect the presence of live termites in a workplace or domestic environment. Our technicians are also fully trained and licensed handlers.

Q4. How will the dogs tell us when they find something?
The dog sits when they recognise a target odour ie: live termites. They then respond to the “show me” command by pointing directly at the source of the odour with their nose. The passive alert helps reduce the possibility of scratched or damaged home furnishings or vehicle finishes from a dog digging, scratching or biting at a piece of furniture or wall as a part of its alert. We use this type of alert for all our termite detection dogs. We can’t ignore what the dogs tell us!

Q5. How accurate are they?
Recent research from the Entomology Dept of University of Florida* has shown that properly trained dogs teams are at least three times as accurate as human inspectors. Even the best termite inspector can't see through walls. But a dog doesn't need to, he can smell through the wall and detect termites before they have time to do so much damage to a structure that it can be visually detected by a human. Dogs don’t need to see termites; they can smell them, through drywall, concrete, panelling and most other building materials. It has been proven by team after team that a termite dog is the best termite finding and business building tool on the market for pest control.
*Journal of Economic Entomology – 96(4):1259-1266(2003)

Q6. Why do we have to complete a Termite Inspection at same time as Sherlock and Mille are on site?
Sherlock and Millie are not trained to detect termite damage….only live activity. On a full termite inspection to AS3660 or PPI to AS4349.3 a termite inspector can find termite damage, moisture issues, fungal decay and other building problems that Sherlock and Mille are not looking for. So you can see that a termite inspector combined with Sherlock or Millie make a formidable team.

Q7. When do you need Sherlock or Millie?
If you want to know for certain if there are any live termites in your home, Sherlock and Millie can alert you to termite presence before any Termite Inspector alone can. If you have a long term reoccurring termite problem where conventional inspections have not provided solution and treatments have failed.

Q8. How do Sherlock and Millie work with us?
The introduction of our termite detection dogs increases the overall effectiveness of our detection methods. Neither dogs or handlers can achieve the same result on their own; they need to work as a team with each contributing significantly to the detection process.

Q9. How bad is the termite pressure here on the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is typical of sub tropical areas of the world. We are in an extreme termite pressure area.

Q10. What you need to prepare prior to a visit by Sherlock or Millie?
Remove pet food and secure pets ie cats/dogs in a separate room. Both of these things are so as not to distract Sherlock or Millie whilst they work.

Remember Sherlock and Millie have excellent manners!