As a full time working mother with no domestic helper at home, I have to admit my house is not as clean as I would like it to be. I mean, if I am just a single living in my own house, I wouldn’t mind it as much. But with two young kids who spend 80% of their time a day in the house, I am really concerned about the hygiene and cleanliness of the house.
Especially in this humid climate here in Singapore, insects and creepy crawlers can be found everywhere. Bed bugs are a common problem unless we vigilantly sun our mattresses on a regular basis. Even so, bed bugs spread upon contact and it’s possible to pick them up from public areas or overseas travels. The thought that my kids could be sleeping with those nasty creatures freaks me out!!
ORIGIN Exterminators contacted me recently to do a bed bug check for my home. I thought it was a neat idea because I’ve been wanting to check my home to make sure it’s safe for my kids. If there’re really bed bugs, at least something can be done to eliminate them!
When ORIGIN briefly explained to me how the detection process will be, I was excited! I bet you won’t be able to guess it…
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SPARKY, THE BEDBUG DETECTION DOG WAS COMING TO MY HOUSE!
Yes! You’ve heard me correct! They were going to use a dog to sniff out the presence of bed bugs in my house. Detection dogs have been used to detect pests in the US and UK, and ORIGIN has now brought the technology to our doorsteps. Sparky, the Bedbug Detection Dog can sniff out bedbugs with an accuracy rate of 98%, with his acute sense of smell, and does so much faster than an average human. Once Sparky has pinpointed where the live bedbugs are hiding, ORIGIN will then follow up with a two-step, two-in-one treatment program.
And now, meet the handsome Sparky. =)
He was a very hyperactive and happy doggie, who was very hardworking and vigilant at his job. When he was at my house, he did not bark one sound at all. Totally obedient to his owner, and gets on with his work with a great attitude! =D
Sparky went around sniffing all my mattresses and furniture. The staff also brought him to sniff the storeroom, sofa area etc.
The staff explained to me that if Sparky detected presence of bed bugs or its eggs, it will immediately lie down and refuse to move away until a biscuit has been given to it. Well trained, doggie!
The whole detection process took less than 10 minutes. Sparky worked very fast. I could hear it sniffing hard at every notch and corner, and it moved fast and steadily through my entire house. Indeed, just like what ORIGIN claims, dogs can do the job much faster than human beings!
Baby Jayne was initially a little apprehensive about Sparky, but when she saw how gentle Sparky was, she wanted to go stroke its head!
Smart Sparky did its job and obediently waited while the staff wrote out a report for me. =)
My house is declared Bedbug Free!
Now I can feel more assured. =D
GIVEAWAY!
Now, ORIGIN has kindly agreed to give away a free bedbug check to one of you dear readers! If you are like me, and would like an assurance that your house is free from bed bugs, send me an email at inthedaisies@gmail.com with your particulars and I’d randomly choose a winner to receive the free bedbug check. Deadline: Sun, 14 Aug 2011.
And finally, before I end the entry, here are some housekeeping tips for you to prevent or eliminate early infestations of pests:
- Carry out the 5 step inspection regularly, and start treatment once bedbugs are detected
- When in doubt, get a professional inspection conducted
- Use light coloured bed linen so bedbug signs are easily spotted
- Wash, soak or dry all fabric items at a temperature of at least 60°C
- Regularly sun bedding in direct sunlight for at least 2 hours
- Avoid contact with infested objects or areas
- When travelling, inspect your hotel room before unpacking and check your luggage before re-entering your home
- Launder clothes worn during travelling, separately from other clothes, at a temperature of at least 60°C, and inspect shoes carefully.
Let’s all keep our house pest-free! =D
