May 25, 2010

  "If a human goes through 20 apartment units, it would take a couple of days and humans are only 30 percent accurate," said Michael Russell, vice president of sales for Toms River-based Action. "A (bed bug dog) can go through 25 to 30 apartments in an hour, and a dog is 98 percent accurate."

CEO John Russell, who took over the family-run business as president several months ago, said the company's three Labradors — Sara, Rex and Cassie — were trained for 800 hours at the Florida Canine Academy by master trainer Bill Whitstine.

"Some companies use dogs as a working tool," said John Russell. "Here they are treated like family pets, and they come home with me at night."

The company got its first dog, Sara, in 2007, and by 2008 they began putting together Bed Bug crews. Now, they have five crews of 10 people specializing in bed bugs.

"We were the first in New Jersey, but (bed bug) dogs are becoming more popular," said John Russell.

Michael Russell said the addition of bed bug dogs in 2007 has increased business for Action in the Tri-state area, and the company has been able to continue adding jobs throughout the recession.

"The bed bugs have allowed us to compete on a level playing field with larger companies," said Michael Russell. "We've proven ourselves to larger companies."

The Russells said using bed bug dogs is more efficient, because they help track down the exact location of the bugs. Once the dog locates the bugs, professionals will steam the area to kill eggs through adult bed bugs, then apply chemicals to cracks and crevices. They come back a week later for another sweep, and do another light chemical application. Once they leave, the homeowners or residents receive a 90-day guarantee.

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ACTION TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE NJAA