Sure Ernie is very cute but can that dog hunt?
YES, This Dog Can Hunt! "Ernie," a Canine Termite Detector (CTD) works with our trained handler to hunt for termites during a termite inspection for homeowners, and also homebuyers before your home purchase. A human inspector is limited to the visual observation of termites and the active signs of infestation. Due to inaccessible areas in homes on a visual inspection, not all areas can be checked.

Ernie's keen sense of smell allows him to detect termites inside walls and other inaccessible areas. Ernie has been trained by the certified trainer and behaviorist, who developed the training system used in the UF research. Ernie works as a team with handler Sam Smith to give you the human inspection and then take it several steps further with Ernie's keen nose.

No other company in North Carolina can match the accuracy and ability of this team in detecting termites!

Termites generally do 60% to 70% damage to wood before they are detected by the human eye.

By using our termite detection dog, Pest Arresters together with All American Pest Control offers its customers the most accurate and reliable means of termite detection available. This means earlier detection, prompt and accurate treatment, and ultimately less damage to existing structure. It also reflects our continuing commitment to our customers of providing the best service possible.

At Pest Arresters we DOG the competition!

Ernie was tested under a program designed by the University of Florida Entomology Department, a nationally recognized authority in termite research. Sam and Ernie together are the first team in North Carolina to certify under the new more strengent certification rules of NESDCA (the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Assocication) the only National Recognized Certification for Pest Detecting K-9 Teams.

Did You Know..............

Did you know that more than 50% of a typical residential or commercial building is "HIDDEN OR INACCESSIBLE" even to the most highly trained termite inspector? Dr. Michael Potter, PhD. of the University of Kentucky's Entomology Department states, "Failure to find live termites during an inspection does not necessarily mean they are not present in the structure."

Ernie can detect termites inside walls, under floor coverings, behind exterior siding, stucco and brick veneer where no human inspector can. Dr. Phil Koehler, PhD. of the University of Florida's Entomology Department states, "Our research shows that dogs are 400% MORE ACCURATE than visual human inspections in locating termite points of entry."

Did you know that termites account for more than $2 BILLION of structural damage each year in the U.S....and North Carolina is considered a heavy infestation area?

Did you also know that many buildings are needlessly treated each year with costly termite treatments when no termites are present?

With our high rate of accuracy, we can pinpoint the location of termites. This will prevent unnecessary treatments and may allow precise spot treatments; when needed. Either outcome makes the use of Pest Arresters and our CTD Ernie a WISE AND COST-EFFECTIVE solution to your termite problems.

Quotes from industry authorities...

Lloyd Smigel, President, Care Management Consultants
"I have been in the pest control industry for 25 years and have seen new products and gimmicks come and go. However, I am VERY IMPRESSED with the use of canines, when properly trained and tested, in detecting termite infestations. So impressed, in fact, I bought two dogs for my own company."

Dr. Karen Vail, Ph.D., University of Tennessee Entomology Department
"This will help the homeowner. It's going to be a BENEFIT FOR EVERYBODY because they (canine termite detectors) can pinpoint live termite activity. It can separate moisture damage from the active termites."

Dr. Michael Potter, Ph.D., University of Kentucky Entomology Department.
"Even the most experienced inspector can overlook an infestation or damage hidden behind walls, floor coverings, insulation or other obstructions...WOOD ITSELF CAN BE A HIDDEN AREA FOR TERMITES. Failure to find live termites during an inspection DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN they are not present in the structure." Feb. 2001 Pest Control Technology Magazine

Dr. Phil Koehler, Ph.D., University of Florida Entomology Department.
"With proper training and handling, canines can be extremely effective with 92%-98% accuracy in detecting subterranean termites in enclosed areas. Our research shows that dogs are hundreds of times more MORE ACCURATE than visual human inspections in locating termite points of entry."

Pictures of Ernie