Real Estate Agencies

Before the recent epidemic of bedbugs hit the region, I never gave this childs bedtime blessing much thought. Ive never even seen a bedbug, so it seemed like they must only exist in a far-off land.

But the problem came close to home for a Montclair resident, who chalked up over $1,400, to determine that his teenager had been wrongly accused of bringing the dreaded parasites into another home.

The Montclair teen, a recent MHS graduate on a summer internship, was living with a host family in the DC area. Bed bugs were found in the host home, claimed the host family, and in the teens suitcase. Next thing he knew, he was out on the street looking for a hotel room. The host family assumed since he was the last visitor to come and stay with them, that he was the culprit who had brought the bugs from his home in Montclair.

How to cope with this shocker? Convinced their home was not the source, the Montclair parents called upon the Nutley business Bed Bug Dogs to conduct a search operation of the entire house, two cars, and their office. Enter Dory, an adorable, one-and-a-half year-old bed bug-busting beagle, to sniff things out.

Heres a description of the process: When Dory, a technician, and trainer arrived, Dory waited patiently in the air conditioned car while the residence was prepped. The air must be still, no fans, air conditioners off, and windows closed for 15 minutes. There can be no apparent odors from candles, detergents, perfumes or medicines which might confuse Dorys sensibilities. All cabinets, closets and drawers are pulled open, mattresses turned on their sides.

When the house was ready, in came the super sleuth sniffer. Dory went through the whole four floors, with not even a peep. Shes trained to detect live bugs and eggs, says her owner Jerry Renzullo. If she finds the scent, shell start barking and scratching the ground, he said.

I spoke with Renzullo about his professional canine. Dory was trained for her job in Florida, for a period of six months. Renzullo was required to go to Florida for his training with the pooch, before he was allowed to purchase her for around $9,000. The people in Florida are real dog lovers. They wouldnt let me take Dory until they were sure we were compatible, said Renzullo.

Dory has been working in Baristaville since January. Theres no chance of her missing the scent Renzullo keeps about 15 mesh-covered vials, with 15-20 bed bugs in each, around the house to keep Dorys nose primed.

Oh, and the Montclair teen? Not Guilty. Not a sign of bedbugs on his parents property. Now, who do you think is really bugged?