Sniffer Dogs Could Be Replaced By Wasps
It is known that dogs have an excellent sense of smell and this has been capitalised on for years by police forces across the globe when it comes to drug and bomb detection. The down side of using dogs is that they need to be trained, housed, fed and cared for all of which comes with a hefty price tag . The training itself will take around 6 months and around £25,000.
Much of this cost is negated with the next generation of animal detectors – Insects. To be more precise wasps!
Yes, that’s right, scientists in America have successfully trained wasps to sniff out such substances as explosives, drugs and even bed bugs. Scientists say that they can now train a wasp in as little as 5 minutes - so some day in the not too distant future, man’s best friend could be replaced by wasps.
I guess there are many other insects which have an acute sense of smell which may be used in the future such as ants. So remember, next time you feel the urge to swat a wasp which looks to be on its own, beware – it could be on duty!
Dutch1962:
I think we may be out of a job soon.
July 4, 2009, 4:16 amjimbob:
WASPS!! Arrgh? How an earth do they train them to sniff out bed bugs? Fascinating!
July 8, 2009, 10:20 amBrigitta:
Very interesting news! Whilst they are at it, can they also train wasps not to sting? Now, that would be unique!
July 8, 2009, 10:35 amdog behavior modification:
dog behavior modification…
What an interesting article. I have found it an enjoyable read. I would like to share this by sending some of my contacts who might be interested as well to this article….
October 31, 2009, 11:04 pmDog Training:
Dog Training…
This article really struck a cord with me, I am going to share this with some friends….
November 22, 2009, 1:12 amCaroline:
Please do share it with your friends and let us know if you want any further information.
November 22, 2009, 9:09 amBenjamin:
Reminds me of the Gambian pouched rats that are trained to find land mines and sniff tuberculosis in Africa.
That way, these rats are saving a lot of lives and money at the same time. However, I guess it will be difficult to convince people that you have to take a rat into their house to find bedbugs
November 24, 2009, 7:18 amJarek:
Imagine, you “invite” wasps to find bed bugs in your bedroom and they decide to move in. Now not only you have bed bugs in your bed, but also a “nice” wasp nest above it – sleep well and sweet dreams…
November 24, 2009, 3:31 pmStop Dogs Barking:
Way to go I really enjoyed reading this article, you can find out a lot about obedience training for dogs here.
December 26, 2009, 4:20 pm