Last May, Nathalie Gautier created Breizh Punaises in Brest. Its activity is quite original in Brittany: detection of bedbugs thanks to Ulya’s flair, a 16-month-old labrador, specially trained. “It is relatively little known here, but in the Paris region and the south of France, where there have been more bed bugs for a long time, it is quite widespread,” explains the business manager.
“Brittany is increasingly concerned”
The idea to launch this new profession came to her while she was managing a social housing estate. “We’ve had this problem more and more. And well before the media hype of 2023. Brittany is increasingly concerned. And it’s a scourge that can have psychological consequences for people because it’s very difficult to get rid of, ” notes the woman who discovered this solution to detect bed bugs from dogs while doing research. “I contacted other cities in France to find out how they dealt with bed bug infestations, and some resorted to dogs. »
Knowing the exact location of the bed bugs allows you to better target the treatment and avoid throwing away all the mattresses and sofas in your home.
Nathalie Gautier then decides to get down to business. However, nothing predestined her to practice in this field. “I’ve never had a dog myself!” she smiles. It is very comfortable, even if I had to train myself. “It took him eight months to figure out and train on bed bugs and obtain the knowledge certificate for pets of domestic animals (Acaced).
The female dog marks where the bed bugs are
It was in Gers that the leader found Ulya. “In a specialized breeder who provides dog training for dogs that detect bed bugs, but also people or substances,” explains Nathalie Gautier. Since the summer, she has worked for private or professional clients (e.g. hotels). “Ulya smells everywhere and stops where she has seen bedbugs. She is then entitled to a reward. She is very reliable,” insists Nathalie Gautier. A report is then established on the attacked locations as well as recommendations and advice for treatment. “My customers then have the choice between treating themselves or using a company. »
The interest for them is to “know already if there really are bed bugs.” When they are present, it allows you to better target the treatment and avoid throwing away all the mattresses and sofas in a home. Detection is an initial cost, but can save money later,” argues the director of Breizh Punaises.
This travels to Brittany and Pays-de-la-Loire. “At the moment I work a lot around Brest,” she confides. The cost of her intervention actually depends on the size of the home, but also on the kilometers she has to travel from Brest.
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