New technology unveils bed bug infestation

Bed bugs are a growing epidemic on the Western Slope.

Orkin, an exterminating company operating throughout the U.S., has listed Grand Junction and Montrose in the top 50 cities when it comes to bed bug infestation.

But a company based in North Carolina is hoping to help you detect the pests before they spread.

The new product is known as 'Smart Hound' and is said to detect bed bugs, termites and other household pests before they become a problem.

"The challenge with bed bugs is that from the time they're born all the way through adults, they can only feed on blood. The smallest ones are the size of the tip of a pencil and the adults are maybe a little smaller than an eraser tip, so they're very difficult to detect," said Douglas Bennett, president of Bennett Aerospace.

Bennett Aerospace has been working on the Smart Hound for two years. The device uses sensor bugs that can sniff out the scent of bed bugs, much like a dog.

If bed bugs are present, a red light is displayed. If the area's clear of bed bugs, a green light will display.

"[The bed bugs] are reserved for their response to air flowing through, then when that odor comes through, that air intake that they're trained to respond to, they cluster around the opening and boom, you have your hit. And then you know you have bed bugs present," said Bennett.

Bennett Aerospace officials say anyone can benefit from using the Smart Hound, but it's especially useful for residents of apartment complexes and people who frequently travel.

"Tenants or the superintendent could scan frequently for bed bugs on a regular basis to make sure none have moved in. And then they can pinpoint their treatment. Instead of treating an entire house or an entire apartment building, they can focus their treatments," said Bennett.

On average, it costs $3,000 to get rid of bed bugs once they've settled in, making the Smart Hound a potential opportunity to save a lot of money, and avoid big problems down the road.

For more information about the Smart Hound, visit: http://www.indiegogo.com/smarthound