
Japanese Knotweed Detection Dogs
Trained in the UK, our Japanese knotweed detection dogs are specially trained to identify Japanese Knotweed rhizome. Using their highly sensitive sense of smell, detection dogs are uniquely able to track down the invasive rhizomes of the dreaded Japanese knotweed.
They are an effective, safe and cost-effective system for Japanese Knotweed detection in both a commercial and residential setting. Our Japanese knotweed detection dog is comfortable and able in a garden or development site.
Our dog-assisted surveys provide an efficient and cost-effective Japanese knotweed identification service.
Why Japanese Knotweed Dog Detection Surveys?
While Japanese knotweed can be hard to spot, dogs are smaller and lighter on their feet than human beings, and can access riverbanks, marshes, and other tricky spots easier than humans.
For properties that want to avoid extensive excavation in gardens or neighbouring land, dogs can detect Japanese knotweed buried under the ground’s surface so the property can take the appropriate steps to eradicate it.
Unlike in spring/summer when traditional surveys happen, our dog detection survey can detect knotweed through snow, rain, and mud at any time of year, year round. Because of this, there is no delay in beginning the removal process.
So, what exactly is a Detection Dog Survey?
Our Japanese knotweed detection dogs provide businesses and the domestic market with the best and most accurate way to determine if Japanese knotweed is lurking hidden beneath the ground or has been deliberately concealed, our Japanese knotweed detection dogs use their highly sensitive and sophisticated nose.
Our expert surveyors will team up with our highly trained detection dogs team to ensure that there are no hidden surprises. We’ll help you steer yourself clear of this dangerous weed for good! Great for construction firms and home owners alike and for people that hate nasty surprises.
What does a japanese knotweed dog survey involve?
The survey will be carried out by a canine team and their highly trained detection dogs that will visit the area, and search on all types of terrain to detect Japanese knotweed rhizome. After a specific response from the dog, a localised dig can be carried out.
Our Canine Team Provide the Nations Most Reliable Survey Available
Whether you need a domestic or commercial survey, our detection dogs will assess your land and carry out a diligent search for hidden Japanese Knotweed rhizomes and detect Japanese knotweed if it’s present. Our highly trained detection dogs go to work exploring your land, checking for hidden Japanese knotweed rhizomes that could lead to future problems.
Knotweed Services has developed an innovative way to help you identify if Japanese knotweed is present on your land – with our exclusive canine Japanese Knotweed survey service. Our detection dog can cover your land quickly, identifying the presence of this destructive plant. Unlike traditional survey methods, we don’t have to wait for the summer months to correctly survey (our dogs can detect Japanese Knotweed year round) – saving everyone involved precious time.
If you have Japanese knotweed, we’ll create a management plan detailing options for remediation.
Japanese Knotweed Dog Surveys; Who's it Suitable For?

Home Buyers
Buying a new home is one of the most stressful things you can participate in, so ensuring your new home is knotweed free is of the utmost importance.
A Japanese knotweed dog survey using our highly trained knotweed detection dogs can be especially useful if a property is located in a high-risk area, if it’s situated close to a knotweed infestation, or if you’re purchasing your new house during winter when knotweed dies back and is harder to detect using traditional methods.
There is also the scenario where the seller will not give you the peace of mind required and have answered “Not Known” on the TA6 form. Our dog detection surveys are a great method and could save you lots of headache down the road.

Home Sellers
Knotweed Services offers home sellers a comprehensive pre-sale check that identifies any potential problems that could derail the sale or open you up to liability.
We can also help and advise you with the TA6 section of the sellers form (this is a legally binding document).
Not completing the TA6 form correctly and truthfully can result in legal action and compensation claims. If you’re selling your property, you’re legally obliged to admit the presence of Japanese Knotweed. The canine team may provide reassurance of any Japanese knotweed growth on site.

Home Owners
We can help homeowners relax and feel confident that their most valuable investment is unaffected by knotweed.
If knotweed is found and identified, we will act swiftly to rectify it as quickly as possible. If you’re planning on extending your property, undertaking building works or landscaping work can proceed without hesitation or worry.

Developers
If you are a developer or construction company, it’s important to understand whether the land you are looking to purchase is affected by Japanese knotweed, and if it is, to have a plan for how to treat it.
We can help with all of that.
Canine Detection Solutions terms and conditions
Canine Detection Solutions provides detection dogs that are trained to help find Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica). Japanese knotweed detection dogs may indicate areas of live (also in a dormant state during winter months) and dead knotweed rhizomes and live stems. The Japanese detection dogs will not indicate dead stems. Dogs may indicate Japanese knotweed covered by vegetation, submerged in water or covered by soil. Areas indicated by Japanese knotweed detection dogs should be checked by specialists in the eradication of Japanese knotweed.
Any cancelation within 24hrs of the time of the survey commencement will result in a charge of 50% of the original fee. Any delays caused by inability to access required areas will be charged for at a standard rate.
A dynamic risk assessment is conducted during the search and we reserve the right to make a decision not to conduct a search in an area that could put our dog’s health and welfare at risk (for example an area containing objects with sharp edges that cannot be removed). We reserve the right to reschedule a search if the temperatures are above 25 degrees.
Capabilities
- May detect living and dead rhizomes of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) including rhizomes in a dormant state
- May detect the scent of Japanese knotweed fresh and living stems and whole plants
- May detect the scent of Japanese knotweed at a distance of several metres depending on the conditions within the work environment
- May detect early Japanese knotweed growth before it is detectable by the unaided human eye
- May detect Japanese knotweed under the ground level, other vegetation and partially submerged in water
Limitations
- Indicate the scent of knotweed and the point of maximum scent. This may need interpretation as scent can occasionally be moved by air currents from the point of origin.
- Scent will not travel through impermeable surfaces such as floor covered with tiles. However, it may be detected at the edge of an impermeable barrier
- May not work if there is a corrosive or choking dust or vapour. However Japanese knotweed detection dogs should not be put off by smells and may detect even small amounts of knotweed in the presence of other strong scents
- Some types of soil (such as clay) may supress the scent more than others e) Weather conditions may impact dog’s ability to detect the scent of Japanese knotweed