Our pets are beloved members of our families, but they can unintentionally bring certain pests back into our homes. Understanding the types of pests your furry friends might encounter and learning how to prevent these unwelcome guests from making themselves at home in your home is important. So without further ado, we will highlight the common pests and then discuss ways to protect your home.
Common Pests Your Pets Might Bring Home
Fleas
Fleas are one of the most common pests that affect pets, especially cats and dogs. These tiny insects can cause intense itching, leading to skin inflammation, infections and even serious conditions like anemia or flea allergy dermatitis. Fleas are also known carriers of tapeworms, which can be passed on to your pets.
Adults lay their eggs on your pets, and these eggs can fall off into your home’s environment, such as carpets, pet bedding and furniture. With just a single flea, it can lay up to 20 eggs a day and these eggs hatch within 2 to 14 days, making flea infestations hard to control. Therefore, it’s essential to act quickly if you notice any signs of fleas to prevent a full blown infestation that could take weeks or even months to eradicate.
Ticks
Ticks are another extremely common threat to pets, particularly in areas with tall grass or dense vegetation. These pests latch onto the skin of animals and humans, feeding on their blood. Ticks are notorious for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease, which can cause severe health issues in both pets and humans. Regularly checking your pets for ticks after they’ve been outdoors is vital for their health and safety.
Mosquitoes
These are more than just a summer nuisance as they can also pose a significant threat to your pets. It’s commonly known that they breed in stagnant water, so it’s crucial to eliminate any standing water around your home to reduce their population. These insects are carriers of heartworm larvae, which they can transmit to dogs and cats through bites.
Preventing Pest Infestations in Your Home
Maintain a Clean Environment
One of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering your home is by keeping your pet’s environment clean. Regularly vacuum your home, focusing on areas where your pets spend most of their time, such as upholstered furniture, baseboards and crevices where fleas might hide. Keeping your lawn trimmed and garden well maintained also helps eliminate breeding grounds for pests like ticks and fleas.
Avoid Attracting Wildlife
Wild animals like feral cats, raccoons, and possums can carry fleas and other pests into your yard. To prevent these animals from entering your space, ensure that your garbage is secured, and avoid leaving food outside that might attract them. By discouraging wildlife from entering your yard, you reduce the risk of pests hitching a ride into your home on your pets.
Regular Pet Inspections and Hygiene
After spending time outdoors be sure to inspect your pets for any signs of pests or bite marks. Brushing their fur and giving them regular baths with flea and tick shampoos can help keep these pests at bay. Ensuring your pet’s hygiene is maintained is not only good for their health but also helps in early detection of any pest related issues.
Keep Pet Belongings Clean
Your pet’s bedding, toys and food bowls should be washed regularly to prevent pests from settling in. Leftover pet food can attract insects such as ants or cockroaches, so make sure to dispose of any uneaten food promptly and store the rest in sealed containers. If you have outdoor pets, such as dogs or horses, ensure they have fresh water daily to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water.
Professional Pest Control Solutions
If despite your best efforts, pests still manage to invade your home then it’s important to seek professional pest control services. We understand the unique challenges of keeping pests out of your home and offer pet/eco friendly solutions tailored to your needs.