Pests are not just a nuisance. They can be a major health hazard to you and all of your pets. From tiny hitchhikers like fleas and ticks to larger uninvited house guests like rodents and other pests, they can hitch a ride into your home on your beloved fur babies. Many pet owners do not realize their cats and dogs can act as unintentional carriers of these troublesome pests.
However, it is important to understand how some pest issues are related to your pets, especially to keep your home as healthy as possible. At the same time, you should also speak to Saela Pest Control for professional help.
Common Pests Attracted by Pets
Here are some of the common pests that your pets might attract:
Fleas
Fleas are small, wingless insects that live by sucking blood from animals and humans. These resilient little bugs can jump as high as 13 horizontal inches and breed at an alarming rate. A mature female flea can lay as many as 50 eggs in one day. Under optimal conditions, the life cycle can progress from egg to larva, from pupa to adult, in as little as 14 days.
Your pets can bring home fleas when they have the type of outdoor adventures, through contact with other animals, or coming in from common places such as dog parks. Once they are on your pet, fleas soon start laying eggs that drop into carpets, bedding , and furniture. Furthermore, the fleas can multiply rapidly, and soon, your home can be a breeding ground for these fleas, which are hard to get rid of.
Ticks
Ticks are ectoparasites that attach to the skin of animals and humans and consume their blood. In contrast to fleas, ticks cling to their host for days while taking a meal. These pests are especially worrisome because they can spread potentially dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis to pets, as well as humans.
Pets usually come in contact with ticks in wooded regions, in high grass, and in brushy places. Ticks sit on vegetation and wait for a host to pass by, then attach to the host. Even city parks and yards can have ticks, particularly in parts of the country where there is wildlife, such as deer or rodents, that can carry ticks.
Rodents
Pets do not physically bring rodents into a home, but they can draw them in. Pet food left out overnight, open food containers, and even water bowls can be attractants for mice and rats. Some pet owners are also unaware that outdoor cat or dog feeding stations can establish a dependable food source for rodents, prompting them to relocate nearby and eventually gain access to the home.
Solutions to Prevent Pests From Pets
- Schedule quarterly or bi-annual wellness exams to catch infestations early
- Inspect your pet’s coat thoroughly after outdoor activities, especially in a wooded area
- Bathe pets as recommended by your veterinarian using appropriate products
- Clean feeding areas regularly to remove crumbs and spills
- Keep outdoor spaces tidy by removing leaf piles and keeping grass short
- Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water to kill eggs and larvae
- Brush your pet regularly to detect pests early and remove loose fur
- Store pet food in sealed containers rather than open bags
- Ask about seasonal pest risks in your specific geographic area
- Pick up food bowls after feeding rather than leaving them out
Concluding Thoughts
After all, you and your pets do not need any unwanted pests in your bond. Knowing why your pets could be luring these critters in the first place can help you prevent it from happening to your beloved pet. Keeping up with grooming, vet, and home maintenance is a three-step checkup process that dramatically decreases the chance of pest activity.
If you are still finding evidence of pests after your attempts at pest-proofing, reach out to a pest control service that can help (and use pet-friendly methods). With proper care, you can enjoy the presence of your pets without the presence of unwanted pests.
