Since the arrival of the pandemic, we’ve all been spending more time at home than ever before. Working from home has become the new normal, and with more time on our hands, many of us have decided to adopt a pet.
According to the latest COVID-19 Pulse Study conducted by the American Pet Products Association, over 11 million households adopted a pet in 2020, and ¾ of pet owners reported that spending time with their pet helped reduce stress.
When you’re a pet owner, it comes as no surprise that your furry friend tracks in some mud, or maybe even a stick. But what many new pet owners might not be aware of is what else your pets can track inside without your knowledge: pests.
Don’t stress! Check out these simple pest prevention tips and information to help put your mind at ease.
Common Critter Culprits
There are many types of pests that can hitch a ride inside your house via your pet, so it’s important to know what type of pests you could be dealing with. The most common (and annoying) intruders are fleas, but other pests, like mosquitoes and ticks, pose serious risks to your pet.
Mosquito bites are the only way your pet can contract heartworms, which can result in a dangerous and sometimes deadly disease. That means mosquitoes are public enemy #1 for pet owners. Getting a regular mosquito treatment for your yard will help control the mosquito population in your area, protecting your pet from these blood-sucking pests and giving you peace of mind.
Ticks, on the other hand, pose a threat to your pet and your family. According to the CDC, there are more than 30,000 cases of tick-borne disease reported each year. From Lyme disease to Rocky Mountain fever, there are numerous illnesses that could be transmitted to you and your family when your pets unwittingly track in ticks.
Pet Pest Prevention Tips
While scheduling regular pest control treatment is the most effective option for keeping your home pest-free, we’ve put together a list of some ways you can be proactive to help keep pests away from your pets. Check ‘em out!
1. Inspect your pet’s food, water, and any bedding for bugs or other pests. Remove any bedding/toys with signs of pest activity.2. Store pet food in sealed containers, as it can often attract pantry pests, rodents, and roaches.
3. Seal up any cracks and crevices to keep bugs from finding their way inside.
4. Fix leaky plumbing and remove areas of standing water in or near your home.
5. Watch your pets carefully when they are outdoors, and keep them away from long grass or dense brush.
6. Make sure your pet has the necessary pest-prevention medication for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
7. Be sure all leaves and debris are cleared from your yard and bushes are trimmed to reduce tick activity in your area.
8. Check your pet for fleas and ticks each time they come inside.
Pet-Friendly Pest Control
If these tips aren’t keeping the pests at bay, we’re here for you. Luckily, Terminix offers pet-friendly pest treatments, so you can safely protect your yard and house while keeping your pet safe too.
Our safe and effective treatment is one of the best ways to keep your furry BFFs protected!
The bottom line: You can’t always control what your pet brings inside, but you can make sure it’s not pests! Quarterly pest control treatment with the professionals in addition to implementing the tips above can help you protect your home from any particularly determined pest intruders.
Contact us today for your free inspection, and get peace of mind for you and your pets.