Pests are a nuisance, not just for homeowners but also for their furry friends! So, it is essential to have a pest control company inspect your space and take appropriate measures before it’s too late. However, the task may...
Pests are a nuisance, not just for homeowners but also for their furry friends!
So, it is essential to have a pest control company inspect your space and take appropriate measures before it’s too late. However, the task may be much more challenging if you have pets at home.
For instance, when purchasing pet-safe pest control products, you need to watch out for ingredients like DEET, metaldehyde, etc. While they may be ideal for repelling pests, they are equally dangerous to your beloved pets.
Similarly, selecting pest control professionals must ensure their methods are pet-safe. So, without further ado, let’s get straight into the detail.
Pests You Must Get Rid Of
Now, before we learn how to get rid of those critters, we must recognise the ones that pose a threat to your pets. Some of them may not be visible to the naked eye but knowing how they affect your pets may help you realise their presence before things get out of hand.
1. Fleas
Does your pet feel itchy and irritated throughout the day? It’s probably because tiny fleas hide within your pet’s fur or on your carpet. They cause your pets to scratch all over their body, often wounding themselves. And since the itchiness never stops, your pets may create open wounds, inviting more infections.
As if that wasn’t enough, these fleas sometimes carry bacteria and tapeworms, causing cat-scratch fever. To combat the issue, you can opt for an effective and affordable flea control service and maintain the yard/garden to protect your pets further.
2. Ticks
These pests can bite dogs and cats and transmit pathogens that cause many diseases, including Lyme disease. This condition, if left untreated, can
negatively impact your pets’ organs and joints.
Although ticks are not the sole reason behind Lyme disease, controlling their population in the yard or your home can help safeguard your pets. Hence, we recommend opting for exterior flea and tick control to reduce your pet’s exposure to these nasty pests.
3. Mosquitoes
While occasional scratching caused by mosquito bites may not be a major issue, heartworms transmitted through mosquitoes can cause fatal illnesses among pets. Mosquitoes usually carry the larvae, which get transferred to pets, especially your canine companions.
As such, it is essential to invest in exterior mosquito control to control the mosquito population and prevent the risk of heartworms.
Is Pest Control Safe For Pets?
The answer to this question largely depends on the type of pest control service you opt for. While professional pet control may be effective on pests, you must take certain
measures to ensure the process does not harm your pets.
However, you will be pleased to know that most professionals can efficiently identify pests and decide the appropriate action plan. They are skilled enough to know the right way
to tackle these pests while ensuring the safety of children and pets in the vicinity.
Besides vacating the area, here’s what you can do for a completely pet-friendly pest control process:
Discuss your concerns and requirements with the pest control expert Once the pest control service is over, ensure that your pets stay away from the treated area for some hours. It is best to remove treats, food, your pets’ bowls, bedding, toys, etc., from the treated areas. Cover or shift any fish tanks, reptile cages and dog houses before the pest control service begins.
How To Prevent Pests
1. Inspect Your Pet After A Walk
Walks and playtime are essential for maintaining your pet’s health. However, when it’s time to step in, make sure you inspect them thoroughly. Look through their fur to check for mites,
ticks, fleas and other critters. You can even brush their coat to remove pests, dirt, debris and more.
Doing so is necessary during warmer seasons and if your pet roamed through areas with tall grass and trees. These conditions are ideal for pests to breed, so it’s best to be vigilant.
Moreover, if your pets have long hair, consider getting them trimmed and groomed. This will kill any pests hanging on their hair and make it easier for you to check them after every walk.
2. Maintain Proper Hygiene
A clean body is a healthy body. While this is a popular saying among humans, it also holds true for pets. So, ensure you’re bathing your furry buddies regularly to maintain their hygiene and
comfort. We recommend using a specifically designed shampoo to kill and prevent pests.
3. Clean Your Yard Regularly
Adding to the previous point, maintaining clean and hygienic conditions is a sure shot way to get rid of pests and prevent them from recurring. So, after your kids and pets are done playing
outside, make sure to clean up any clutter and do not leave any food around.
4. Clean Your Pet’s Belongings
Bedding, toys, food bowls – ensure you clean everything that comes in contact with your pets. We further recommend storing pet food in airtight containers to avoid pest
infestation. These nasty creatures love it when you leave food outside and may even hide in them.
5. Beware Of Insects And Wildlife In The Vicinity
Both dogs and cats enjoy playing “treasure hunt” out in the wild or in any area with lots of vegetation. Again, this practice makes them more prone to catching diseases caused by pests. While it may be difficult to control what they do outdoors, try to ensure they do not carry any of their “treasures” inside!
Keep Your Pet Safe and Home Pest-Free
Lastly, watch out for changes in your pet’s behaviour, lack of appetite, skin irritation and redness, etc. And consult a veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the symptoms
above. They will be able to treat your pets effectively and prescribe preventative medicine.
However, in the worst-case scenario, if pests infest your entire house, the best solution is to contact a licensed pest control
professional. And if you are on the Gold Coast, there is no one better than GC Pest Control!