A wagging tail and soft fur are all a pet needs to lure you in. However, what follows isn’t always as pleasant. Find out what pests your pets bring inside.
Picture this: a sunny day, birds are singing, and there’s no better way to enjoy the weather than with a bit of gardening alongside a furry family member. While these moments may be heartwarming and adorable, pets can unintentionally introduce some not-so-cute guests into the home. Explore the various types of pests brought indoors by pets and how to handle these uninvited roommates.
The Furry Little Stowaways: Fleas
One of the most common pests pets can bring inside is fleas. Known for their impressive jumping abilities, these small insects easily hop onto a pet’s fur during outdoor play sessions. Unfortunately, fleas can lay eggs and multiply quickly, leading to infestations.
Itchy and Unwanted: Ticks
Often hiding in tall grasses and underbrush, ticks can quickly latch onto pets as they explore the great outdoors. These arachnids have a nasty habit of burrowing themselves into the pet’s skin, sucking their blood, and causing itchiness, inflammation, and potential diseases such as Lyme.
When Scavengers Strike: Mites
Mites are closely related to ticks but are smaller. Often found in soil and decaying plant materials, these tiny pests cling to pets playing in the garden. Mites cause skin irritation and hair loss and infest or damage the home if you don’t evict them.
The Unseen Guests: Ants
While not as irritating to pets as the previously mentioned pests, ants can still be a nuisance when they enter the home. Enticed by your pet’s food and water, ants may create trails throughout the house, leading to further infestation.
Protect Your Pets From Unwanted Pests
One way to protect pets from these unwanted pests is to start using veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention products. These are available in various forms, such as topical drops, oral treatments, and specialized collars. Regular grooming and inspection of your pets after being outdoors can also help identify and remove any hitchhikers before they make themselves at home.
Also, performing essential tasks at home can lower the risk of pests intruding on your home. One of the ways to protect pets from fleas, for example, is to perform indoor and outdoor maintenance. Cleaning and vacuuming your indoor space and keeping up with landscaping in areas where your pets frequently spend time is just as dire. Homeowners with pets and who love gardening have unique joys and challenges. Ensuring that beloved pets do not bring unwanted pests inside the house is crucial to maintaining a healthy, comfortable home environment. By staying informed about the common types of pests your pet brings inside the house, you and your four-legged friends can continue to enjoy the great outdoors without any uninvited guests tagging along.
