What Kind of Pests are Attracted to Dogs and Cats?

Having the plush companionship of a pet can be a life altering experience. Unfortunately, the skittering friends they invite into your home can also be life altering, though in a decidedly more negative context. Below are a few gnarly examples of critters you’ll want to be wary of your dog or cat dragging in.

What Kind of Pests are Attracted to Dogs and Cats?

Fleas

The most obvious pest that your dog or cat may bring in is the infamous flea. Where there’s one flea, there’s bound to be many more, and particularly bad infestations will feature fleas living within the carpet and other plush furniture, eager to nip at your ankles. Pets can track in fleas easily from grassy areas, which is why keeping up with a flea treatment plan is important. If you’re infested with an onslaught of pests you can’t manage, it’s also important to consider consulting a professional pest control agency, as home remedies are often ineffective.

Ticks

Ticks are particularly insidious because they can hide so easily. If your dog or cat goes outside regularly, they may be apt to pick up a clinging tick that will hitch a ride and suck on their blood. Certain companies, like Fowler Pest Control, know that ticks can be difficult to notice immediately, for both humans and pets alike. If you live in rural community surrounded by forested areas, ticks are even more likely to infiltrate your home.

Bed Bugs

Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs are not known to carry infectious diseases like Lyme disease. While they may be relatively safe physically, they can certainly influence a family’s mental health negatively. This is because bed bugs are incredibly difficult to fully eradicate. Capable of living for a year without a blood meal, bed bugs love to hide in crevices and feed when people are least active. While they don’t latch onto skin like ticks, they can still travel into your home on the back of your pet without notice.

Rats

You may be surprised to find that insects aren’t the only pests that can be lured into your home by pets. When small mammals notice there are other furry animals living in your environment, they’re more likely to become curious and investigate. Rodents like rats, mice and even raccoons may wander into your yard and doors in pursuit of kibble, water and a warm home.

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the risk of your pets bringing home pests, you can curtail the issue by using veterinarian approved flea and tick repellents, as well as limiting your pet’s time outside. Be sure to bathe dogs regularly and also consider using diatomaceous earth around your home and even on your pet’s fur. Diatomaceous earth is safe for pets and humans as long as it’s food grade, and it works well by killing insects on a mechanical level rather than a chemical one.