While everyone loves their household pet, they can also add another layer to your pest control struggles. Pets require food and water that is often left unattended, which can attract unwanted rodents and insects. They can also carry harmful pests like fleas and ticks into the house. All pet owners should learn these special precautions for keeping their house pest free, and their pets safe during a visit by a pest management professional.
Remove Sources of Food and Water
One of the most common reasons pests find their way into your home is the presence of open food or water for them to feed on. Make sure any leaks from exposed or dripping pipes are cleaned up, and don’t leave leftover food sitting out for long. When your pet is finished with their food, clean it up immediately, and the same goes for bowls of water. Keeping your house dry and crumb-free will go a long way toward preventing unwelcome pests.
Check Dogs for Ticks
Ticks are one of the more unpleasant pests that are often carried into your home accidentally. Ticks feed on dogs who attach themselves to the skin, and then breed elsewhere. They carry diseases that can make both yourself and your pet very ill. Always remember to check your dog for ticks before coming inside.
If you do find that you have a tick problem in your yard, Bain’s pest management professionals are trained to help you control it. We will conduct a thorough perimeter evaluation.
Enclosed Traps
When you have an insect or rodent problem, the natural remedy is to buy traps, or apply pesticides. However, if you have a pet, you need to be cognizant of their safety. Open mousetraps can injure a pet by accident, and some pesticides can be dangerous if not applied properly. If you’re using traps, make sure to keep them out of reach of pets, or better yet, use an enclosed trap to minimize the risk of serious injury to a curious paw or nose.
For insect or rodent control, it’s important to do some research. Always keep pest control materials out of pets’ reach, but to be safe, choose materials that have an antidote. Many are extremely toxic if accidentally consumed by pets, but some contain special bacteria that make them safer options.
Prepare Pets for Treatment
If you hire a pest management professional to treat your home, it’s important to make them aware of your pet so they can take necessary precautions. They will be able to provide you with information regarding the techniques and solutions they use, and will know whether or not they can be harmful to your pet.
If you suspect you have a pest problem, contact the pest management professionals at Bain for an evaluation.