Pests have been a nuisance to man for as long as they have coincided. They have reigned destruction on crops, gardens, structures, and property, as well as influenced allergies, spread diseases and ailments, delivered venom, and struck fear in babes. The problem with pests, is that most have the capability of reproduction at an alarming rate and they are all drawn to different elements. Some prefer darkness, others light, some have preferential climates, and others are drawn to convenience. Along with these examples, there are some pests that are attracted to the pets in your home. Today, we at Stewart Termite and Pest Control would like shine the light on some of the more common pests that are attracted to your pets in the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.
Ticks, Fleas, Flies, Lice & Mites; Pests Attracted to Pets
1) Ticks. Ticks are one of the most common offenders throughout the country, including Pennsylvania, that are inflicting your pets. There four common types of ticks in the area, including; Blacklegged (aka Deer) Tick, American Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, and Groundhog Tick. No matter what species, they are capable of health risks. Some of which include Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Tularemia, Erlichiosis, Tick Paralysis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks belong to the arachnid family and despite popular belief, do not fly, jump, or fall on people and animals, but actually cling on the tips of grass and shrubs, quickly latching on a host as they pass by, and utilize their incredible climbing skills to traverse the body as they search for an optimal feeding spot where they attach and begin to feast.
2) Fleas. Throughout Pennsylvania, dog, cat and human fleas are the locals, but cat fleas are by far the most common fleas engaging in pets of many types as well as people. They are under ¼” long and are brown in color, making them difficult to spot. Their bites inflict chronic itching and skin irritation, especially those who have allergies, but they also have been linked to different ailments as well.
3) Flies. Flies are not a huge threat, but since flies are attracted to feces, your pet’s excrement is drawing them in and biting flies will often deliver just that. Bites that can result in uncomfortable welts on your pets. Fly bites can irritate your dog’s skin, cause anemia and spread infections. In some rare cases, flies can lay eggs in the skin of pets, inflicting your furry loved ones with maggots. Keeping the poop picked up and properly disposed of can significantly reduce the fly population.
4) Lice. Lice are more prevalent in puppies, older dogs, long hair dogs, and dogs in poor health and living conditions. Lice is usually obvious as you can see the insects, but other symptoms include itching, dry, rough, and matted coats, in extreme cases hair loss.
5) Mites. An infestation of mites on your pets can cause a disease known as mange which causes the skin to look scaly and inflamed as well as sores, and bald patches throughout the their bodies. Mites are microscopic, so cuing in on the symptoms is the only way to nip infestations.
6) Cockroaches, Ants, Wildlife. Cockroaches, ants, rodents, birds, and other local wildlife often are drawn in by the scent of your pet food, as they look for a convenient meal and pet food left out most the day fits the bill. Most of these pests transfer disease, bacteria, and germs by making contact on surfaces as well as through bodily waste.
Professional Pest Management
If you believe there are infestations contributed to the pests attracted to your pets, contact Stewart Termite and Pest Control today and let our experts come to your assistance.