Do you have a dog or a cat? Your pet may have had fleas at one time and you probably medicate him or her for tick prevention on a regular basis. While most are aware that critters like ticks and fleas are obvious irritants to our pets, there are some other pests that can affect your furry friend.

Pests can be harmful to animals due to the potential risk of viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. Some of these diseases and viruses can be fatal or cause life-long complications that can make your animal’s life less enjoyable. Here are some of the most common pests for pets – a few you likely know about and some that might surprise you.

Fleas

Fleas feast on blood and often choose dogs and cats as one of their favorite blood sources. They reproduce rapidly, so it is hard to keep them off once a single flea has latched onto your pet’s fur. Fleas can jump hundreds of yards from host to host, so it is quite easy for animals to come in contact with fleas through other animals or the environment.

Ticks

Ticks are similar to fleas in the way that they use animals as a food source for blood, although they are more harmful since they also carry bacteria and diseases. Female ticks are uniquely harmful since they are capable of releasing a toxin that can potentially paralyze your pet.

Flea and tick control should be taken seriously when an infestation is first detected, since it could lead to more serious health concerns.

Other Common Pests that Harm Pets

The most common pests aside from fleas and ticks that harm pets include cockroaches, ants, and mosquitoes. These pests can live both inside your home where your pet sleeps and relaxes or outside where they play and run. So, whether your pet lives inside or outside, there is truly no escape from these pesky creatures.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches and other bugs can be harmful to your pet upon ingestion. Additionally, they pose a risk of contaminating your pet’s food or water. Not only do they carry different bacteria and diseases that are harmful to humans, but they also carry parasites that can cause stomach worms in animals.

Ants

Most ant bites are harmless. However, fire ant bites can result in severe consequences that can have lasting effects on your family and pets. Fire ant venom can be deadly to smaller animals and humans with known allergens. Symptoms of fire ant bites include collapsing, fatigue, and anaphylaxis.

Mosquitos

Many may not know that mosquitoes can bite animals just as they bite humans. Mosquitos are known to transmit various diseases, and they can also be heartworm carriers. In extreme cases, if left untreated, heartworms can result in death.

How 247 Local Pest Control Can Help

Have a pest problem in your home that is affecting you and/or your furry friend(s)? At 247 Local Pest Control, our trained professionals will analyze your pest control needs and come up with a personalized plan for your household. Our team of expert technicians will provide a free inspection and work to create a plan to eliminate your pests. At 247 Local Pest Control, we help homeowners just like you get rid of pests in their homes all year round. If you find that you are having a problem with insects or pests, and need an exterminator, call 247 Local Pest Control at (833) 220-1001 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office!