Having a pet makes a home happier and cozier and brings a lot of joy, companionship, and love. On the other hand, pets bring unwanted guests – pests that bother you, your family, and your pets. Many people noticed bugs they had never had before right after keeping pets, but did not understand the link. Pets often walk outside, where they meet different insects and parasites and bring them home; some of those pests could hitch a ride on your pet’s fur or skin. 

Nearly 78% of surveyed pet owners find at least some type of pest on their pets at least once a year. These pests cause lots of negative consequences: they make your pet itch or have an allergic reaction, and can even lead to infection. For humans, they cause discomfort through bites, also irritate your skin, and can transmit diseases. 

Understanding the problem allows taking relevant measures to prevent it while still keeping a pet. If the problem is severe, saelapest.com can find a solution that would have an impact on your family and pets.

Do Pets Bring Pests To Your Home?

Yes, pets can indeed carry pests into your home. Dogs and cats who spend time outside can accumulate fleas, ticks, mites, and insects in their fur and skin. That risk is not entirely hypothetical. Some 25% of homes with pets end up facing some kind of pest infestation because of their animals.

These parasites do not just remain on your pets. They are capable of jumping or crawling off and making themselves at home in your carpets, furniture, bedding, or other warm spots throughout your home. A few bugs, just like pet food, water bowls, or waste. No, this does not mean you should not have pets; it just means knowing this helps you with prevention.

How Do Pets Bring Pests Inside?

  1. Through Their Fur and Skin

Furry pets are the ideal hiding spot for these small intruders. Fleas, ticks, and mites can hold on to the coat and be carried into the home. Once there, the fleas can hop off and seek out new hiding spots in your home’s carpeting, furniture, or bedding. These hitchhikers are especially likely to be found on dogs that dig in backyards or cats that venture into outdoor spaces.

  1. Direct Contact with Other Animals

Your pets can spread pests to other animals when they make contact on walks, in parks, or even in your backyard. Fleas can jump from one animal to another in a matter of seconds, and ticks can make the leap during close contact, whether it is in untamed grass or a woodsy thicket.

  1. Through Outdoor Exploration

Outdoor pets may look into the nests of wildlife, garbage, or other areas where pests are present. Even just strolling through patchy grass can land those hitchhiking ticks on your pet, who then carries them into your house.

How to Protect Both Your Pet and Home?

  1. Regular Pet Treatments

Consistently use flea and tick preventatives as recommended by your veterinarian. Methods range from topical treatment, oral medication to protective collars. Take this medication regularly on the schedule prescribed by your doctor, and do not miss doses. This is a first level of defense against crawling pests before they have a chance to invade your home.

  1. Home Maintenance

Thoroughly vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture, especially in the places your pet is most likely to sit or lie. Wash your pet’s bedding once a week in hot water. Keep up with yard maintenance to keep potential pest hideaways in check. First of all, get the pet food out of there after the animals eat, as the food will attract ants and other insects.

  1. Routine Inspections

After going outside, inspect your pets for parasites regularly. Peer into their fur, around their ears, between their toes, and by the tail. The earlier you spot the problem, the easier it is to get rid of the infestation before it sets up shop in your home.

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