Were you aware that May is “National Pet Month”?

 

Lots of us own pets, from cats to snakes and because of this we can also from time to time get uninvited pests including ticks and other vermin. In Arizona we don’t get fleas very often but we do encounter ticks on a regular basis. So what can you do to stop those infestations from happening to your home.

1. Don’t leave food out for feral cats, this may bring in other unwanted pests.
2. If you see holes in the yard check for Pocket gophers, they can damage plants and bring in pests.
3. Even birds like pigeons can bring in pests, don’t allow them them to live on your roof.
4. Bats can make your attic a home, seal and block all access into your attic. Bat Bugs can take up residence within your attic and if you get rid of the bats, the Bat Bugs may come into your home space.
5. Check your pets frequently for signs of fleas or ticks. You can use over the counter medicines but if you do please mention this to your Pest Management Professional – some of those products may contain a similar products and cause an overdose to the pet.
6. Keep grass or vegetation trimmed around the home.
7. Don’t become a hoarder, keep debris away from the home and discourage rodent activity.
8. Never place firewood next to your home, don’t invite rodents or pests near the home. If you use firewood only bring in what you plan on using right away.
9. If you have rodents, it may lead to snakes. Snakes have to eat so don’t encourage them to come to your house.
10. Don’t allow water to stand, mosquitoes can bite and transit diseases and parasites to your pets.