Pets, Pests and Winter Weather: What You Need to Know

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During the winter months when fleas and mosquitoes infestations are less likely, we tend to slack off on worrying about pests on our pets. But the fact is that in many parts of the country, like Alabama, it stays warm enough for insects to stay alive outside. Get tips on controlling pests in the winter when you have pets.

Keep Pets Away From Certain Places

Pests hide in different places during the winter, and they seek out warmth wherever they can find it. If your pet is hanging out in an area where insects are likely to be hiding during the winter, their warm little bodies could attract bugs. Do your best to keep pets away from:

  • Sheds
  • Firewood Stacks
  • Stumps
  • Around the home’s exterior
  • Garages

Maintain Their Regular Flea, Tick and Mosquito Control

It’s important to keep your pet on their regular flea, tick and/or mosquito control even in the dead of winter. Insects like fleas are very resilient and they would love the opportunity to spend the winter inside your warm house where they can live comfortably. Even if they aren’t able to get inside, fleas can survive in temperatures as low as 35 degrees. Ticks can survive outside in temperatures as low as 45 degrees. Keeping control constant is the best way to guarantee that certain pests don’t become a problem.

Do Regular Checks for Pests

In the wintertime we’re less likely to shave, bathe and groom our pets because they aren’t shedding as much and it’s cold out. This gives bugs the opportunity to hitch rides on your pet and hang out for awhile. Regular brushing will help prevent pests – just make sure to do it outside.

 Shake Out Outerwear

It’s more common these days for owners to shield their pets from the cold with jackets, sweaters and booties. This protective gear is effective at keeping pets warm, but it also gives bugs another way to latch on. Before bringing your pet back inside remove the outerwear and give it a good shake to dislodge any bugs.

 Keep Pet Areas Clean

Like people, our pets have their favorite hangouts around the house. Usually this is their beds, couches, or rugs. Vacuum these spots regularly to get rid of insects that are using your pets for warmth.

Regular indoor and outdoor pest control treatments can also help keep insects off your pests. At Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, Inc. we use treatments that are safe for people and pets so that bugs are the only things affected.

Original source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/garden-pest-control/pets-pests-and-winter-weather-what-you-need-to-know/