What types of Wisconsin pests can harm your pets?
25th Feb 2022
Our pets are an extension of our family. We care for them just as we would for any other family member. While we often think of human health and safety when we find pests in the home or in our yard, there are a few pests in northeast Wisconsin that are harmful to our pets as well. We want to help you understand which pests and rodents to keep away from your pets and what you can do if it’s too late.
Which pests in northeast Wisconsin are harmful to my pets?
Cats are known for chasing down a mouse or two and some people believe they should be used as a form of pest control, However, ingesting mice can have serious consequences to your cat. Mice carry many awful diseases from parasites to infections that can be transferred to your pet.
Raccoons
Raccoons make cute characters in children’s movies, but they are not an animal to be messed with. They are known to attack cats and dogs which could lead to rabies being transmitted to them. Always try to avoid having your pets near raccoons.
Ticks
Most common in wooded or long grassy areas, ticks will often hop onto your pet as they go by. Once latched to your pet, they can stay on for 3 to 11 days until they are fully engorged. Ticks are very dangerous to pets and can lead to rare paralysis, Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis. After every adventure, you should check your pet for ticks and remove them right away if you do find them.
Caterpillars
While caterpillars are hardly on anyone’s radar as a dangerous pest, they can be fatal to a pet. Some types of caterpillars can sting and transmit venom to pets while others have microscopic hairs that can get stuck in a pet’s mouth or throat which can cause them to gag.
Spiders are very common in the Fox Cities, just look at any lamplight during the summer. Knowing which spiders can cause harm is important. Wisconsin only has two poisonous spiders – Northern Widow and the Brown Recluse. Both can cause neuromuscular damage to your pet with one bite.
Cockroaches tend to stay away from pets. However, they love your pets’ food. If they are sharing the same food bowl, roaches will leave bacteria and viral diseases behind on the food. The best way to avoid this problem is by keeping the food bowl out for mealtime and putting it away after.
Luckily, these bugs do not bite or sting but if your dog or cat eats enough of them, it could lead to an upset stomach or cause problems to their digestive system.
Ants can cause allergic reactions to your pets from their bites. Fire ants can especially cause lethal reactions. If you notice ants in your home, they more than likely will welcome themselves into your pets’ food which can lead to them biting your pets’ face and your pet not wanting to eat anymore.
This is no surprise as fleas are one of the most common pests that are harmful to pets. Fleas come into contact with your pets in one of two ways, being in contact with another animal with fleas or from an encounter in the environment which is often your yard. Fleas love cool to warm temperatures with high humidity making Wisconsin the ideal place to live for most of the year.
What should I do if my pet comes into contact with pests?
If your pet has come into contact with any of these pests, keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms such as:
- Swollen face or mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Rash
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Other behaviors not characteristic of your pet
If they start displaying any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
Let K&C Pest Control help you keep your pet safe!
We’re here to help! Pest control is the most effective way to help keep your pets safe. If you have any pests in your home or yard you need assistance with, contact K&C Pest Control.