If you have pets, you understandably want to do all you can to protect them. While Phoenix is a great place to live due to the warm weather, recreational opportunities, and natural wonders, Phoenix is also home to a lot of pests, from spiders to scorpions. If you’ve spotted any pests on your property, your furry friends could be at risk. Call a pest control company in Phoenix AZ at the first sign so your pet doesn’t get hurt.
Here are some of the pests that are the most harmful to your pets.
Fleas
Fleas pose a big threat to cats and dogs as they latch onto their host and hitchhike a ride into your home. Fleas are hard to spot because they are so small, but be on the lookout for tiny black bugs that jump out of sight just as fast as they appear.
- > can cause flea bite dermatitis to your pets. This allergy to flea saliva causes itching and scratching, often resulting in scabs and infections.
- > Fleas can cause flea bite anemia. This is when fleas feed so much on your small dog or cat that they actually decrease your pets’ red blood cell count.
- > Your pet may ingest tapeworms. These are parasites that get into your pet’s system after they ingest a flea.
Tick
Ticks spread diseases to both humans and pets. Sadly, symptoms often go unnoticed in pets by their owners because they are unable to communicate what’s wrong. Common tick bite symptoms in animals include:
- Red, inflamed skin
- Itching
- Lethargy
- Change in mood
- Loss of appetite
Blood-borne diseases that can be transmitted include:
- Tick paralysis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Encephalitis
Snakes
Poisonous snakes can bite your pet and cause a range of symptoms, but even non-venomous snakes can traumatize your pet, resulting in increased aggression and behavioral issues. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is the most common snake in Phoenix.
Rodents
Rodents can pass on these diseases to your pet:
Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial disease that is transmitted through infected water. Salmonellosis: This is a contamination of food or water due to rat feces. Colorado Tick Fever: This is a viral disease transmitted by ticks that have fed on rats. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: This parasite is transmitted by sand flies that have fed on wild rats.
Scorpions
The Arizona bark scorpion can be deadly to both people and pets. If you hear your dog yelp in pain and then hold their paw up, they may have been stung by a scorpion. Once the venom takes hold, their eyes may get dilated and watery, and they may drool, tremble, have trouble breathing, or collapse. Get them to the vet immediately.
Local Phoenix Pest Control Company
If you spot any of these pests in your yard or home, call our skilled Mesa exterminators for advice and treatment. Get a free inspection when you contact us at 602-338-9223.