When we talk about bed bugs, we usually focus on the effect these bugs have on humans. But bed bugs don’t feed exclusively on humans. Like other blood-feeding insects, they will feed on any mammal in order to get a blood meal. If you have a pet, here are a few things you should know.
Are bed bugs dangerous to pets?
Bed bugs feed on dogs and cats when they can’t get a blood meal from a human, so they can leave itchy welts on your pet. While bed bugs are a low disease threat, those itchy welts can lead to skin irritation and dermatological issues.
Do flea and tick products stop bed bugs?
While we can’t cite a study that has been done on this topic, pet owners say no. Numerous bites have been found on pets with collars, and on pets that have had a regular tick and flea baths.
Are bed bug checks a good preventative measure for bed bugs?
While routine checks for fleas and ticks are a great idea, they do not have much of an effect on bed bugs. Here are three reasons you’re not likely to see bed bugs on your pet.
- Though bed bugs can feed at any time of day, they prefer to feed at night.
- Bed bugs do not choose a host creature. They feed about three times and only for around 5 minutes each time.
- Though bed bugs can feed on any mammal, they prefer humans when humans are around.
The Part Your Pet Plays In The Spread Of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs don’t live in your yard, so you don’t have to worry about your pets picking up bed bugs from outside and bringing them back in, the way they do with fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
Since bed bugs don’t stay on a host, you don’t have to worry too much about your pet picking up a bed bug when you go somewhere where bed bugs are present. It is more likely that bed bugs will climb into a pocketbook, backpack, pants pocket, or some other hiding spot.
Pest Control That Protects Pets From Bed Bugs
There are no veterinarian prescribed bed bug products and no methods that help to prevent bed bug bites on cats and dogs. The only solutions is to exterminate all the bed bugs in the home. This is best done by a professional pest control technician.
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