Pest-proofing applies not only to your home but also to your pet’s house. After all, pets are also vulnerable to various pests, including fleas, ticks, and mites, which can cause discomfort, skin problems and even transmit diseases.
By ensuring your pet’s house is free from these pests, you’re not only providing a safer environment for your pet but also preventing potential health issues that could affect the entire household.
Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your pet’s house pest-free.
Regularly Cleaning Your Pet’s House
It’s a no-brainer that regularly maintaining your pet’s home is one of the best ways to safeguard your pets from pests. This includes cleaning and ensuring that the materials and products used are non-toxic and designed to deter pests.
For instance, baking soda is an effective and non-toxic way to clean your pet’s home and remove odors.
Here’s How To Clean Your Pet’s House With Baking Soda:
- Prep the Space: Start by clearing out bedding, toys, and any other items. Wash these separately with pet-safe detergent as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remove Loose Debris: Sweep or vacuum the interior to get rid of dust, dirt, and pet hair. For outdoor houses, also clear surrounding debris.
- Apply Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda across the pet house’s floors and walls. Target odorous or stained spots with a bit more to tackle problem areas effectively.
- Scrub for a Deep Clean: For stubborn stains, create a paste with baking soda and water. Scrub these spots gently with the paste for a thorough clean.
- Let It Work: Allow the baking soda to sit and absorb odors for at least 15 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Clean Off the Residue: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth to remove baking soda. If you’ve used the paste, a few rinses might be needed to clear the area fully.
- Dry It Out: Before bringing items back in, make sure the pet house is completely dry to prevent mold or mildew. Air drying or towel drying can expedite this process.
- Restock the House: Once dry, replenish the house with clean bedding and toys. Your pet’s space is now ready and welcoming.
Use DIY Pet-Friendly Pest Control
Traditional pest control methods such as chemical sprays and rodenticides may not exactly be safe for your fur buddies. These substances can contain harmful toxins if ingested or inhaled by pets, leading to potential health risks ranging from mild irritations to severe poisoning.
Surprisingly, household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and diatomaceous earth are actually DIY pest control staples. These substances offer a non-toxic alternative to traditional pest control, ensuring your pets’ environments remain safe and comfortable.
Some ways to use these natural pest control ingredients are quite simple yet effective. For instance, vinegar can be diluted with water to create a spray that repels fleas and ants when applied around pet bedding and entry points.
Baking soda can be sprinkled directly on carpets and pet bedding, left to sit for a few hours to absorb odors and kill fleas, and then vacuumed up.
Diatomaceous earth can be applied to dry areas prone to pest infestation, such as under pet beds or along baseboards, to effectively control pests without endangering your pets.
Calling Pest Control Professionals
While DIY solutions can be effective for minor pest issues, there are times when the infestation is beyond what natural remedies can handle. This is when calling pest control specialists becomes not just a choice but a necessity.
Expert exterminators have access to more potent solutions that can eradicate pests thoroughly without putting your pets at risk. They’re trained to identify the types of pests invading your space and the appropriate treatments to apply.
Make sure to communicate your needs regarding pet safety upfront. A reputable pest control company will be more than willing to accommodate these requirements, ensuring your home becomes pest-free while keeping your pets safe.
Fortify Your Furry Friend’s House
A responsible pet parent pest proofs his pet’s house. You can create a safe and comfy environment for your furry friends through regular cleaning routines and pet-friendly pest control methods.
Moreover, being proactive in pest-proofing makes you hit two birds with one stone. It benefits your pets’ health and contributes to a pest-free household for the entire family.
While DIY solutions can be effective for minor pest issues, seeking professional pest control services is needed for more severe cases. Work with pest control experts who prioritize pet safety and ensure your home becomes pest-free.
With these efforts combined, you can fortify your pet’s house against pests, providing them with a sanctuary where they can thrive.
