Any time of year, homeowners strive to control the pests that invade their yards, decks, garages, and basements, but with the approach of winter, most take extra steps to keep critters from moving inside to escape cold temperatures. Unfortunately, some of the tried-and-true methods of ridding our homes of overwintering pests are dangerous for our pets.
Consider the following common pest issues homeowners address at this time of year, and ensure your pets are safe from accidental poisoning.
Rodents – gophers, mice, rats
Rodents are notorious for seeking out sheltered spaces to overwinter, making your garage, shed, and basement crawlspace prime locations. Unfortunately, these also are places where your dogs or cats may roam, so any poisonous bait should be placed in areas that are not reachable to your pets. Mice and rat bait is typically an anticoagulant and contains cereal grains and peanut butter, which are as tempting to your pets as they are to rodents, and potentially just as deadly. Vets also caution the possibility of relay toxicity, as some dogs and frequently cats may eat rodents that have been killed by the bait. Small pets especially could eat enough mice poisoned by bait to experience secondary effects from these toxic chemicals. Keep a close eye on pets if you choose to use rodenticides to control rodents in and around your home.
Clothes moths
Mothballs of the past contained naphthalene, which is highly toxic to pets. Today’s mothballs usually contain paradichlorobenzene, although naphthalene-laced mothballs are still available. While paradichlorobenzene is considered less harmful, both products are toxic to pets and can be deadly depending on how much is ingested. Pets who get into mothballs may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain, tremors, and possible kidney and liver failure. If clothes moths are a problem in your home, you may want to consider other options, such as insecticide-free moth traps.
Slugs and snails
Slugs and snails continue to do damage in gardens well into the fall as they favor cool moist locations to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, the bait used to control them is a remarkably common source of poisoning for pets. Snail and slug bait is generally in pellet or powder form and contains molasses or brown sugar, providing a sweet taste that attracts slugs, snails, and your pets. The bait also contains metaldehyde, which is fatal to pets even in small doses. Burying the bait will not necessarily discourage your pet, as dogs and cats have been known to dig it up to get to it. If you choose to use metaldehyde to control snails and slugs, keep a close eye on pets.
The best way to protect your pets is to avoid toxic products whenever possible. Take a few minutes to inspect your home and yard and find ways to discourage pests by removing inviting habitats, such as piles of yard debris and cluttered corners in sheds, garages, basements. Seal gaps in weatherstripping and around pipes and repair broken windows and doors. If you do use poisonous baits, store them out of the reach of pets and make a note of what you have and the ingredients these products contain.
If you believe your dog or cat may have eaten toxic bait, get veterinary care immediately. Contact the team at Lake Cable Animal Hospital if you have questions about pet-friendly pest control and what steps you should take in the event of an emergency.