Do Bed Bugs In Buda, TX Harm Cats & Dogs?

a bed bug biting a persons skin
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If there's one pest that makes everyone in the Buda, TX area nervous and ready to go to extreme measures to remove, it's bed bugs. These pests are well known for causing problems for people thanks to their ability to hide in plain sight while biting us.

In fairness, bed bugs are small, flat, and round similar to an apple seed, so it's understandable how they can hide so easily. Plus, they can reproduce rapidly, making a simple, small concern grow into a complex problem seemingly overnight. However, it's not just people that are affected by this troublesome pest. Pets like cats and dogs are also susceptible to the problems caused by bed bugs. The good news is that bed bugs aren't a health threat for your beloved pets as is true for yourself.

Attraction Factors Your Pets Cause

Bed bugs need blood to survive and they aren't picky about where they get that blood. That's why they're primarily attracted to the signs indicating that a source of blood is nearby. Some attraction factors to be aware of include carbon dioxide and body heat.

Unlike humans, pets like cats or dogs have an excessive amount of hair or fur, which is unattractive to bed bugs. If they're on your pet, you'll likely find them in spots like the ears, belly, and other sites that have less hair/fur.

How To Tell If They're On Your Pet

Is it fleas or is it bed bugs driving your pet crazy? At first glance, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. That's why we've put together a list of ways to tell the difference that includes, but isn't limited to:

  • Excessive Scratching: Your pets will scratch themselves whenever affected by fleas, bed bugs, or other annoying pests. If you notice an excess of scratching, biting, licking, or other similar behavior, it's time to look a little closer.
  • General Irritability: The more bites your dog or cat has, the more irritable they're going to be going forward. Is your pet more moody than normal? Take the time to carefully inspect your pet for signs like bites in a straight line or irritated skin.
  • Pet Beds: Some pests like fleas will cling to your pet while bed bugs typically don't hang around. However, the best way to rule out bed bugs is to inspect where your pet sleeps since that's where they're going to hide most often.

While inspecting the pet beds and other furniture, it's crucial to look for regular trouble signs like dried blood left behind or shed skin. Bed bugs release an anticoagulant in their bite, which means blood is often left behind. Over time, bed bugs shed their skin. Their skin looks the same only translucent. During your inspection, go ahead and wash the bedding and other items on the highest heat setting possible and start looking into professional pest control solutions.

Bed Bug Control With White Knight Pest Control

At White Knight Pest Control, our team knows that bed bugs aren't fun in any situation. That's why we're ready to step in and help right away, so you can focus on the positive things instead of an infestation.

For each case of bed bugs, we inspect the premises carefully to identify and isolate the problem. Our team has the skills and equipment necessary to identify and treat bed bug infestations from start to finish and our bed bug control services are guaranteed.

Are you ready to explore your bed bug control options? Then give our team at White Knight Pest Control a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional pest control services in Buda, TX or fill out our online form to schedule your free quote!