Having rodents can be a massive problem for Tampa homeowners, especially those with pets. Rodents can expose your pets to parasites and diseases. What's worse, common rodent control products you can find in the grocery store are often just as dangerous to your pets as rodents. That's why pet owners should count on Tampa pest control professionals for their rodent control needs.
What Are The Types Of Property-Invading Rodents In Tampa?
There are several different types of rodents in Tampa that may invade your home, including squirrels, voles, gophers, rats, and mice. Though other rodent varieties can damage your property, rats, and mice are the most dangerous rodents to your family and pets.
Rats and mice typically live in closer proximity to you and your pets than other rodent types, which is part of why they're so much more dangerous. They can infest your cats and dogs with fleas and ticks. Not to mention that they can infect your pets with many of the same diseases they can give you. Diseases that rodents spread include:
- Hantavirus
- Leptospirosis
- Tularemia
- Rat-bite fever
Rats and mice can also indirectly infect your pets (and you) with tick-borne illnesses by bringing ticks onto your property.
Making Sure Pet Food Doesn't Become Pest Food
Food contamination is another reason rats and mice are more dangerous to your pets. Not all rodents eat pet food. Voles and gophers will never touch it. Squirrels might be interested, depending on what's in it. Rats and mice, however, will eat just about any pet food out there, regardless of its ingredients.
Leaving pet foods out all the time attracts rats and mice to your property. Even worse, it makes it easy for mice and rats to snack on your dog and cat food anytime they want. If you leave your pet food out, rodents could be hanging out inside the containers, leaving contaminated droppings and urine in their wake for pets to eat.
All this means it's vital never to leave pet food or pet bowls sitting out. Feed your cats or dogs, throw out any uneaten food, and clean dirty bowls immediately after meals.
How To Use Pest Control Products Safely Around Kids & Pets
The cardinal rule of using mouse and rat control products around pets is to put them only in places where pets cannot reach them, whether that's in areas pets aren't allowed to go or places they physically cannot reach.
This is vital, as cats, dogs, and even small children may be attracted to the bait on snap traps. They may also inadvertently consume rat poison, and oftentimes, if pets do this without you realizing it, it could be too late to save them by the time you figure out what's wrong. This is why it's better to call in the professionals rather than depend on store-bought products that can harm your pets and are only somewhat effective against these fast-breeding and clever pests.
How To Safely Get Rid Of Rodents In Tampa And Keep Them Away
The only truly safe way to get rid of rodents is to depend on professional home pest control in Tampa. Here at Haskell Termite & Pest Control, our rodent control methods are safe for both pets and people, and our rodent experts have all the knowledge and training necessary to get rid of your infestation in its entirety without ever endangering yourself or your pets. If you are ready for a rodent-free life, give us a call or visit our contact page to set up your rodent inspection today.