Most people treat their dogs and pets as members of the family, but much like a cold that causes humans to feel sick, people need to be aware of how their pet’s health can be affected by indoor and outdoor insects.

For example, it is easy to forget that pets suffer from mosquito bites too.  Mosquitoes feed on blood, so anytime your pet is in an active mosquito area, they are at risk of being bitten, which can cause conditions such as heartworm disease, which is a slow developing disease that often proves fatal for cats and dogs if left unchecked. In fact, one flea can bite your pet more than 400 times a day, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s FDA Consumer magazine. So how can responsible pet owners take precautions against mosquitoes?

Disrupting mosquito breeding grounds is the key in helping to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne viruses. It is important to drain any sources of standing water in the yard. In addition, emptying old flower pots, tires and other containers of water can also help prevent the spread. Still water is a magnet for breeding mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, fleas and ticks are no picnic for pets either.  A flea’s saliva can cause anemia, dermatitis and a transfer of tapeworms to a pet, while ticks can cause even more severe conditions such as muscle weakness, loss of coordination and sometimes even death from respiratory failure.

Here are some tips I recommend to help protect your pets from pests ruining their spring and summer:

• Check your pets regularly for mosquito bites, flea dirt and ticks, especially after being outdoors. Any excessive scratching, licking or grooming behavior is normally a tip-off that a bite or infestation has occurred.

• Be aware of tall grassy areas where fleas and ticks gather and try to avoid them.
• Be aware that dawn and dusk is when mosquitoes are most active, so try walking your pets outside of these parameters.
• Be proactive inside the home by thoroughly washing pet bedding and regular vacuuming.
• Consult a veterinarian about heartworm protection, as many monthly pill options exist, and before using any flea and tick treatment.
• If confronted with an indoor pest infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to treat the problem.

In the meantime, be safe, stay dry, and hope you all have a buzzing day! The Mousecar is riding around with his windows down, looking for more friends on Facebook (Truly Nolen Mousecar) and tweeps on Twitter (@TrulyNolen) – interested?

Barry The Bug Guy

As I am traveling later today to Palm Desert, CA for a Tuesday morning television appearance, I am adding this entry today instead of Tuesday for I don’t know how much writing time I will have tomorrow.

I will be discussing mosquitoes, West Nile Virus and prevention tips on Tuesday, June 24 between 5:30 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. Pacific on KPSP-CBS 2. Their website is www.cbstv2.com.

Now, if you are 40 or under in this country, when you hear the word Flea, you probably think of the guitarist from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. However, with summer on the horizon, the only flea that should be top of mind is the kind that can cause problems for humans and animals alike.

The most common species of flea found throughout America is the cat flea, a reddish brown insect that feeds on cats, dogs, rodents, skunks, raccoons and other animals. Despite only being 1/16 of an inch in length, they can host tapeworms and quickly spread diseases if not controlled. More common than dog fleas, they may be found on dogs or cats and they nest in areas where dust or organic debris accumulate.

The best defense for pet owners from cat fleas is to take special care to wash pet bedding and vacuum and clean floors frequently. Active areas inside and outside of your home can be treated by your local pest control professional.

Meanwhile, the adult flea should be taken seriously by more than just animals. These reddish brown to black pests were responsible for the Black Plague that killed over 100 million people during the 14^th century. They are pests of humans and domestic animals all over the world. Their larva feeds on organic debris and animal blood, while adults feed on human or other animal blood. They transmit diseases such as Plaque and Murine Typhus.

Some suggestions for dealing with adult fleas include:

• Monitor areas to confirm whether a large indoor flea population exists.

• Protect yourself. Wear long pants tucked into your socks or boots. Use an insect repellent on pant legs and footwear.

• Remove any wildlife nesting in or under the building.

• Remove organic debris from the exterior of the property.

• Treat any pets that might have a flea infestation. A veterinarian may be required to control fleas on heavily infested animals.

• Vacuum or steam clean infested areas. Often fleas live indoors in carpets; thoroughly clean carpets. In uncarpeted areas, vacuum along baseboards, under furniture, behind doors, or in areas where dust collects and flea eggs are protected from foot traffic.

• Apply an insecticide, if needed. Follow all label directions and wear appropriate protective clothing.

• Call your local pest control professional if the problem persists.

By following these simple precautions and noticing the first sign of a flea outbreak, you can begin to relax and enjoy the summer season.

Has your favorite pet been exposed to fleas previously? Have you ever attended a flea circus? Feel free to share…

Barry The Bug Guy