Heartworm Prevention for Pets

Author: Emma Grace Crumbley, Entomologist 

Heartworm disease is a serious illness that can cause your furry friends discomfort or even death. Caused by a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis), it is spread to pets through the bite of an infected mosquito. The bad news is that most mosquitoes can spread heartworm: species of Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, Ochlerotatus, and even Psorophora are all capable of transmitting the heartworm parasites. The good news is that heartworm is easily preventable by implementing proactive and effective mosquito management plans.

Protecting Your Pets

The best way to prevent heartworm from spreading to your pets is to prevent mosquitoes from harboring in and around your home. Mosquitoes need moist soil and standing water to lay their eggs in shady areas to escape the sun during the day. Start mosquito-proofing your yard by:

• Removing standing water from containers, tarps, and flooded areas. If it snowed in your area this winter, be sure that when the snow melts, it does not collect and pool around your yard.
• Keeping the yard tidy by trimming grass and removing leaf litter. In the winter, you may not feel the need to take care of lawn maintenance. However, when spring comes, your yard will be filled with overgrown hiding spots for mosquitoes.
• Cleaning out gutters so they don’t get clogged and trap water inside. Even in the winter, leaf litter can clog your gutters. Pine straws, falling leaves, and branches can get caught and cause snow and water to get trapped. Don’t wait for spring to start cleaning out your gutters and downspouts.  

Mosquito management is more than just your yard. Even if you clear your yard of standing water, the water trapped in your neighbor’s yard can still promote those pesky skeeters. After managing the areas on your property, communicate with your neighbors about mosquitoes, the areas they breed, and the diseases they can spread to people and pets.

Mosquito Squad is Here to Help

The best way to help keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay is to call the professionals at Mosquito Squad. Our highly trained technicians will assess your yard, inspect for hidden breeding spots and cryptic harborage areas, and create a treatment plan designed for your yard’s needs. Call us today for a free quote and to find a Mosquito Squad location near you.