Pet-Friendly Mosquito Repellent: Keep Your Pets Safe from Pests

Spring and summer bring many joys - gardening, long walks, and spending time with your furry friends. However, along with all that warm weather, mosquitoes come around - and they can be incredibly harmful to your pets.

These pesky insects can spread diseases such as heartworm, West Nile virus, and many others. About 250,000 dogs per year are diagnosed with deadly heartworms, which are parasitic roundworms transmitted by mosquitoes.

Unfortunately, they're found just about everywhere. Here in the Los Angeles area, from Long Beach to Westlake Village, Silver Lake to Pacific Palisades, mosquito populations are about as bad as they've ever been. With lots of standing water and a wet spring and winter, mosquitoes have opportune breeding conditions - and sadly, those conditions are ripe for ruining all your summer fun.

Luckily, there are some ways you can keep mosquitoes away from your pets and keep them protected. Whether you live in Thousand Oaks or Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills or Encino, it doesn't matter - there are some foolproof steps you can take to keep your pets safe and stop that irritating buzzing.

Let's take a look!

Tips to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Pets

With as much time as they spend outside, pets are just as much - if not more - vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases as humans. That makes it even more important to do everything you can to protect them.

Here are some tips to help you keep mosquitoes away.

1. Install Window Screens and Use Insect Netting

Mosquitoes can get into your home through open windows and doors, which can put your pets at risk. To prevent this from happening, install window screens in your home and keep the doors closed.

You can also use insect netting on your pet’s bed to keep mosquitoes from biting them while they sleep. These are simple yet effective ways to ensure your pets are not exposed to these insects while they’re indoors.

2. Try Citronella Candles or Lanterns

Citronella is known for its bug-repelling abilities, making it an excellent natural mosquito repellent. You can use citronella candles or lanterns while spending time outside in your backyard with your pet.

Not only will it keep mosquitoes away, but it will also brighten up your evening and create a calming ambiance.

3. Get Rid of Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so removing all sources of standing water around your home is crucial. Be sure to empty any water in bird baths, flowerpots, and any other containers where water can accumulate.

Take the time to clean out any clogged drains and gutters regularly to ensure that water does not accumulate in them.

4. Check Your Pet for Bites and Bathe Them Regularly

Mosquito bites can cause itchiness, swelling, and redness in pets. Check your pets regularly for any signs of mosquito bites and treat them with antihistamines or topical creams if necessary. Bathing your pets regularly can also help to remove any mosquito bites and irritations from their skin.

5. Talk to Your Vet

Your veterinarian can provide you with more information about protecting your pets from mosquitoes. They may recommend certain mosquito repellent products or medications that are safe for your pets.

They can also advise you on any additional measures you can take to keep your pets safe from mosquito-borne diseases.

6. Consider a Smart System

For those who want a more efficient and eco-friendly solution, consider a smart mosquito repellent system such as the Thermacell LIV Pro. This smart system is customized to your outdoor spaces and can be controlled through the LIV+ app.

It's easy to install and can be used alone or in combination with other protections, making it an excellent long-term investment for mosquito control. Even better? If you don't want to tackle the installation process yourself, Mosquito Squad Los Angeles will do it for you.

The Takeaway

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance to both humans and pets, but taking proactive steps to reduce their populations can help keep your furry friends safe and healthy during the summer months.

Whether you live in Pacific Palisades, Cheviot Hills, Calabasas, Tarzana or anywhere else in the Los Angeles area, taking care of mosquitoes before they start feasting on your pets is key.

With these tips, you and your pets can enjoy the summer season - without worrying about those itchy mosquito bites.