Can My Pet Contract West Nile Virus From Mosquitoes?

Recently, St. Johns County reported one confirmed animal case of WNV. Wondering if your pets are at risk?

Not only can your cat or dog contract West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito, but there are also additional dangers, as well. Our pets are at risk of contracting other mosquito illnesses, such as Eastern equine encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. But there a much more well-known risk from mosquitoes  for our pets.

What is the Most Prevalent Mosquito Illness in Dogs?

While you might not realize that this illness originates from a mosquito bite, heartworm disease is an all-too-common malady in our dogs – and in rare cases, cats too. Mosquitoes deliver heartworm larvae through their bites to our pets. The larvae will become adult heartworms, which can reach lengths of 12 or 14 inches. They live in the bloodstream and travel into our pets’ hearts, lungs, and other organs. Heartworm disease is often fatal. Therefore, the best approach pet owners can take is to protect their pets against potentially infected mosquito bites.

How to Protect Your Pets from Potentially Harmful Pest Bites

Mosquitoes are not the only dangers for our pets. If your cat or dog spends any amount of time outdoors, they are at high risk for pest bites. This includes fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and more. Pets are not only lower and more exposed to the ground, but they also explore places where these pests live. High grasses, shrubs, tree lines, and other areas.

Here are some ways to lower your pets’ bite risk.

1. Use screens when you open windows for fresh air to help keep pests outside.
2. Eliminate areas where pests might live and breed, such as wood piles, pools and puddles of water, and tall grass.
3. Use safe, veterinary recommended products to repel pests and to prevent heartworm infection.

NEVER apply human mosquito or pest repellent to your pet. Our pets can have severe reactions to synthetic and natural repellent ingredients.

Mosquito Yard Treatments to Control Pests Around Your Home

Mosquito yard treatments by Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida can help in your fight against potentially harmful mosquito bites – concerning pet and human family members. Florida mosquitoes are plentiful and active for much of the year. That’s why we offer regular mosquito yard treatments, in both synthetic and non-synthetic formulas, which are effective for weeks at a time. We will always call ahead to let you know we’re coming for your pre-scheduled treatment, so you can be sure that your pets are indoors during treatment. But don’t worry, your whole family will be able to enjoy your yard after allowing it to dry for about a half-hour.

Search for mosquito control near me and choose Mosquito Squad.

Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida is a trusted mosquito control company near you in St Johns FL and surrounding areas, including Yulee, St. Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Fruit Cove, Jacksonville Beach, and Ponte Vedra.

We are ready to help defend your property against mosquitoes and other pests, like noseeums, ticks, spiders, and more! Plus, our goal is your complete satisfaction.

Put our mosquito control company to work for all your mosquito problems. Call Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida at (904) 844-0816 to learn more about our formulas and outdoor pest control plans.

Also read: Are there mosquitoes in Jacksonville in October?