Pest Control Tips for Families with Pets

You finally get a moment to relax in your backyard with your furry friend at your side, but then the buzzing starts. Mosquitoes, gnats, and even no-see-ums suddenly seem to think you set out the welcome mat for them, too. If you’ve ever felt like pests target you and your pets, you’re not imagining it. Southern California’s warm climate makes it easy for pests to stick around, and they’re just as happy to bother animals as they are people. Luckily, there are simple ways to help reduce the problem with Santa Ana pest control and keep outdoor time enjoyable for everyone in the family.

Why Pets Attract Pests

Dogs and cats love sniffing around and exploring grassy areas and shady spots, which also happen to be exactly the kinds of environments where mosquitoes, gnats, and no-see-ums thrive. Water bowls, birdbaths, or even damp soil can create popular breeding grounds that make it easy for pests to linger around your Santa Ana home and yard. Because pets are lower to the ground, they often experience pests in a different way than humans do. That means they might feel the frustration of biting insects even when you’re only noticing the occasional buzz.

Common Pests That Bother Family Pets

• Mosquitoes: Beyond being irritating, mosquitoes love areas with standing water and will happily hover near pets when they’re outside.
• Gnats: These tiny insects are especially attracted to moisture, including pet water bowls or overwatered lawns.
• No-see-ums: These nearly invisible pests are notorious for their bites and can easily make pets restless during outdoor time.

Pet-Friendly Pest Control Tips

Here are 5 simple ways to help minimize pest activity around your home and make outdoor playtime more comfortable for both you and your pets:

1. Check for standing water: Empty and refresh water bowls daily and look for puddles or containers collecting rainwater. Even a small amount can invite mosquitoes!
2. Mind your landscaping: Trim back overgrown bushes and keep the yard tidy. This reduces the shady, damp spots where gnats and mosquitoes like to gather.
3. Keep an eye on irrigation: Overwatering lawns and planters can increase moisture-loving pests like gnats and whiteflies.
4. Create comfortable spaces: Place pet beds and toys in areas less likely to see pest activity, like patios or shaded spots away from garden beds.
5. Consider professional treatments: Regular applications from Mosquito Squad of North Orange County help reduce mosquitoes by up to 85–90% for up to 3 weeks. Our pest control treatments also help minimize gnats, no-see-ums, and whiteflies to help make the outdoors more enjoyable for both pets and people.

How Mosquito Squad of North Orange County Helps

Southern California is meant to be enjoyed by the whole family, pets included. Don’t let pests put a damper on your playtime. With help from Mosquito Squad of North Orange County, you can create an outdoor space that everyone looks forward to. Our team provides traditional and natural treatment options that target pests where they breed and rest. By treating your yard on a recurring schedule, we help minimize pest populations so you and your pets can spend more time outside without the constant nuisance of buzzing insects. Call us today at (714) 942-4331 to get your free quote and learn more about our recurring Santa Ana pest control treatments.