Are Cats and Dogs Good Pest Control?
No one wants to live in a house filled with pests like mice or mugs, but hiring an exterminator can be expensive and troublesome while setting out traps can be noxious and dangerous for small children.
But if you have a cat or dog, you may be surprised to learn that both pets have the potential to become adequate pest controllers.
Out of the two, cats are probably one of the best pets you can get for pest control. For centuries, people have adopted cats and brought them into their households to hunt and kill mice. Cats are not only good at seeking out rodents. Many cat owners find that a cat is naturally inclined to hunt down creatures and bugs that invade your home. This includes mice, squirrels, spiders, and scorpions.
However, because cats are such great killers, we recommend preventing your cat from going outside unsupervised. Outdoor cats are known to decimate local wildlife, often killing birds and animals for enrichment. That’s why we recommend giving your cat access to an enclosed catio through their own cat flap.
While cats reign supreme over indoor pest control, your dog can do a great job protecting your garden. A dog with easy access outdoors through a dog door can use their excellent sense of smell and hearing to protect your backyard from critters.
If you have a garden that is being picked over by animals before you can eat from it yourself, then a dog might be the solution to your problems. Dogs will hunt down any squirrels, rabbits, and gophers who try to each your vegetables, as well as scaring away crows and other birds. Dogs are less likely to kill these pests as well, though you may hear some barking when your dog comes upon one of them.
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Pets: I have a fluffy, 14 year old chow-collie mix with red fur named Rosso. He's very stubborn and has the standoffish personality of a cat.
Fun stuff: I am a hot chocolate connoisseur.
