Ants are common insects that can cause problems for Maine Coons. They are attracted by the smell of food and can enter the house, look for food and build their anthills in various corners. But few people know that ants can be dangerous for our cute pets.
At first glance, these are cute, safe insects, but in reality, ants can transmit various infections and diseases to Maine Coons. They can get on the cat’s fur and transmit various pathogens. When the Maine Coon begins to itch or lick, it can accidentally ingest these pathogens, leading to infections and diseases.
What is the threat of ants for Maine Coon
- The real danger of small inhabitants of various rooms is associated with such manifestations as:
These insects carry pathogens. On their paws, pathogenic bacteria can migrate into the living room from the toilet, trash can and other unpleasant places. - They spoil the food. They don’t need much to feed themselves. They are particularly attracted to dry cat food or natural food.
- Mold is bred. They tend to create food reserves, and they do it in the most unexpected places of the apartment. There, the products will deteriorate, spreading mold and actually becoming a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.
- Create waste. Ants tend to make “landfills” in the room – they will carry “garbage” and their own excrement there. Given their size, the volume of this debris is not too large, but it can also become a favorite place for bacteria.
The danger of ants is complemented by the speed of their reproduction – they can create a colony of thousands of individuals in just two weeks, and you can completely get rid of them only by finding a nest.
Ants cause other real problems:
- Psychological discomfort for the owner
- regular bites from the owner and Maine Coon
- deterioration of the sanitary situation in the home
- the appearance of other parasites and the provocation of diseases
- deterioration of the well-being of pets
And they carry dangerous diseases:
- dysentery
- typhoid
- fever
- diphtheria
- cholera
- salmonellosis
- ants are carriers of eggs of worms that cause the development of helminthiasis
Ants can be carriers of dangerous diseases that threaten the health and life of pets:
- feline panleukopenia
- parvovirus enteritis
- the plague of dogs
And now about the fight against ants:
- Do not leave the trash can overnight.
- Urgently remove everything edible from the lower cabinets, including sugar and cereals.
- If possible, seal the ventilation grilles with a dense mesh to reduce the chance of ants entering.
- Store pet food in tightly sealed plastic containers. Put the bowls away overnight in places that are difficult for ants to reach.
- It is better to treat the door jamb of the entrance door from the outside with ant gel.
- You can use: boric acid, vinegar, soap, essential oils, aromatic plants, baking soda, hot pepper, boiling water, garlic, chemicals (gels, powders, traps, aerosols, etc.). There are a lot of methods on the Internet on how to use these substances.