The joy of owning a pet can provide years of companionship and makes for fun family memories. Indeed, your pet is likely considered a member of your household. But did you know that your furry friend could be bringing in uninvited guests that can wreak havoc on your home and/or cause illness?

There are a number of ways pests can invade your home, but one of the easiest ways these invaders get in is by attaching to your pet's fur or feet. Once pests settle inside, they multiply and can quickly become an infestation that's difficult to get rid of.

Here's a list of pests that could be backpacking their way into your home and what you can do about it:

Ticks & Fleas

Once these pests get inside, they can camp out in the pet's bedding, the carpet, the furniture, or wherever the animal rests. Unfortunately, ticks can cause severe illnesses such as Lyme Disease if they become attached to the skin of an animal or human.

Fleas are the known culprits for tapeworms that infect your pet through flea bites. The tapeworm then attaches to the pet's intestinal wall causing all sorts of gastrointestinal distress. And yes, tapeworms can be transmitted from pets to humans!

After your pet spends time outdoors, make sure to brush off your pet before bringing them inside and inspect their fur for any unwanted travelers.

Wildlife

Wildlife surrounding your home can bring ticks and fleas into your yard that find your pet as their next host. In addition, pets can catch small wildlife such as rabbits or mice that make their way into their territory and then offer these "gifts" to you by bringing them inside. Rodents and small animals are known to carry ticks and fleas. Make sure your pet leaves the "gifts" outdoors.

Ants

Ants are attracted to your pet's food bowl and water dish. They can also invade your home if your pet walks through ant beds and then comes inside. Since ants are resistant to most pesticides, getting rid of them can be difficult once they've moved in. Make sure to eliminate the risk of an unwanted ant infestation by treating ant mounds in your yard and keeping your pet's food and water covered or put away after feeding time.

Wasps

Wasps can do costly harm to the wood structures in your home, not to mention the painful and aggravating stings that they can deliver when you least expect it. These pests are attracted to your pet's food and water dishes, so make sure to keep it covered or put away unless it's feeding time.

Rodents

Rodents are attracted to your pet's feces and food droppings. It's a scary thought, but these pests can enter your home and multiply quickly while eating through wires and taking over your cupboards. Don't give them an opportunity to hang around the yard. Make sure to keep your pet's territory clean of fecal matter and food droppings.

Avoid pest invasion with prevention

The best remedy for unwanted pests is prevention before it happens. You'll want to keep your pet's bedding, toys, and sleeping areas clean and avoid leaving food bowls and water dishes out after feeding. Reducing clutter may also help avoid a pest invasion. In addition, make it difficult for rodents to dwell in your backyard by keeping it clean.

What can you do if pests invade your home?

Sometimes even the best prevention doesn't keep unwanted hitchhikers off your pet's body. If you suspect that your home has an infestation or you want to stop it before it starts, call a pest control service that can treat your home and rid it of unwanted pests. You'll enjoy peace of mind knowing that the professionals will be restoring your house to a pest-free home!