Buying dog food in bulk is a more budget-friendly option than visiting the pet store or ordering online every week. However, there are two issues – storage and the potential attractions of bugs and pests.
So, does dog food attract roaches? Yes, leaving the dog food in its original package is like an open invitation for cockroaches. Cockroaches are opportunistic feeders and would eat anything available. However, dog food ranks high on their menus.
In this article, we will talk about how dog food attracts roaches. We will also cover the dangers of roaches for dogs and give tips on how to keep these nasty pests away from your dog’s food and bowl.
DOES LEAVING DOG FOOD OUT ATTRACT ROACHES?
Yes, dog food attracts roaches, whether in the original package or inside the dog’s food bowl. When it comes to choosing what to eat, roaches do not have high standards and would eat anything that is available.
For such a non-picky eater, something as tasty as dog food is a real feast. Not to mention, it is pretty beneficial. Just like dogs, cockroaches need protein to thrive, and dog food has plenty of them.
DOES DOG POOP ATTRACT ROACHES?
Yes, roaches are attracted to dog poop. This is because poop, in general, is a good source of nutrients for cockroaches. If you think eating poop is disgusting, you will probably find roaches’ appetite repulsive since they also eat things like dead plant material, skin cells, and garbage.
Also, keep in mind that your dog’s poop attracts more than bugs like roaches. Depending on where you live, other wildlife can be drawn too. For example, dog poop often attracts possums.
ARE ROACHES HARMFUL TO DOGS?
The good news is that roaches are not poisonous to dogs. However, that does not mean they are entirely harmless. Like all bugs, there are various risks linked with roaches.
Risk number 1: Disease spreading
Roaches carry and therefore spread a variety of bacteria, including Salmonella, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus. If a carrier cockroach comes into contact with a dog, it will likely result in an infection.
Risk number 2: Roach bites
Roaches biting dogs is not an everyday scenario as these bugs consider anything bigger than them to be a threat. However, in the midst of a severe infestation, when the food resources are scarce, roaches may literally gang up on the dog and start biting.
A dog bitten by cockroaches will manifest overall itchiness and agitation. If you manage to find the bites beneath the fur, there will be signs of local inflammation. Cleaning the bites and applying soothing ointments will provide much-needed relief.
HOW DO I KEEP ROACHES OUT OF MY DOG FOOD BOWL?
Roaches are very resourceful and adaptable, meaning they can find their way into the dog’s food bowl unless adequately stopped. While there is no full-proof method for keeping roaches out of your dog’s food bowl, there are several things you can do to minimize the risk.
Tip number 1: Do not leave the food bowl full
It is highly advisable to avoid free feeding. Leaving the bowl full will eventually attract pesky bugs like cockroaches. Instead, give your dog scheduled meals and pick up the leftovers once mealtime is over.
Tip number 2: Clean after your dog eats
Most dogs are messy, and if not very keen eaters, chances are they will leave kibbles and crumbles around the food bowl. It is imperative that you pick up these leftovers as soon as your dog is done eating.
Tip number 3: Use elevated food bowls
Elevated food bowls are excellent for keeping roaches away from dog food. Although keen crawlers, cockroaches cannot climb up elevated food bowls. Plus, such bowls are beneficial for the dog, too, as they allow eating in a more vertical and physiological position.
Tip number 4: Keep the house clean
It is not just the food bowl you need to keep clean. You should also pay attention to the overall cleanliness of the house. In general, the cleaner the house is, the less likely it is to be attractive to cockroaches.
HOW DO I KEEP ROACHES OUT OF THE DOG FOOD PACKAGE?
Now that you know how to keep the roaches away from your dog’s food bowl, it is time we talk about the food bag. Here are some valuable tips on how to protect the dog food bowl from such nasty bugs.
Tip number 1: A clean house goes a long way
As mentioned, keeping the house clean is one of the most important anti-roach methods. In addition to staying on top of the house cleaning tasks, you should keep an eye on and adequately seal the potential entry points for roaches.
Tip number 2: Find the perfect storage place
Finding the right place for the dog food bag is another thing you should consider. Roaches love warm and humid places. Therefore, when choosing the right storage place, go for the opposite characteristics – a cool and dry location.
Tip number 3: Invest in a dog food container
Luckily, the modern pet market offers hundreds of different dog food containers, and finding the right for your needs will be easy. Dog food containers are air-tight and efficient for keeping roaches out. Plus, they will preserve the dog food’s scent and keep it fresh for longer.
What should I do if the dog food is infested with roaches?
Even if you took all the precautions, there is a chance cockroaches will find their way directly into the dog food bag, start feasting, and multiplying. In such cases, knowing what to do to ensure your dog’s safety is critical.
Namely, it may seem like a waste of money, but the best thing you can do is throw away the contaminated food. Although the roaches themselves are not poisonous to dogs, they carry harmful bacteria and parasites.
HOW DO I GET RID OF ROACHES?
There are various methods for getting rid of roaches. However, not all of them are dog-friendly. For example, using common insect poisons puts your dog at immediate risk too.
Namely, when it comes to taste preferences, just like roaches, dogs lack high standards too. In more practical terms, this means dogs can eat roaches. Under normal circumstances, this is not a big issue. However, if the roach is poisoned, the dog will ingest the poison too.
Even natural solutions are not the ideal choice. For example, many sites recommend using diatomaceous earth. However, although safe for dogs in smaller amounts, overeating on this natural substance can be harmful to dogs.
Therefore, it is best to call the local pest control and seek assistance in dealing with a roach infestation. Obviously, you will let the service know you have a dog so that you can talk about dog-friendly, roach exterminating methods.
SUMMING UP: DOES DOG FOOD ATTRACT ROACHES?
Yes, dog food attracts roaches, as well as other potentially harmful bugs and pests. If buying in bulk or particularly large dog food bags, it is best to invest in a special dog food container.
Dealing with cockroach infestation can be tricky. Therefore, the best option is to avoid having them in your house and yard in the first place. However, if things get out of control, it is best to call professional exterminators.
