Crouton, the resident cat in our household, is a fascinating creature. Although he graces us with his presence, he maintains full control over the house. While mostly an indoor dweller, he occasionally sneaks out to explore the outside world. Crouton, or “Crusty” as I affectionately call him, spends his time prowling the house, fulfilling his ancient hunting instincts. As a professional pest control technician, I take pride in maintaining a bug-free home. However, even in my domain, the occasional insect manages to sneak in. But fear not, Crusty is always on the case, tracking down any six or eight-legged intruder hidden in the corners, cracks, or crevices. He waits for hours, fixated on his prey, until enticed by food or one of our playful Australian Shepherds interrupts his watchful eye.
Typically, our home only encounters a few bugs from time to time, with earwigs being the most common. These occurrences can be triggered by heavy rain or extreme dryness, but no specific environmental factor consistently brings them in. If the sightings increase to five or six within a week, I refer to the practices outlined in my article “3 Easy Steps to Get Rid of Earwigs,” which almost always solves the problem.
Most of these harmless bugs become victims of Crouton’s hunting prowess. The only way we can identify them is by the forceps still attached to their mangled bodies. If Crusty happens to miss one during his siesta, the innocent insect is still doomed due to the residual insecticide barrier I maintain. Soon enough, it meets its demise. This brings me to a question I frequently receive, both in my professional capacity and through email.
Can Cats Get Sick or Die from Eating Earwigs After Pesticide Use?
The short answer is no, but let’s explore this topic further. There are a couple of caveats to consider. If you were to directly saturate an earwig with pesticide and your cat were to consume it immediately, there could be a problem. However, this scenario is highly unlikely as most animals are deterred by the chemical smell and may only paw at the insect without ingesting it. While it’s an improbable situation to imagine, it is still a possibility.
When an earwig has absorbed enough dried chemical residue from cracks or crevices, there may not be a sufficient amount of pesticide for a cat or dog to detect. In this case, if your pet were to ingest some pesticide, it would be in such a minute amount that it would have no effect.
Pesticides are generally manufactured with low mammalian toxicity levels, or the compounds themselves are non-toxic. Therefore, there is no need to worry. Additionally, the effectiveness of pesticides is based on body weight, and earwigs weigh close to nothing compared to Crouton, who is a svelte 9 lbs. To pose any harm, Crusty would need to consume a bucket full of earwigs to ingest a measurable amount of pesticide. At that point, death from pincer poisoning would be a more likely cause. Keep in mind that while extremely rare, there are sensitive animals, just like humans, who may react to very small amounts of chemicals.
In conclusion, if you find your cat with a pair of pincers in their teeth, don’t panic. Whether you have used pesticide or not, it is highly unlikely to cause any harm. Of course, if anything unusual occurs, it is always advisable to consult your vet. But don’t be surprised if you come across a pair of pincers in the next furball you have to clean up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can earwigs harm cats?
A: Earwigs are generally harmless to cats. The main concern is whether they have come into contact with pesticides.
Q: Are earwigs poisonous to cats?
A: Earwigs are not poisonous to cats. However, if a cat consumes an earwig immediately after it has been exposed to pesticide, there may be a risk of toxicity.
Q: What should I do if my cat eats an earwig?
A: If your cat consumes an earwig and shows any signs of illness, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian for proper evaluation and guidance.
Conclusion
Crouton, our adventurous feline, is always on the prowl, ensuring our home is free from unwanted bugs. Although earwigs occasionally make their way in, Crusty’s hunting instincts eliminate any potential threat. Rest assured, the chances of your cat getting sick or dying from consuming an earwig, even after pesticide use, are extremely slim. However, if you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, it is always best to seek professional veterinary advice. For more informative articles on pet care and the Pawsoha brand, visit Pawsoha.