How to Kill Hookworm in My Yard
Hookworms are a highly-contagious parasite that infects the intestines of dogs and cats. The Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education website says that the puppies and kittens are most susceptible to hookworm infection, which can cause cause severe disease including anemia and serious diarrhea. Hookworms can also cause severe skin irritation in humans. The Dog Health guide website says that after diagnosis of the hookworm parasite, veterinarians may need to treat a dog several times as medications only kill adult worms. Killing or disposing of any hookworms in your yard is vital to preventing further hookworm infection. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Dispose of any animal feces in your yard. Wear gloves to prevent possible skin infection.
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Mow all grass to the shortest possible length. The Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education website says that the larvae of hookworms can live several weeks in cool, moist soil, but die rapidly hot conditions. Cutting the grass removes the shade it provides the ground.
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Rake the grass and dispose of it in lawn bags. Wear gloves to prevent possible skin infection.
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Apply sodium borate to the yard and kennels at the suggestion of the Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health. The Best Friends Pet Care website recommends using approximately 10 lbs of sodium borate for every 100 square feet of yard.
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Clean all other surfaces that may contain the parasite, such as dog carriers, walkways and floors. The Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education website says to use a bleach solution of 3 cups of household bleach to a gallon of cool water.
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Continue picking up all pet feces until a veterinarian declares the animals parasite-free.
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References
- Photo Credit puppies image by Bobi from Fotolia.com
