Northeast Pennsylvania is home to a large, pet-friendly community, boasting several animal shelters, veterinarian clinics, and annual fundraisers to help abandoned pets find new homes.
While most pest control products are considered safe for pets, there is still a risk of exposing our furry friends to synthetic chemicals. Since most dogs and cats tend to explore areas of the home where chemicals may be applied, it’s always safe to take extra precautions before, during, and after a pest control visit to protect your pets.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about pest control and pets, including what to watch out for and how to keep them safe.
Is Pest Control Safe for Pets?
While most forms of pest control are considered safe for pets, the danger of harmful exposure to synthetic chemicals depends on the specific chemicals and pest control methods being employed. This is why The Pest Rangers often uses organic insecticides and employs safe methods of Integrated Pest Management designed to reduce the usage of synthetic pesticides.
While some chemicals can be fatal to pets if ingested and others perfectly harmless, we always try to avoid direct exposure during and after treatment to keep your furry friends safe. Talking to your exterminator about your concerns is your best bet for keeping your furry friends safe.
How Do Exterminators Protect Pets During Sprayings?
Luckily, most exterminators are properly trained to protect pets and children from harmful exposure to toxic chemicals during pest control treatments. There are a number of procedures your exterminator will follow to keep your pet safe during pest control treatments. Some of these measures include:
- Using pet-safe products, such as organic insecticides.
- Recommending homeowners remove pets from the property prior to treatment to avoid direct exposure.
- Keeping pets in another room of the house during treatments if removal is not possible.
- Confining pets to a cage or crate to prevent exposure to chemicals and to allow the technician to properly perform their job.
- Applying chemicals with a fine-tipped nozzle to reduce contact with pets and surfaces that pets may come in contact with.
- Allowing pets back into the home only once surfaces have dried and it is considered safe.
- Keeping pets off of lawns for at least 30 minutes after a mosquito yard spray has been applied to allow the application to settle.
Part of separating pets during the extermination process is to reduce the likelihood of mistakes or misapplication that may result in a pet startling or even interfering with a technician.
How You Can Protect Your Pet During Pest Control
While your exterminator will take lots of precautions to protect your pet during treatment, homeowners can also help by following these tips below.
1. Place Them in a Safe Location
If you are able to, consider removing your pets from the home during pest control treatment. Asking a friend or family member if they are willing to take them in for the duration of the treatment can be helpful. If you cannot remove them from the home, consider isolating them in a room that will not be treated or placing them in a cage or crate. Remember to allow extra time after treatment for sprays to dry properly.
2. Alert the Exterminator
For the safety of your exterminator and your pets, you should always alert your exterminator if pets are in your home before treatment. An experienced exterminator will be able to advise you on the best course of action to keep pets safe during the duration of treatment.
3. Allow Adequate Time After Treatment to Return Pets
Certain pest control treatments, particularly ones that use chemicals, need time to dry before it is safe to re-enter the home. The length of time it takes for the treatment to dry can vary but is typically several hours. Your exterminator will be able to let you know how long you should keep your pets away following a pest control treatment.
4. Protect Pet Bedding, Food Bowls, and Items
Removing pet bedding, food bowls, and other pet-related items from your home prior to receiving pest control treatment is always wise. If only certain rooms in your home are being treated, simply move these items to a room that is not receiving any treatment to prevent them from coming into contact with any chemicals.
5. Ask About Organic Options
If you are concerned about the chemicals and insecticides your exterminator plans to use, express your feelings to them and ask if any organic options are available. Depending on the type of pest you’re dealing with and the severity of the infestation, organic options may not be recommended. However, it is always wise to ask anyway, and a good exterminator will work with you to ease any anxiety you may be having about keeping your pets safe.
Are There Any Organic Pest Control Treatments Safe for Pets?
There are several organic products that are effective at repelling and eliminating pests, including:
- Diatomaceous earth
- Neem oil
- Essential oils–peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are known to repel many kinds of pests.
- Physical traps, such as mouse traps, that can be purchased at most home improvement stores
- DIY traps
However, many of these methods are not powerful or practical for eliminating full pest infestations that require the help of an exterminator anyway.
Rest assured, by following the right precautions and listening to your exterminator, you will keep your pet safe during pest control treatment and feel less stressed about receiving future treatments.
FAQs
How can I tell if my pet is having a reaction to pest control chemicals?
Following a pest control treatment in your home, you must keep a close eye on your pets for any unusual behavior. If you notice your pet acting lethargic, vomiting, having difficulty breathing, experiencing loss of appetite, or any other concerning symptoms, contact your vet immediately to be evaluated.
How do I prepare a safe space for my pets during treatment?
If your pet remains in the home during pest control treatment, you can create a safe space by moving them to a room that is not going to be treated. If this is not possible, you can try putting them in a cage or crate and covering it with a blanket. If the weather is nice, you may also want to consider moving them outside for the duration of the treatment. However, if possible, your best bet is to remove them from the home altogether.
Can pest control chemicals affect aquarium fish or reptiles?
Yes, many pest control chemicals can affect aquarium fish and reptiles. You should try to remove their tanks or cages from your home prior to treatment if possible. If you are unable to remove them from the home, consider putting them in a separate room that will not be receiving treatment or covering their tank or cage to prevent them from coming into contact with any pest control chemicals. As always, be sure to inform your exterminator that you have fish or reptiles in the home before treatment.