When you live in California, keeping pests out of your house is a constant struggle. And it’s pretty common to get a pest control service to help. But does owning pets make pest control more complicated?
Let’s discuss if pest control and extermination services are safe for the pets in your home. We’ll also give you some tips on how to best prepare and manage your dogs and cats before, during, and after pest control treatment.
At Dustin Pest Control we love all of your furry friends! We use today’s most eco-friendly and pet-friendly pest control methods to rid your home of roaches, rodents, and bugs. If you’ve got an infestation and need some help, give us a call. And don’t worry, your pooch will be just fine.
What is Pet-Friendly Pest Control?
Pet-friendly pest control is a part of integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is a program in pest control developed by the Environmental Protection Agency. This approach to pest control includes inspection, monitoring, and using pesticides or chemicals only when needed. Furthermore, these pesticides are always:
- EPA registered
- Applied according to EPA standards
- or low toxicity
Responsible pest control contractors are not like pesticide companies of the past. You should never hire an exterminator who wants to simply show up and spray. At Dustin Pest Control, we always follow the IPM program. We want to understand the source of your pest problems and the layout of your home before we apply any pesticides or chemicals.
Our pest control technicians are also trained in pet safety. This means they know how to apply pest control products safely around pets and will take care to avoid areas where your pets play or sleep.
Is Pest Control Safe for My Pets?
Yes, pest control is safe for your pets when it’s done by a pest control company that follows EPA safety standards. All of the pest control products we use at Dustin Pest Control are registered with the EPA and have been proven safe for use around pets.
That being said, there are some responsibilities you have as a pet owner to make sure your dogs, cats, and other pets are safest through the entire treatment process.
How to Manage Your Pets During Pest Control
There are a few things you can do to help make pest control treatment easier for your fluffy family members. A responsible pest control contractor will always make sure your pets are away from harm before they begin any roach extermination.
A key to keeping your pet safest during and after pest control treatment in your home is by communicating with your pest control expert. You can always talk to a bug and or rodent removal specialist at Dustin Pest Control for advice on how to prepare your puppies before or during pest treatments.
Let Your Contractor Know About Your Pets
The first step to successful and safe pest control treatment is making sure your contractor knows you have pets. This should be communicated when you book your appointment or during your initial consultation. Any legitimate pest control technician should be trained in managing pets and animals, but a heads-up always helps!
When your pest control contractor arrives, you can point out areas where your pets sleep and eat. Service technicians can take extra care in these areas during pest treatments.
Keep Pets Away During Treatment
First, keep them away from the treatment area. This means keeping them in another room or out of the house altogether until the pest control product has had a chance to dry.
What we don’t want is your dog biting into pest control equipment or containers and being exposed to chemicals in their concentrated form. So a big part of keeping your pets safe is keeping them away from your technician and their work area.
Second, make sure your pets have plenty of water and food during pest control treatment. This will help keep them calm and hydrated. Most of the time, you don’t need to be on-site during pest removal. So it could be a great time to take your dog for a walk too.
If treatment is being done on the exterior of your home, the same rules apply. Keep dogs and cats indoors during treatment and until it’s safe for them to explore again.
Let Treatment Areas Dry
The droplet size of treatment sprays is large enough that chemicals don’t hang in the air after application. This means there is little risk to breathing chemicals after treatment, but it does take a few moments for surfaces to completely dry.
Wait at least 30 minutes after pest control treatment before allowing pets to return to a treated area. What you want to avoid is your pet licking any surfaces that are still wet. Even though chemicals are approved by the EPA, you want to limit your pet’s exposure.
Your exterminator should provide detailed instructions on what areas were treated and what time will be safe for your animals to roam freely.
Monitor Your Pets After Pest Control Services
Once treatment is complete and your pets are back to their usual routine, keep an eye on them. If they start exhibiting any strange symptoms, take them to the vet right away. Some things to look out for in your dog or cat’s behavior include:
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Seizures
Although it is very rare, a pet affected by pest control activity should be treated right away. Once you’ve called a veterinarian, contact your contractor for information on the exact pesticides and chemicals that were used.
Exotic Pets & Pest Control
Reptiles, birds, and fish can be vulnerable to pest control treatments and are usually more challenging to move. So it’s important to take a few extra steps to make sure they’re safe during chemical spraying.
In general, you should:
- Move your pet’s cage or aquarium to another room if possible.
- Remove food and water dishes before treatment begins.
- Cover cages and aquariums with drop sheets (or something similar) before treatment begins.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before removing cage or terrarium coverings.
- Monitor your pet post-treatment.
- Take them to a vet if they start exhibiting any strange symptoms.
If you have exotic pets, make sure you talk to your pest control technician before treatment begins. They will be able to give you specific instructions on how to keep your pets safe during and after pest procedures.
Pest Control & Pet Safety: The Bottom Line
Pest control is safe for pets when it’s done by a pest control company that follows EPA safety standards and takes an integrated pest management approach. All of the pest control products we use at Dustin Pest Control are registered with the EPA and have been proven safe for use around animals.
Building a routine with your dogs or cats is a great way to make pest control a better experience for both you and your pets. A Pest Shield Membership gives you access to pest control services year-round. This helps you and your pets know what to expect each time your pest control expert arrives.
We’re animal lovers at Dustin Pest Control and take every precaution we can to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. Book a pest control service today, because your pets don’t like pests either! With a little guidance from you during and after treatment, your dog, cat, or other pet can return to their regular routine in a pest-free home.