It’s obviously important to look after your children while using pest control solutions in your home. What about your pets though? Some people don’t even think about the risks, and others just forget to take precautions.
While most household pest control methods are safe to use around pets, some issues should be taken into consideration.
Dogs and cats – who are very inquisitive and explore with their noses – can easily ingest, absorb or inhale something they shouldn’t. That’s why it is important to have the right pest control safety measures in place.
Talk to the Experts About Pest Control Safety
If you are hiring a professional pest control team to solve the problem of your unwanted guests, talk to them beforehand. Let them know you have pets, what kind, and how many. This will help them to plan out their pest removal strategy. And give them time to implement a pet-friendly option. They will also give you advice on the best pest control safety actions you can take to protect your pets.
Remove Pets Before Treatment
It’s always a good idea to be safe rather than sorry. So, remove all pets from the area your pest control professional is going to use chemicals or poisons.
Make sure to include caged animals like birds, hamsters and anything else that could inhale fumes.
Pets are often a law unto themselves. So you need to be vigilant. It might even mean taking them to stay with a neighbour or at a relative’s house until treatment is completed.
Be Careful with Placement and Poisons
When using baits and poisons for rodents or insects, always put them somewhere away from prying eyes, noses and tongues. Obviously, you want to place traps and bait so they will be most effective at capturing or killing the pests. But not anywhere that might put your pets in harms way.
Another important step is to dispose of dead pests correctly. If your dog or cat gets hold of the carcass of a poisoned rat or other creature, and eats it, your pet will be ingesting the poison too. The consequences can be serious or even fatal.
Always Read Labels and Instructions
If you are going to take care of your own pest control and removal, don’t just go at it gung-ho. Take the time to read the labels and instructions fully. There is normally a section devoted to the pest control safety necessary for households with children and/or pets.