Here in the U.S., we adore our pets. According to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, around 70% of American households have at least one pet, and we spent a whopping $123.6 billion on them in 2021!
Given how much most of us love our small friends — whether furry, feathered or scaled — it’s no surprise that most owners feel a little nervous about inviting an exterminator into their home. After all, finding safe pest control can make a huge difference in your pet’s health.
What concerns should you have concerning pet-friendly pest control, and how do you find a company willing to help? Here’s what you should know if you’re struggling to deal safely with a pest infestation.
What to Know About Pest Control With Pets
Most pet owners fall into one of two camps: they haven’t considered how pest control could harm their furry friend or believe that pest control isn’t safe for pets.
We’re happy to tell you that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. As long as you keep a few key points in mind, getting help with a pest infestation without putting your pet at risk is possible with pet-friendly pest control.
If you’d like to learn about pests that threaten your pets, we have a helpful guide to that.
Toxicity Concerns
Regarding your beloved pets and pest control, the most important thing to remember is that anything toxic to humans will also be toxic to your pet. Keep this in mind when researching pet-friendly pest control options.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that all pest control solutions won’t work if you have a pet. Most reputable pest control specialists will have pet-friendly pest control synthetic pesticides on hand that are safe for your furry friend. These can be helpful even if your pet gets into the pest control solution by accident.
Extra Vulnerability
Pets can absorb harmful chemicals through their mouth and nose while roaming your house or yard, but that’s not the only way they can get exposed.
Rolling around or stepping on pest solutions can also cause harm for dogs and cats. Your furry friends can absorb toxins through any place with skin, including the pads of their feet, ears, and eyelids. Their grooming practices can also cause them to ingest toxins on their fur.
In addition, smaller pets need less exposure to a chemical to become sick, so it’s crucial to keep a close eye on them.
Tips for Finding Pet-Friendly Pest Control Services
If your pet’s health and safety are in mind, you’re likely ready to find a service that puts your furry friend first. But what is pet-friendly pest control, and how do you know what to look for?
Seek Exterminators Who Ask About Pets
One sure sign of a pet-friendly pest control company is a thoughtful approach. If an exterminator asks about the pets in your home during your pest inspection, it’s always a great sign. Your contractor should ask about the types of pets, where they will be during the exterminator’s visit, and what you should do to keep your pets safe.
Your pet-friendly pest control exterminator should also have specific tips for the type of pet you own. For example, keeping a cat out of a room is different from finding a solution that protects your bird’s delicate lungs!
Check for Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, has become a popular buzzword in the environmental and agricultural industries. Its principles call for common sense practices, limited use of safe pesticides, and environmentally friendly techniques. Exterminators trained in IPM will use less risky pest control methods and focus on pet-safe practices.
Focus on Long-Term Prevention
This last tip is linked to IPM, but it’s so important that it’s worth repeating. The best pet-friendly pest control services focus on prevention above all else.
When it comes to pest prevention with pets, there are plenty of things you and your pest control technician can try before spraying your whole home and yard. A regular plan to keep pest infestations at bay — and pet-safe products out of your home—is the best way to keep your furry friends safe.
Steps to Take During Pet-Friendly Pest Control
No matter how pet-friendly your exterminator is, protecting your pets while in your home is important. Here are a few things every pet owner should do:
Keep Your Pet Contained
Pets are always curious, making it hard to keep their noses away from a stranger who’s come to visit. While the technician is in your home, ensure pets are contained in a room away from the treated area. If possible, keep them in a carrier as well.
Take Care With Reptiles and Birds
Reptiles and birds tend to have sensitive respiratory systems, and some species can absorb toxins more easily than others. If you’re worried, talk to your exterminator about the species you own, or call your veterinarian to learn the best practices for your specific pet.
If you have any pets in a tank or cage — such as fish, reptiles, or birds—make sure to place a cover or blanket over them to prevent airborne spray from entering their home.
Let the Area Dry
Don’t allow your pet to enter the treated area until the pest control solution has dried. The timing may vary, so be sure to ask your technician when it’s safe to bring your pets back into the area.
Get Pet-Friendly Help From Pest Management Systems
If you have pets in your home, working with an exterminator who will care for them as much as you do is important.
Here at Pest Management Systems, our team of experts has a wealth of experience with pet-friendly pest control solutions. We’ll work with you to ensure that your pet is safe while we treat your home or get rid of an infestation. If you have questions about our methods or want to learn how we can help, get in touch with us today.
Disclaimer: While these steps/tips will help reduce the likelihood of an issue with your pet-friendly pest control services, there is no guaranteed way to eliminate all risks.
