Pest Control and Your Pets
At Canton Termite and Pest Control, we are often asked about the safety of pesticide application and pets in the home. Here in this article, we hope to give you some insight and advice from our pest control perspective.
I will say this here and likely again: Pest control technicians are not veterinarians so always consult your pet’s doctor when it comes to the health of your beloved animals.
That being said, let’s dive in.
First off, the primary method of pest control should be prevention. Keep food products sealed properly, and that includes pet food and even bird seed. At my house, we have a sealed container to hold our dog’s food rather than leaving an open bag sitting ready to feed the local pest population. Always clean up any spills and trash as quickly as possible. Many an ant problem could have been avoided if the homeowner had simply taken the trash out and cleaned up spills. After sealing and cleaning food areas, the next prevention tip is to make sure doors and windows are properly sealed. Cracks and crevices can form around many points in the home and become a neon welcome sign for invaders. Water is another invitation for bugs and wildlife, so watch for leaks in bathrooms and kitchens.
Do as much of your pest control as possible without pesticides.
Despite all the precautions, each of us inevitably experiences pest problems from time to time. That’s when you have the decision to make: do it yourself or call a professional. Obviously, as your local hometown pest control company, we have a rather biased opinion as to the preferred outcome of your decision; however, let me give you the reasons why we believe we are your better choice.
Having the ability to identify the pest problem quickly and efficiently and treat the issue without playing a guessing game of “Where’s the Bug?” is a good reason to call a professional to deal with your issue. From experience, we know where to look for points of entry. With training, we have learned to pinpoint the particular pest invading your home and know which product is the best choice and where the product should be applied. With knowledge in the field, we understand the sometimes complicated application instructions of the professional-grade products we use. Remember, the label is the law when it comes to pesticides.
And it never hurts to throw in a dose of common sense: more is not always better.
We know some people will choose to take care of pest problems on their own. So remember, if you choose to use do-it-yourself products, be especially careful to read the labels and understand the dangers to your pets and follow all directions. Also, storage of pesticides requires extra precautions in your home.
When it comes to pest control, the general rule is to keep your pets away from the treatment area during active treatment and for a period of time afterward. That time period depends on the product used and the area treated. Your technician will be able to explain and help you understand the process. If you are unable to move the pet, such as a fish tank or bird cage, then covering the area is the next best option. With a fish tank, another precaution you can take is to turn off the tank pump during the treatment. A special note for birds is that they can have breathing sensitivities, so your veterinarian is the best source of information for pesticide application in their immediate surroundings.
Make sure your pest control company is aware of animals at the time of scheduling, plus it never hurts to remind the technician upon arrival of where your pet wi
ll be during the treatment. A professional is always happy to advise you on the best method of protecting your pet; although you as the owner know your pet and your pet’s habits better than anyone else can.
Alerting your company ahead of time allows you the opportunity to ask questions and get the information you need to make the wisest choices for your family, including your beloved pets. At Canton Termite, we do our best to make notes on our customers’ accounts indicating special situations such as a dog in the backyard. This enables us to be more careful and prepared with a unique treatment plan for your individual situation. Communication with your pest control company and your veterinarian is key to success when it comes to pesticides and pets.
In closing, understand that if not used correctly and with care, pesticides can be very dangerous for our furry friends. So remember the old adage is still true, better safe than sorry. So use precautions and your best judgment for your household.
And here I’ll say it again…your pest control technician is not a veterinarian so all pet health concerns are best answered by your pet’s doctor. Used correctly, pesticides improve our lives by protecting our homes from potential disease sources and making our homes more comfortable by keeping us bug-free.
There you have it, pest control and pets can coexist together safely and successfully!
By: Robin
