Pest Control Methods That Are Safe for Pets
Avoid harsh chemicals and try these pet-friendly tips to get rid of ants, cockroaches, spiders, rodents and more.
Pet-friendly Pest Control: If you’re a pet owner, then you know that keeping your furry friend safe is a top priority. And when it comes to pest control, you want to be sure that you’re using methods that are safe for both your pet and your home. Luckily, there are plenty of pest control methods that are pet-friendly and effective! Read on to see our favorites.
What’s Included in This Article:
What is Pest Control
Pest control is the management of pests, which are unwanted organisms that invade and damage homes, businesses, or other structures. Pests can be insects such as termites, rodents such as rats and mice, or birds. They can also include larger creatures such as raccoons, skunks, and bats. Pest control is important because these pests can cause serious damage to your property and, in some cases, pose a health risk to you, your family and your pets.
There are many different pest control methods available, but not all of them are pet-friendly. Some pest control methods involve using harsh chemicals that can harm your pets if they come into contact with them. That’s why it’s important to find a pest control method that is both effective and safe for your beloved pets.
Pest Control Chemicals That Are Harmful to Pets
Pest control chemicals are an important part of keeping your home and property safe from unwanted pests. However, it is important to be aware of these chemicals’ potential dangers to your pets.
Nudrin:
Methomyl-based insecticide, Nudrin, is a new product that was recently registered by the EPA. Nudrin is effective against a wide range of insects, including those that can cause significant damage to crops. Therefore, homeowners need to be aware of its potential danger to their pets.
This is the warning for using Nudrin around wildlife: “Keep animals out of the operational area during treatment and while there is a danger of drift. Dangerous to bees. Do NOT spray on any plants in flower while bees are foraging. ENSURE beehives are removed from the area to be treated and from adjacent paddocks. This product is toxic to wildlife. Birds feeding on treated areas may be killed. Dangerous to fish. Do NOT contaminate fish ponds, dams, rivers, or streams with this chemical or the used container.” See the warning here
Spectracide:
Spectracide is a popular brand of insecticide that is known for its ability to kill bugs quickly. However, what many homeowners may not know is that Spectracide can be harmful to pets.
Here is what Spectracide says on their website about using this product. “Do not apply this product in a way that will contact any person or pet, either directly or through drift. Keep people and pets out of the area during application. Do not allow people or pets to enter the treated area until sprays have dried.”
Phosdrin:
Phosdrin is an organophosphate insecticide registered for use in the United States since 1974. It is a neurotoxicant that works by disrupting the normal function of nerve cells. This can cause paralysis and death in insects, but it can also be harmful to humans and other animals. Phosdrin is considered a restricted-use pesticide and must be used only by certified applicators. It is available as a liquid, an emulsifiable concentrate, or a wettable powder. The most common way to apply it is by spraying it onto crops or plants.
Here is the precautionary statement for using Phosdrin around humans and domestic animals.
“DANGER: Poisonous if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Rapidly absorbed through the skin. Repeated inhalation or skin contact may, without symptoms, progressively increase susceptibility to MEVINPHOS insecticide poisoning. 00 not swallow or get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not breathe vapors. Do not contaminate food or feed products.” See the warning here
5 Common Pantry Items to Use for Pest Control
1. Citrus Peels
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are not only great for making delicious snacks – their peels can also be used as an effective pest control method! Citrus peels contain limonene, a natural insecticide that can repel ants, cockroaches, fleas, and other pests. To use this method, simply place citrus peels around the perimeter of your home or in areas where you’ve seen pest activity.
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oil are not only great for relaxation – they can also be a pet-friendly way to keep pests away! These oils contain properties that will repel insects like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. To use this method, add a few drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz it around your home.
3. Salt
Salt is a common household item that can be used for many different things – including pest control! This everyday pantry staple can be used to kill ants, cockroaches, and other pests. To use this method, simply sprinkle salt around the perimeter of your home or in areas where you’ve seen pest activity.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar is another common household item that can be used as a pet-friendly pest control method. This acidic liquid can be used to kill ants, flies, and other pests. To use this method, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz it around your home.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is yet another common household item that can be used for pest control. This powder can be used to kill ants, cockroaches, and other pests. To use this method, simply sprinkle baking soda around the perimeter of your home or in areas where you’ve seen pest activity.
Other Pet-friendly Pest Control Methods
Cedar Chips
Place a few handfuls of cedar chips near your home’s entrances to deter rodents.
Boric Acid
Mix a small amount of boric acid with sugar and place it in areas where you have seen roaches. The sugar will attract the roaches, and the boric acid will kill them.
Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your home’s entrances and in other areas where you have seen pests. Diatomaceous earth is a natural, pet-friendly pest control product that kills pests by dehydrating them.
Keeping Your Pet Safe During Treatments
Here are a few tips for keeping your pets safe during pest control treatments:
- Remove your pet’s water and food bowls before treatments begin.
- Cover or remove your pet’s bedding or crate to prevent contact with pest control products.
- Make sure your pets are kept in a safe, enclosed area away from the treatment area.
- If possible, keep your pets out of the home altogether during pest treatments.
- After the pest control treatment has been carried out, make sure to ventilate the area well before letting your pets back in.
- Keep an eye on your pets for any adverse reactions after treating your home for pests. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian right away.
With a little bit of planning, you can easily keep your pets safe during pest control treatments. Just make sure to take the necessary precautions and always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Conclusion
No matter which pest control methods you choose to use in your home, it’s important to always take precautions to keep your pets safe. By using natural ingredients and items that are already in your home, you can effectively get rid of pests without having to worry about the safety of your furry friends! Are you currently having issues with pest? You can find reputable pest control companies near you here.
Have you tried any of the pest control methods we’ve mentioned? Have you tried other pet-friendly solutions? Let us know in the comments what worked for you. We hope this article has given you some ideas on how to keep pests at bay safely. So, until next time, keep your home pest free and your pets safe and healthy!
