Is Pest Control Safe for Pets and Kids? | What You Must Know
Understanding Whether Pest Control Is Safe for Pets and Kids
When pests are becoming troublesome at home, like rodents skittering across rooms or termites eating through foundations, it’s only logical to call in pest control experts. However, most families always have a lingering question: Is pest control safe for pets and children?
Parents and pet owners have every right to worry about this. After all, kids and animals might unknowingly access hazardous materials involved in pest treatment. Let’s discuss the inherent risks of pest control, the significance of professional servicing, and tips for ensuring your household’s safety.
The Potential Harm to Children and Animals
Pest control typically involves chemicals, most of which can endanger infants and young kids when exposed to or ingested. The substances can lead to serious problems, from nausea and asthma to organ damage and congenital and learning disabilities. Their bodies and immune systems are still weak, and their underdeveloped liver and kidneys may not be able to flush out the toxins as effectively as an adult’s.
Animals at home (especially cats and dogs) may face similar risks when they access or consume certain toxic ingredients in pesticides, baits, gels, and repellents. Depending on the type and amount, the chemicals can cause symptoms of poisoning, like breathing problems, vomiting, excessive drooling, or tremors, and even death. Generally, pets often end up ingesting them by:
- Eating bugs or weeds sprayed with pesticides
- Licking paws after touching or walking on treated surfaces
- Directly accessing and ingesting pesticides
The risks above are understandably concerning, but it’s essential to remember that they mostly become dangerous when pest treatments are applied inappropriately and irresponsibly. It could happen when treating indoor spaces with pesticides meant for outdoor use or using double the amount recommended on the label.
The Importance of Hiring Professionals
Some homeowners prefer DIY pest control as it seems more convenient and affordable. However, doing so carries higher risks for pets and kids. Misapplication, overuse, or putting pest control supplies in the wrong places can increase the chances of kids and animals getting exposed by accident.
It’s best to hire experts to prevent that, as they have the appropriate licenses, expertise, and low-toxin products for dealing with bugs and critters. Choose pest control technicians with experience treating homes with children and animals. They must also clearly communicate their treatment plans, precautions, and instructions after treatment, like whether it’s safe to re-enter your home or which areas require cleaning.
Another critical consideration is whether they offer integrated pest management (IPM). This approach combines strategies focused on comprehensive pest control, long-term prevention, and reduced safety risks. It’s particularly beneficial for homes with kids and pets since it only uses chemicals when necessary.
What You Can Do To Ensure Safety
Even with professionals doing the job, homeowners can take extra steps to ensure children’s and pets’ safety during pest control appointments. Below are some simple but effective measures to follow before, during, and after the service:
Prepare Your Home in Advance
Secure food and kitchen utensils and clear out toys, clothes, pet bowls, and other personal belongings before the treatment begins to avoid chemical contamination. If you have a pet fish, cover or, better yet, move the aquarium to another location until the treatment is complete.
Keep Kids and Pets Out
Your pest control technician will give you the signal when you can go back inside your house. Until then, confine children and pets to faraway places during the treatment service, such as non-treated rooms or outside the house.
Ventilate After Treatment
Once you’re back home, open your windows and doors and let fresh air circulate inside the treated rooms. Proper ventilation will help dry the treatments and remove lingering odors or chemical residues.
Clean Only Where Recommended
Avoid mopping or wiping down treated surfaces so the pest control product/s can work effectively. However, do clean and address issues that may attract pests, like food particles in kitchens, standing water in bathrooms, or cracks and leaks in foundations. Also, throw out any food and perishables you suspect have been exposed to the pest control products.
Besides that, follow your pest control specialist’s post-treatment directions. You can ask them for more advice to ensure you’re well-informed on how to keep the treatment working as intended while protecting your family.
Conclusion
Now let’s go back to many families’ question: Is pest control safe for pets and children? The answer is yes, but only when administered correctly. Taking simple precautions, working with reliable specialists, and following their instructions are paramount to keeping your home pest-free without risking your loved ones’ safety. Talk to a local pest control company for more information and recommendations.
