4 Considerations to Take When Choosing Pest Control in a Home With Pets

Dealing with a pest problem is difficult enough, but it can be even worse when you have pets at home that might be affected by the treatments. It’s important that you think of their needs throughout the process and take steps to safeguard them from any hazards. Here are some tips that might help.

Follow Package Directions

Handling a simple pest problem at home is often a quick DIY endeavor. However, the presence of pets forces you to make some special considerations. The best thing you can do with store products is to read all information on the package and follow the directions. Products should list ingredients and many will comment on their safety for use around pets. If there is no information from the manufacturer regarding possible effects on household pets, look up information on the web from trustworthy sources or contact your veterinarian before use.

Secure Treated Areas

If the pest control treatment is only in a specific area of your house, like the basement, it may be sufficient to simply prevent your animals from entering that area until the treatment is complete. This can be a good idea anyway as pests could pose health risks to your domesticated animals. You can close doors, use baby gates or, in the case of caged pets, temporarily move them to another area of the house.

Talk With Your Pest Control Professionals

Perhaps the best thing you can do is speak candidly with your pest control company about your concerns regarding your pets. Pest control professionals commonly need to take household pets into consideration when applying treatments and have a thorough understanding of any chemicals used. Be sure to inform them of all the pets you have as well as whether any of your pets have special needs. Your pest control professionals can work with you to come up with solutions.

Have Your Pets Stay Elsewhere

In the case of a major pest control treatment or if the treatment used will be toxic to your animals, you have the option of simply removing your animals from the home altogether until it is safe for them to be there again. For example, using bug bombs in your home might necessitate that it be vacant for a set amount of time. You have several options. You could board your pets at your vet or a private facility, ask friends or family to watch them, or even go to a pet-friendly hotel.

By taking proper precautionary steps, you can have effective pest control treatments while still ensuring your pets stay safe. Work with your pest control company and your veterinarian to come up with the best solutions. Your pets deserve the best care and consideration you can provide them.