No homeowner wants unknown critters roaming around their house, which is why pest control treatment is important. Unfortunately, most people buy the first pesticide spray they see without considering how it impacts their pets.
Keep on reading to find out if pest control is safe for your pets.
How Can I Keep Pests Away Without Harming My Pets?
All pesticides contain toxic ingredients, and you should research a product’s toxicity levels before purchasing it. Fortunately, your pets won’t suffer if they’re only exposed to a small amount of spray, but you can’t tell your dog or cat to avoid the treated area. A curious pet may sniff it, and they may end up getting particles up to their snout.
Follow these tips to protect your pets from pesticides.
Compare Pesticides
When you’re shopping for pesticides, you should read each bottle’s label and look out for these signal words: caution, warning, or danger. Although these words may be used interchangeably, they don’t share the same definition when it comes to pesticide codes.
- Caution: Pesticides that use this signal word indicate low toxicity levels. Your pets will only absorb harmful chemicals if they lick the pesticides or treated area.
- Warning: Pesticides that use this signal word signify moderate toxicity.
- Danger: Pesticides that use this signal word indicate high levels of toxicity, and they contain poison. Although these are powerful, it’s best to avoid them to keep your pets safe.
Look up every chemical listed in the bottle’s product label, and make sure it’s approved for its intended use.
Secure Your Pet’s Belongings
If your pet’s food bowl is in the backyard, you need to bring it indoors before you spray pesticide. Even if you’re not directly spraying it into the bowl, particles can make their way into your pet’s food.
Additionally, you’ll want to bring your pet’s toys and other belongings into the house. If your pet’s toys are scattered across the backyard, you should buy a storage bin to keep them in one place. Particles can remain active for days or weeks, and you don’t want your dog to drag their toys through your lawn one week after treatment.
Carefully Store Away Pesticides
Some people keep their sprays in the same area they keep their pet’s food in—this can be a potentially deadly mistake. Here’s the proper way to store them:
- Store them in a locked cabinet or garden shed.
- Avoid storing them under your sinks.
- Remember, pesticides are flammable. Keep them away from ignition sources such as a furnace or car. If you keep a power lawnmower in your shed, you should install a shelf and place your sprays on it.
Contact Summit Lawn & Pest Control
Although you can do pest control on your own, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Summit Lawn & Pest Control offers the best lawn care and pest control in Utah County. We can free your lawn of weeds, crabgrass, lawn pests, and more. Call us today for a free quote.
