Is pest control safe for children and pets?

Pest control is an important part of home maintenance, but it can be a tricky balancing act when you have children and pets in the home. You want to make sure you’re getting rid of pests while also keeping your family and furry friends safe from any potential harm. So, just how safe is pest control for kids and pets? 

Is “Pet Friendly” pest control really safe for cats and dogs?

When it comes to pest control and pets, it’s a good rule of thumb to remember: if it’s toxic to humans, it’s toxic to your pets. Pets are especially vulnerable to pesticides because they can absorb them through their feet rather than just their mouth and nose. Smaller pets will also have a lower tolerance for certain chemicals before they become toxic.

Pets such as cats and dogs use their noses to explore everything and can easily inhale, absorb, or ingest the pesticide. Even though the toxic concentration is low, it can have long-term consequences. Animals can breathe in pesticides or absorb them through their skin, especially during spray treatments.

When it comes to pet friendly pest control, there are several options available. You can purchase “pet friendly” products from your local hardware store or online, but these products may not be as effective as traditional professional pest control treatments. 

Traditional pest control involves the routine application of pesticides. Pet-friendly pest control is inextricably linked with integrated pest management, which the EPA describes as “an environmentally friendly, common sense approach to controlling pests.” Integrated Pest Management, on the other hand, focuses on pest control. Pesticides are only used when absolutely necessary.

Is pest control treatment safe for asthmatic people?

Some pest control methods can aggravate allergies or act as an asthma trigger. There is a well-established link between asthma and pesticide use, and exposure to the chemicals commonly used to combat these pests can be hazardous to the health of everyone in your family.

When it comes to pest control, it is critical to use methods that do not degrade indoor air quality or expose occupants (people and pets) to toxic chemicals. We recommend that you use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and hire a professional pest control company that follows these principles.

IPM Pest Control Method – Why It’s Safe For Children And Pets

When professional pest control treatments are used in the home, it can be hard to determine what chemicals are being used. However, most pest control companies now offer treatments that are safe for people with asthma or allergies. These treatments usually contain fewer toxic chemicals than traditional treatments and pose a lower risk of harmful side effects. 

In addition, many companies now offer integrated pest management (IPM) services which utilise a combination of mechanical methods (such as traps), biological controls (such as beneficial insects), physical controls (such as caulking cracks or holes) , and chemical controls (such as pesticide applications). The IPM method poses fewer risks for both people in the home and their pets than traditional methods that rely heavily on chemical applications.  

These preventative measures aid in the effective, economical, and environmentally sound management of pests. Integrated Pest Management has been shown to be effective at removing existing pests, preventing future re-infestations, and, most importantly, using methods that do not expose people or pets to potential or known hazards.

Comparing integrated pest management to traditional pest control methods is an excellent way to understand it. Traditional pest control is reactive, whereas IPM is proactive and looks for ways to exclude pests with barriers. It deals with the issue after it has arisen. IPM employs a variety of tools, such as sanitation, proper plant selection in the garden, and biological control. Chemical pesticides are used in non-IPM techniques.

IPM practitioners use the least toxic pesticides for humans and rely on spot treatments in specific areas. Traditional pest control employs broad-spectrum pesticides capable of killing a wide range of insects. They also cover large areas with spray.

Bottomline

When it comes to keeping your home free from pests while also ensuring the safety of your family members – both human and animal – there are many options available. From purchasing pet-friendly products to utilising integrated pest management techniques, there is sure to be a solution that fits your needs while also minimising any potential risks associated with using pesticides in the home. 

We at Enviro PCS care about the safety of your pets and children, just as much as we care about preventing future pest problems. We know what it takes to get rid of bothersome bugs, rodents, and wildlife — and keep them gone using child- and pet-friendly pest control solutions. Contact us today to request a FREE quote.