Pet lovers around the world know that dogs and cats are not just pets. They are part of the family. As such, pet owners will do anything to keep their animals safe. The very presence of pests in the home can be a danger to pets. For example, fleas can transmit Bartonella to dogs, which is an infectious bacteria that can cause serious diseases.
When dealing with any type of pest in the home, homeowners may immediately consider a pest control solution. However, when pets are also in the home, this must be done very carefully. While you want to get rid of your pests, you also do not want to negatively impact your pets. Below, our San Antonio pest control expert explains how to keep pests out while keeping your pets safe.
What Does Pet-Friendly Pest Control Mean?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes integrated pest management as a common-sense approach to controlling pests while also ensuring it is environmentally friendly. Traditional pest control methods largely used a “spray and pray” method. Technicians and in some cases, even homeowners, would simply saturate an area with pesticide and hope that it was enough to eliminate the pests. The problem with this approach is that it does not protect the people and pets in the home, and it is very harmful to the environment as a whole.
Today though, the products pest control companies use have come a long way. They are generally safe for pets, people, and the environment. Unfortunately, this does not hold true for all Texas pest control companies. As such, there are some signs to look for to determine if a specific company keeps the safety of pets in mind when applying their solutions.
How to Determine if a Pest Control Company is Pet-Friendly
Ask any pest control company if they use pet-friendly materials and they will likely say “yes.” However, that is not always true. Since you cannot always ask a simple question to get the truth, it is important to know the other signs to look for. To do this, you essentially have to determine if the company uses integrated pest control solutions.
The first thing an integrated pest control specialist should do is look for signs of the pests to determine the extent of the infestation. It is not uncommon for people to think only one area of their home is affected, only to learn that the pests have taken over many parts of a home. Next, the technician should then determine the life cycle of the pests, as that is an important part of creating an effective solution.
The technician should then inspect the entire property to determine how the pests are getting in and to start forming a customized plan to eliminate them. Lastly, the technician should then provide a follow-up plan to ensure that rodents and other pests do not come back.
By simply performing the above tasks, you can tell that a pest control service uses an integrated approach when getting rid of the critters in your home. When a Texas pest control service uses an integrated approach, it is also very likely that they consider pet safety when applying their pest control solutions.
What Pest Control Solutions are Harmful for Pets?
Pest control can be done safely, but that does not mean that all pest control solutions are safe. Upon finding pests in your home, it is natural that you want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. To solve the problem, many people run out to the store and buy the first pest control product they can find.
The problem with over-the-counter pest control solutions is that they are generally unsafe for people to use. They contain poisons and toxins and many people do not know how to handle these dangerous materials. The product then becomes dangerous to you as you handle it, but it can also be unsafe for pets. For example, you may think that you placed rat poison in an area your dog cannot reach but tragically, your pet got to it and consumed it.
A professional Texas pest control company will know which materials to use that will keep pets safe, and how to use them safely. The pest control solutions a professional service provides are also much more effective than what is available to the general public.
How to Keep Pets Safe During Treatment
It is always recommended that all pets and people leave the home while pest control treatments are being applied. If it is not possible to remove your cat or dog during treatment, there are still ways you can keep them safe. These are as follows:
- Keep pets in carriers: If possible, keep your cat or dog in a carrier in a room that is not being treated. This will ensure they do not move into a room that is being treated, and that they do not come into contact with the pest control solution.
- Keep pets out until the product has dried: It is always best to wait until a product has dried before you clean the area, or allow your pets near it. Once the product is completely dry, it is perfectly safe to be around. While your pet may not have to stay in a carrier for an extended time, you may have to keep them out of a certain room for some time.
- Tell the technician about your concerns: Pest control technicians should always ask if you have pets and if so, what type. Still, it is always best to mention it as soon as possible so the technician can keep that in mind from the very start.
Our Pest Control Experts in Texas Will Keep Your Pets Safe
At Stride Pest Control, we know that your pet is part of the family and it is why our Texas pest control experts will always work with their safety in mind. The products we use are not safe for pests, but they will not hurt you or your pets. Call us today at (210) 547-8410 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.