Pest Control for Pet Owners
If you own a cat or dog (or any other household pet), you know how difficult it can be to get rid of pests such as mice, ants and other rodents. You cannot simply lay poisonous traps in the open, as this will put your pet at risk for injury and even death. From the interior to the exterior of your home, all pest control applications should be performed with safety in mind. There are many chemicals available on the market that are geared towards pest elimination, but these are not always the best option for pet owners. For instance, while you can certainly spray your garden, yard or perimeter of your house with pesticides, you run the risk of having your pet accidentally ingest the product. When this happens, a costly trip to the vet will be in order.
Safe Ways to Eliminate and Prevent Pests
There a number of safe alternatives pet owners can utilize when presented with a pest problem. If ants are the culprit, you can spray a water-vinegar solution around the interior of your home. The pests will be deterred, and you won’t need to worry about your pet getting poisoned. Using vinegar is cost-effective and safe; remember to mix the solution with an equal amount of water. Sealing entry ways and keeping your home clean are the greatest deterrents; if you have a cat or dog, remember to groom them on a routine basis to prevent fleas.
Using Chemicals the Right Way
If you do need to use chemicals, make sure to buy a product that is tamper-resistant. Instead of using blocks of poison to get rid of mice or rats, a safer option would be to buy bait boxes. The latter are specifically designed to prevent pets from being harmed. In addition, if you plan on spraying chemicals, make sure you follow the manufacturer stated application rate. Pesticides are lethal and should never be overused.
Pets and Pest Control Services
If the pest problem is extensive, you will need to hire a professional pest control company. These companies will spray your entire home during the extermination process, so make sure you have a place to keep your animals in the meantime. You can take them with you when you leave or pay to have them temporarily boarded. If you have fish, remember to cover the tank with a towel to prevent airborne chemicals from reaching the water. Ultimately, you will need to wait until the pesticides have adequately dried before letting your pets back inside.
