In the short story of “Mr. Gilfil’s Love Story, a nineteenth-century novelist and poet George Eliot wrote, “Animals are such lovely friends—they don’t ask questions, they don’t criticize.” Pet lovers around the world have testified to this truth. When chums and family fall short, a loyal dog or an affectionate cat sometimes finds himself in a void. This shared love has also led many owners to question if pest control systems are suitable for pets.

They have cause to feel worried about the safety of pet pest control. News stories and anecdotes abound of beloved pets that have run away [UPDATED] from toxins or synthetic pesticides. Good news is that responsible pest control practices can lead to low environmental persistence of pesticides and protect the lives of pets while eliminating bugs, rodents and the like. Read on to learn more about it.

What’s Pet-friendly Pest Control?

Pet-safe pest control solutions Pet-safe pest control is closely related to integrated pest management, an approach that EPA defines as ‘an environmentally sustainable, common-sense approach to pest control.’ Conventional pest control requires the routine use of pesticides. Integrated pest control, by contrast:

1. Emphasis on prevention of pests
2. Using pesticides only when necessary

Texas A&M University states that integrated pest management has also emerged from questions about the efficacy (or lack of) of spray-and-pray pest control. “What began 30 years ago as a lofty notion of partnering with nature when controlling pest problems has bloomed into a nationally accepted practice that saves the environment, money and reduces the use of pesticides.”

Integrated pest control is not only kind to the atmosphere and people, it is good to livestock, too—but not to pests. Our Pest Control partners are proud to have been recognized as a Green Shield Accredited by the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Institute of America. Our service is both reliable and secure every time.

Signs of the Pest Control Facility is Pet-Friendly

Determining whether or not you are dealing with pet-friendly pest control is easy. You should be looking for the characteristics of integrated pest management. Does the technician start by looking for signs of reported pests to determine the extent of the infestation? Has the service told you about the pest life cycle, which offers insight into the best methods of elimination and prevention? Is the pest control company going to examine your property and fix any contributing factors? Does the service require a post-treatment plan to deter rats, wildlife, bugs, and other irritants from returning? These are all signs that a pest control company is up and down.

But there is one final factor for you to consider: should your pest control technician inquire whether or not you have pets in the premises before starting treatment? This should happen every time well before the treatment happens, and you should expect it from the companies you hire.

Pest Control Services that May be Harmful to Pets

When you read online about pet friendly rodent control or bug control or any related insect, you always find people fixing on pet-friendly pest control products. They tend to recommend specific pet safe bug sprays or a variety of non-toxic chemicals or traditional remedies such as diatomaceous earth. And these are all good and good, especially if you consider over-the-counter solutions in the first place (which have a high likelihood of harming pets if improperly used). However, relying on products is a mistake if you employ a competent pest control company.

Why? Why? Well, as we discussed above when addressing integrated pest control, the way you handle the job is just as important as what you spray. We would all like to find the perfect array of pet friendly pesticides that could be applied without concern. But this isn’t how pet safe bug sprays work in the real world. Instead, a company should take its time, plan carefully when and where it will use the product, and communicate the plan to you.

Oh, and heed EPA’s warnings against companies that market pest control services combined with unrelated offerings, offer on-site sales only for a limited period of time, or turn up at your door unannounced. These individuals are unable to provide pest control that is good for your pets or for you.

Do you need to leave My Pet during or after treatment?

Life is busy, and clients usually ask us how to prepare and whether or not they need to remove their pet from the premises while we are on treatment. We’re going to get it: it can be hard to get Fido or Fifi out and out before a technician arrives. While best practice dictates that your pet—and any people present! —If you have to leave for pest control treatment, there are steps you can take to protect your pets if they have to stay at home.

How can you keep your pets safe while you control the pest?

If your pets stay at home during treatment, make sure you follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe. These include the following:

1. Keep them out of the rooms in which treatment is being performed. Limit your dogs or cats, if possible, to pet carriers while the Pest Control technician is in the property. This will prevent them from accidentally coming into contact with any pest-removing product.
2. Do not introduce pets to the treated area until any product has dried. Sometimes your technician may ask you to keep your pets out of the room for a longer period of time, but it’s usually safe to allow your furry friends to return once the spray has dried.
3. Take special care with birds and reptiles. Because these types of pets may be particularly sensitive to pesticides, be sure to cover their cages to prevent any overspray or aerosolized droplets from reaching them.

Do I need to tell my field expert about my pets?

Although any pest control technician worth his or her salt should ask you if you have pets in the property, it’s always wise to volunteer that information first. This way, the company can take special steps to ensure that your beloved animals remain safe and secure.

Original article source: smithereen.com</a