How to protect pets during pest control treatments at home

Introduction

“How to protect pets during pest control treatments”, is a question we are often asked. We are also asked “are pest control chemicals safe”. Short answer is that they are safe if used correctly, however its not quite that simple. Pest control solutions in the hands of the wrong people, or the so called back-yard pest controllers can be an issue. Being asked so often we deiced to write an article on the subject.

In this article we will discuss the aspects of safety for your pets, and the processes that are involved to keep your pets safe during and after pest control procedures. We will also give a brief outline on how to spot if a pet has a poisoning issue and what you need to do if you suspect any type of poisoning.

We will also discuss the use of fully licenced pest control companies and how to avoid rogue operators that could cause harm or death to your pets.

Understanding Pest Control Solutions

To be able to get a better understanding of pet safety around pest control, we first need to understand what pest control actually is.

There are several types of pest control methods available to Mandurah residents and business owners. All the methods used by Pest Hunters WA are safe for pets, using very strict guidelines about how we use particular methods and, where and when.

Chemical Pest Control

Chemical pest control is our main approach for killing and preventing most pests such as insects and bugs like termites, spiders, ants and so on. Chemical pest control used by the trained professional at the correct dilution is very safe. Chemicals and technology advancement have put pest control chemicals at the fore- front of pest control

Mechanical and Physical Pest Control

This involves using physical barriers such as termite barriers and also traps for rodents. The physical barriers system is of no concern to pets as it is simply putting a fence so to speak to prevent pest entering. A bit like having a front door to stop un-wanted guests.

Traps can be of concern and we will discuss the procedures to make this safe for your pets and at the same time removing rodents.

Heat Treatment

The heat treatment method of pest control is of no concern for pets. Its a process of using heat to kill mainly bed bugs and also has no environmental impact.

Fumigation

This method of pest control is not so common. Fumigation is used to kill a variety of pests usually on a very large scale. Foer example an entire house could be totally sealed and pest control released on the inside, effectively becoming a gas chamber.

Traps and Baits

Traps and baits are traditionally used to rid properties of rodents such as mice and rats. This method is a very safe method, however as the owner of pets there are some considerations you will need to be aware of particularly for cats, which we will explain shortly.

Potential Risks to Pets

We are dealing in most cases with liquid chemicals and solid baits. Yes they are poisonous as they are designed to kill pests. Over the lasts few decades pest control solutions have come a long way with advancing technology, making these poisons much safer around your pets and indeed humans.

That been said we still need to keep our pests as clear as possible from these chemicals to avoid in most part illness.

What to do on the pest control day

Lets get into what you can do prior to the arrival of one of our pest control experts to keep your pets safe.

• Dogs and Cats: If possible find somewhere for them to be baby-sat for the day. Alternatively as we arrive find an area or room away from any pest control application areas and keep them there for several hours.
• Fish Tanks: If we are doing internal pest control, be sure to cover your fish tank with a non porous substance. We suggest using cheap black plastic from Bunnings.
• Fish Ponds: Fish ponds in some cases can be a little more tricky. Do your best to cover the pond with black plastic and discuss this one when we arrive.
• Birds: if you have a smaller caged bird or birds, simply take them to an area of the property away from the treatment process. If you have an aviary set-up, be sure to speak with us on arrival for a solution. Generally we will keep clear and be sure not to spray pest control up-wind of bird aviaries.
• Reptiles: Once again similar to fish tanks, keep covered during the pest control process.

We are now well versed with what to do prior to our arrival and during the pest control treatment. However please discuss with our pest control expert any other types of pets and any concerns you may have upon our arrival.

Tips for during and after the procedure to keep pets safe

Once we have finished the pest control procedure their are still a few things that you as a pet owner will need to do to keep your pets safe. Once again we must not forget that these chemicals are poisons designed to kill pests.

• Dogs: Keep your dog away from any wet treatments. it normally dries quite fast. Once spray pest control is dry there is less chance of transfer to you dogs fur. If they rub against wet treatment they may start licking themselves which could potentially cause illness. If we are doing rodent treatment we may use baits, Its very unlikely your dog will eat them as they are very un-palatable.
• Cats: Very similar to dogs but with an added twist. Are we doing a rodent treatment for you? If so you may start to get dead rodents and our feline friends tend to like to snack on them. So do some checking regularly for several days for dead rodents.
• Fish tanks and ponds: Once we have completed the pest control procedure and the odour has cleared, you will be safe to uncover your fish tanks and ponds
• Birds and reptiles: Once again, once we have finished the treatment process and the odour has cleared, your birds and reptiles are safe to be uncovered and be back to their usual environment.

Be sure to use a professional licensed pest control business

Every industry has its illegal operators who by-pass the licencing procedures or regulatory process. The pest control industry is no different. Pest control is unique in the wrong hands the chemical used. can be dangerous and cause serious illness.

The Department of Health regulates the pest control industry. Anyone working in the pest control in Western Australia must hold a “Pesticide Technician Licence”. Anyone who wants to run a pest control business must register as an “owner-operator pest management business”.

Don’t be afraid to ask your pest controller for their license details

What to do if you suspect a pet has been poisoned

As mentioned earlier, pest control solutions are very safe but not without risk. Its very unlikely a pet could suffer from poisoning due to pest control procedures and even less likely a human could be poisoned, if correct procedures are followed. if performed by a professional pest control operator or business.

Unfortunately we have some people who are not pet lovers and will do un-toward things such as baiting a barking dog.

How to tell if your pet has been poisoned

There are many symptoms that a dog or cat can portray if they have been poisoned. the list below are the main ones.

• Agitation: Your dog is not behaving in a normal manner. they could be constantly moving or pacing up and down.
• Tremors: Tremors will be quite obvious and as you can spot the trembling easily as if they were cold.
• Convulsions: Convulsions are involuntary muscles spasms that are also similar to a seizure and very easy to spot.
• vomiting: No explanation is required as we will know when a pets is vomiting.
• Diarrhoea. Sudden onset of diarrhoea can be a sign of poisoning.

You suspect your dog or cat has been poisoned

• Don’t panic: The worst thing you can do is panic, especially in an emergency situation. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, stay calm above all else. Panicking will worsen the situation and your pet will see sighs of your anxiety.
• Contact your vet: Call your vet or if after hours get in touch with an after hours emergency vet.
• Go to the vet: If its during business hours, head straight to the vet while someone else is making the call.
• Details: Be ready with any details of symptoms, speed is of the essence.

How we keep your pets safe

upon arrival at your property, our pest controller will follow strict procedures and make a thorough examination of the property and check that all pets are safe and secured prior to application of any pest control treatments, to ensure yours and your pets safety. If you have any questions be sure to ask and our staff will be only to happy to assist.

Conclusion

We’ve come to the end of the article and we hope we have answered the question, “How to protect pets during pest control treatments?.

With a better understanding of pest control and the chemicals that are used to kill pests, you can now feel comfortable that your pets are safe, when correct pest control procedures are carried out, by licenced experts.

Get in touch with Pest Hunters WA today for more information about keeping your pets safe.