Pets….love them. Pests… loathe them! Trying to get rid of the latter while keeping the former safe can be a worry for pet owners. Here Brie Moreau give us some tips on pest control. Very useful!
Ensure your home is pest-free and pet-friendly
Pets & Pest Control
Pets are lots of fun to have around, and as a pet owner you are probably devoted to yours. However, they also tend to attract pests. The knee-jerk response to a pest problem is to turn to popular pest control methods.The problem with doing this is that most of the time our pets cannot tell a substance used for pest control from a toy or food. It is therefore crucial to learn how to rid your home of pests in a way that’s safe for your pets. The information below will help you to keep your house free of pests and a safe haven for your beloved pets.
Rat poison: pets can’t tell this is poison!
Baits for rodents
Baits left out for rodents like rats and mice are some of the most toxic of substances for pets. Rodent baits function as anticoagulants, which causes internal bleeding in creatures that eat them by thinning their blood. All mammals are affected in the same way by rodent baits, so they should be kept out of reach of cats, dogs and humans.
If it is absolutely necessary to use rodent baits, you can choose from between two types: one type has a warfarin base, while the second type utilises chemicals which include brodifacoum, difethialone and bromadialone. If you can, pick the warfarin-based type as their effects take a longer time to manifest and they are less toxic.
Rodent baits tend to be more attractive to dogs than cats due to their being grain-based. Cats are less likely to be drawn to them as they prefer meat. It is important to ensure bait stations can be securely locked and kept out of reach of unsuspecting pets. You should also inspect your baits every day and remove any mice or rats that have been poisoned, in case your pets should eat, play or otherwise come into contact with them. Wear gloves when handling any carcasses and deposit them in a bin that your pets can’t access.
Traps for rodents
Instead of killing rats and mice with rodent baits, you can choose to trap them instead. Traps are safer from the point of view of the other people and animals living in your house, but they also take a longer time to eliminate pest issues. You also need some skill and luck to deploy them successfully. Make sure any traps you set are kept out of reach of your pets while still being in an area that attracts rodents.
Ant and cockroach baits
Ant and cockroach baits tend to be less poisonous than rodent baits, so they are also less harmful to pets. However, they can still be mistaken for food, and dogs especially are at risk of attempting to eat them. They should hence be kept out of reach, bearing in mind the persistence of your pets in trying to gain access to food.
Insecticide sprays
Insecticide sprays can be toxic and present health risks for your pets, particularly when in liquid form, when they are more easily absorbed. Never spray insecticides when any of your pets is in the room. They should only be allowed to re-enter when the insecticide has completely dried or evaporated.
Also make sure you cover all aquariums or carry them out of the room in which you intend to spray insecticide, as insecticide sprays are highly toxic to fish. If you have an outdoor pond, take care even if you’re not spraying in the vicinity of the pond, as the wind can carry droplets of insecticide over to it.
Pest control products can be harmful not only to pests but also to your pets. Always read instructions on the packaging carefully before using them. When not in use, pest control products should be stored in an area that can’t be accessed by your pets. Doing all this and more will keep your home not just free of pests but also safe for your pets.
Author: Brie Moreau works with Flick Anticimex Pest Control. When he is not on the clock he enjoys surfing, fishing and curling up with a great book.
When you have a pest problem, and pets, you indeed need to make sure your your method for taking care of the pests doesn’t harm your pets. This is especially goes for rodent problems. Everything that affects a rodent, can effect a cat or a dog.
One key component in treating a pest problem effectively is the correct identification of the insect species and subsequently, developing the most effective course of treatment that takes the insect’s biology and habits into account. Furthermore, pest control professionals have specialized equipment and access to regulated chemicals that enable them to treat pest problems more efficiently. If you do choose to handle your pest problem yourself, be sure to research on the limited chemicals available publicly and to follow all label directions carefully.
I agree with making sure none of the methods you are using can harm your pets.
Appreciation for really being thoughtful and also for deciding on certain marvelous guides most people really want to be aware of.
When you have a pest problem, and pets, you indeed need to make sure your your method for taking care of the pests doesn’t harm your pets. This is especially goes for rodent problems. Everything that affects a rodent, can effect a cat or a dog.
One key component in treating a pest problem effectively is the correct identification of the insect species and subsequently, developing the most effective course of treatment that takes the insect’s biology and habits into account. Furthermore, pest control professionals have specialized equipment and access to regulated chemicals that enable them to treat pest problems more efficiently. If you do choose to handle your pest problem yourself, be sure to research on the limited chemicals available publicly and to follow all label directions carefully.
I agree with making sure none of the methods you are using can harm your pets.
Appreciation for really being thoughtful and also for deciding on certain marvelous guides most people really want to be aware of.