You have a pest problem, but you have pets in your home. Are exterminators safe for pets? More specifically, are the chemicals safe? Here’s what you need to know.

If you have a family pet, keeping them safe and healthy is probably a high priority. You buy them special food to give them the nutrients they need, you take them to the vet for their shots and routine checkups—overall you treat them like a full member of the family.

When you hire an exterminator to take care of a pest problem, you need to be aware of the potential risks that pesticides can pose to your pet’s safety.

Are the chemicals exterminators use safe for pets? Not always. Here are some precautions to take when you hire an exterminator.

Are Exterminators Safe for Pets? How to Protect Your Pets When Your Home Is Being Treated.

Ask Your Pest Control Expert

The first step you should take is to communicate your concerns to your pest control expert before your service call. Your exterminator may not be aware that there are pets in the house. Letting them know beforehand could help you protect your pet’s health.

For example, if your pest control specialist knows you have a pet in the house, they may be able to recommend a pet-friendly method to rid your home of unwanted critters. Giving them a heads-up will also prompt them to give you any necessary warnings for toxic chemicals.

Don’t be afraid to ask your exterminator to document where in your home or yard that they applied treatment. Depending on which rooms and areas of the yard your pet has access to, you may not need to worry.

Keep Your Pets in a Separate Room

Once you let your exterminator know that you have pets, they may suggest that you keep them in a separate room until they are done treating the problem areas in your home. Some areas that need treatment will be in hard-to-reach spaces, but others could be out in the open—easy for your pet to access.

If you are unable to keep an eye on your pet to make sure they don’t accidentally ingest harmful chemicals, you may need to board them until it is safe for them to return. Your pest control expert will help you decide what is the best course of action.

Wait Until the Treated Areas Have Dried

Even after your house is treated for pests, you need to practice caution. Some chemicals may linger even hours after they are applied, so you need to know how long you should wait before treated areas are safe for your pet to be in.

Ask your specialist how long it takes for the chemicals they used to dry before allowing your pet to roam free.

Talk to Power X about How to Protect Your Pets

Are you a concerned pet parent with a pest problem? Still asking the question, “Are exterminators safe for pets?” The experts at Power X Lawn Nutrition + Pest Control are here to help you keep yours safe and healthy. Ask us about pet safety during your next service call.