Creating balance between a pet-friendly home and a pest-free* environment can be tricky. Often, methods of pest control can be harmful to pets if you fail to take the correct precautions. If you’re a pet owner, here are three tips to follow to keep your home free from pests and safe for Sparky.

1. Remove Attractions

A primary way to combat pests is to remove the conditions that attract them. Here are a few ways to safeguard against unwanted house guests.

Food

Whether it’s food for pets or humans, keep it sealed! Open food is a major attraction for all kinds of pests, from mice to ants. Store food in airtight containers and never leave it sitting out for an extended period of time.

Yard Waste

Pests love the hiding places that yard waste provides, so don’t leave any lying around—especially if you have pets. Yard clippings, sticks, and leaves should all be burned or disposed of quickly to prevent any creepy crawlies from building their homes there.

Openings

Cracks, holes, and openings in your home are a welcome sign to pests. Leaving access points into your home is essentially saying, “Come on in!” Seal cracks in your foundation and siding, and be sure to repair holes in your door and window screens.

2. Use Pesticides

If you’re a pet owner, it’s especially important to thoroughly research any pesticides you use before applying them in or around your home. Here’s how to safely use pesticides as a pet owner.

Before Application

Research pet-friendly pest control options available for your situation, and utilize the least hazardous solution available for your problem. After you’ve chosen a pesticide, completely read through the application directions and follow them carefully to prevent harm to you or your pets.

During Application

A pesticide’s application time varies depending on the product you choose. During the time that the pesticide is in use, you’ll want to keep a watchful eye on your furry friends. Here are a few safety tips:

  • Remove pet beds, toys, and food bowls from the area being treated.
  • Cover bird cages, aquariums, and terrariums with towels before treating an area with spray pesticide.
  • If you are using pest traps throughout your home, monitor their location and keep your pets away from them whenever possible.
  • With spray pesticides, don’t allow pets near the area until the solution is completely dry.
  • Don’t allow pets near poison pellets or bait.
  • Whenever possible, use products that are pet-friendly and non-toxic.

After Application

Continue monitoring pet activity after you have applied pesticide. If you suspect your pet has encountered a toxic substance, seek veterinary care immediately.

3. Practice Prevention

It may be impossible to completely eradicate pests from your yard and home, but that shouldn’t stop you from actively working to prevent pest-related bites, infections, or outbreaks.

Medicate Properly

Follow your veterinarian’s recommended medication regimen for your pet. This will probably include flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, all of which will help fight against the negative health effects associated with these pests.

Avoid Peak Exposure

Try to avoid areas that are hot spots for pests (primarily mosquitoes, ticks, and wasps). Peak exposure occurs

  • During summer months
  • In the evenings
  • In heavily wooded areas

Check Your Pets

If you and your pets have spent an extensive amount of time outside—especially during peak exposure conditions—be sure to check for any unwanted tagalongs, bites, or stings. Remove ticks immediately, and be sure to properly treat any bee or wasp stings.

Pest control can be a challenging task. When it becomes too much to handle on your own, trust Springer in Des Moines. The professionals at Springer will assess, address, and treat your pest situation while maintaining the highest level of safety for your household (pets included). Springer’s highly effective treatment takes about an hour to apply and is completely safe for pets and children after it has dried. Set up your free inspection today!

3 Pest Control Tips for Pet Owners

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