Owning a pet is both a therapeutic and a rewarding endeavor. Coming home to an over-eager pup or a clingy kitten takes away a day’s worth of stress. Because of this, having a pet at home is becoming popular more than ever. Almost 68% of American households today own a pet according to the 2017-2018 APPA National Pet Owners survey. That is about 85 million families in particular.
Pets are considered to be members of the family, so pet-safety is of utmost importance.But what happens if pest infestation hits your home? Imagine if you already exhausted all possible means to take them out, and hiring a professional exterminator is your last resort. They say that modern residential pest control practices are 100% pet-friendly. But there are still things to consider to ensure safe pest control for homes with pets. Take note of these tips:
BEFORE:
- Choose a reputable pest control company.
Preferably, you need to pick a company with a license to operate. They should be backed up by verified reviews. You should ensure that they are pet-friendly chemicals and acceptable practices.
- Inform exterminators about crucial details in advance.
Specify the kind and number of pets under your care. This is to receive instructions on how to go about with the process. Ask what items to prepare, take out, or cover-up before the treatment day. Also, clarify how long the treatments will last. Take note of proper handling of exotic pets like reptiles or insects. Some delicate species of birds and aquarium fish need extra attention.
DURING:
- Make temporary shelter arrangements.
If it’s not possible to confine pets in isolated parts of the house, you may ask a friend or a family member to take your pets in and make plans on when it’s safe to bring your pets back home.
- Notify your veterinarian.
Taking professional advice is always wise for it is better to be safe than sorry. A quick courtesy call will not only address your pets’ health needs but also soothe your worries.
AFTER:
- Request a follow-up visit.
This is to ensure that the success of the procedure is evaluated. Also, inquire about a long-term strategy that will prevent future outbreaks.
- Explore other options.
Opt for a green alternative in dealing with an infestation. The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) stresses the negative impact of synthetic pesticides on people and pets’ health and the environment. They are pushing the envelope for IPM (Integrated Pest Management), a method which promotes natural and low-toxicity methods of pest-control by using cost-effective means.
CONCLUSION
After you have eradicated the pests in your house and established pet-safety, consider targeting the main cause of the infestation. There are proven ways to prevent pests that take little effort. For instance, you have to maintain cleanliness. When you deny pests the favorable conditions in which to thrive, you will not deal with the same problem again and again. As the famous saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”