Pet-Safe Options for Pest Control
Start By Doing a Home Check
Before you start doing anything else for pest control, it’s important to do a check of your home. Many homeowners and renters aren’t aware of parts of their home that might lead to pests. Taking some time to do a home check can help you to see the areas that need some attention. Even better, many of the repairs you would make can be a big discouragement to future pest issues. Here are a few areas to check when doing a home check for pest control:
- Check for leaks - For many pests, a water source is a must-have! Check all pipes and sinks to see if there is a leak that could be attracting pests to your home. Fix these issues yourself or have a plumber come out to repair them. By removing this leak, you are removing a water source for pests.
- Check for cracks or improperly sealed windows - Another big culprit for allows pests into your home are cracks and improperly sealed windows. Small cracks and holes can allow pests to enter your home and cause damages. It can help to use some window sealant to seal any improperly sealed windows and make necessary repairs to any holes or cracks in your home.
- Cut back trees and bushes - Some pests will use trees and bushes that overhang the home as an access point into your home. By cutting back overhanging trees and thinning down bushes that are close to the home, you can naturally discourage pests from coming into your home.
Do a Deep Cleaning of the House
Another big area to look at when trying to do pet-friendly pest control is in your home. Small messes and items that have been left untidy can leave a welcome mat for pests in your home. This can be as simple as items that have been spilled and left sit or food containers that have been left open. Taking some time to do a deep clean and organize can be a game-changer. Even better, you’ll feel better knowing the house is clean. Here are a few areas to touch on:
- Use a quality cleaner and degreaser in your kitchen - Did you know pests can feed off of grease and food residue left on your oven, toaster, and other kitchen appliances? Taking some time to use a quality cleaner and degreaser can make a world of difference. You will be able to remove many of these pest food sources easily.
- Clean the walls - Your walls in the kitchen and in other areas in the home can have potential food spatter or different messes that can be a food source for pests. Use a safer wall cleaner for removing these items and taking away a potential food source.
- Store food in sealable containers - Open food containers are an open invitation for pests. Use containers such as cereal boxes and chip clips to seal up food items that could be a pest’s food source.
- Clean under the refrigerator and cabinets - Many items get spilled and pushed under the cabinets or even under the refrigerator. Use a safe cleaner to remove stuck-on messes under the refrigerator and cabinets. Not only will your home feel cleaner, but you will also be removing another food source for pests.
- Don’t leave pet food down - Many people will leave pet food out for pets to eat throughout the day. While this can be convenient for your pet, it’s also convenient for pests that enter your home. Having a set feeding time and picking up food when it is over, can be a perfect way to remove a food source from pests.
- Declutter where possible - Many bugs and rodents will feed on or hide in clutter. By removing clutter you can simplify your home while removing areas where pests might normally find a food source and a hiding place. This can mean removing things such as multiple appliances from counters or removing boxes that can be stored elsewhere or disposed of.
Pest Control Safety and Pets
When working on a strategy to remove pests from your home it can be tempting to go for the strongest possible treatments. While these may promise rapid results, they may not be safe for your pets. Many pest control products will have ingredients that are harmful to your pets. It is important to look at the ingredients and any warnings before using a pest control product. Here are a few things to consider:
- Read labels before buying - Not all pest control products are created equally. Watch for harmful ingredients that could work against the health of your pet.
- Be careful to read warnings - Another thing to look at when choosing a pest control option is the warnings on that product. Strongly worded warnings can help you to decide if that product should be used in your home with your pets.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a pet-friendly alternative - If you are hiring someone to do pest control services in your home, make sure to ask for their most pet-friendly option. Not all pest control is created equal. It can help to ask the service person which option will be safest for your home and your pets.
- Make your own as an option - There are countless DIY pest control options on the internet. Take some time to research different methods that might be pet-friendly. You may find that combined with some of the above steps, you can use a DIY pest control solution to handle the pest problems you might have.
- Shop with companies you know make safer products - There are companies that are dedicated to creating cleaning products that are safer for your pets and family. Healthier Home Products was created with this mission in mind. Founder Ken Arnswald went through the loss of a beloved dog due to harmful, toxic cleaners, and so with experience in mind, he set out to create safer alternatives that cleans just as well if not better.