Pest control is a necessity in College Station and Bryan. You cannot live without it in the area. Though DIYs can slow down pest activity, you need professional assistance when things go beyond your control. And when that happens, you need to be sure the treatment process doesn't turn out to be a hazard for you, your family and your pets. While pest control services are generally regarded as safe for both families and pets, safety doesn't come automatically. The chemicals used in the treatment are tested and regulated by authorities and technicians are trained to use them responsibly. It depends on the type of treatment, how it is applied and the safety measures you take before and after the treatment. This guide answers all the important questions you should know before and after scheduling a pest control treatment.
Not all pest control methods carry the same level of risk to families and pets. Let’s have a look at how different treatment methods affect a family, how long it takes before it stops having any effects on you and what you can do to protect yourself right when the treatment is being done.
| Treatment Type | Risky Time Period | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Bait stations and traps | None | Place stations out of reach of pets & children |
| Exterior perimeter spray | 1-2 hours | Keep pets and children off treated grass |
| Eco-friendly | 1-2 hours | Safest option for homes with children and pets |
| Interior spray | 2-4 hours | Leave home during treatment, open windows |
| Fogging & misting | 4-6 hours | Remove all pets and cover fish tanks, open windows |
| Granular lawn treatment | 24 hours or more | Keep pets and children off lawn until the lawn is dry |
| Fumigation & tenting | 24-72 hours | Completely evacuate the home, professional air out |
| Rodent poison baits | Ongoing caution | Always in tamper-resistant stations, keep out of reach of children & pets |
Rodent poison bait is the most dangerous pest control treatment on the list, considering children and pets. There is also a risk of secondary poisoning if your pet eats poisoned rodents. It’s best to keep an eye on what your pet eats at all times while you have bait stations placed at home. It is definitely difficult to supervise your pet 24/7 so you can try placing the bait station somewhere high or in tiny and inaccessible places where your pets cannot reach.
Some animals need more protection than others from pest control treatment.
Cats top the list among those animals. They lack liver enzymes that break down many pesticides. Prethyroid, used in removing pests, is also highly toxic to cats specifically.
Next on the list are birds. They have extremely sensitive respiratory systems. It is best to remove them from home entirely during any indoor treatment as aerosol fumes can be fatal to them.
Fish can get affected by vapors from foggers and spray entering the tank via pumps and filters. Tanks must be covered and pumps should be turned off before any treatment.
Dogs are habitual lickers of paws and can catch pesticides from a treated floor. The risk is real but lower than cats and birds. Dogs usually have high immunity. Larger breeds have more tolerance than toy or small breeds.
Let your technician know about every pet in the home, including their location
Tell your technician if anybody in the home is pregnant, has asthma or any other respiratory or chemical sensitivities
Remove or seal children’s toys, pacifiers, or anything that goes in a baby’s mouth
Ask the technician for the product name and EPA registration number for every chemical being used
Remove all pet food bowls, water dishes, toys and beddings from the areas that will be treated
Cover or move fish tanks and turn off pumps before the treatment begins
Ask specifically about eco-friendly or low-toxicity alternatives if you have young children, cats or birds
Plan where you will take your children and pets during the treatment
If you are concerned about chemical exposure, you can discuss these lower-risk options with your pest control provider.
Botanical sprays for insects
Heat treatment for bed bugs
Diatomaceous earth for insects
Integrated Pest Management for the prevention of pests
Brazos Pest is community-trusted, local pest control service provider in the Bryan-College Station area.
Pest control services are totally safe for families and pets under normal circumstances. As long as you choose a professional company that is licensed by the respective authorities, follow guidelines and take precautionary measures before and after treatment, there’s nothing to be worried about. Pest control companies train their technicians about everything, even the safety of the families. If you are ever in doubt, ask your technician about it. A good pest control company will always prioritize your family’s safety over anything.