If your home is anything like most residential property owners, it’s constantly under assault from a never-ending army of ants, spiders, cockroaches, and other creepy crawlies.
Of course, as a homeowner, your top priority is to get rid of these pests – for good. However, as a responsible pet parent, you have to make sure that any pest control products you use are not just effective but also safe for your dog.
Dog safe pest control – can these words go well together? Is there such a thing? Some people say that pests aren’t necessarily affected by pest control treatments.
Although they might not be significantly affected, to some extent, these are chemicals – and pests are also at risk of being harmed.
Cats and dogs can easily absorb pesticides through their skin. When you use pesticide sprays, the liquid can settle on the floor, where your pests spend most of their time with.
These can seep through their skin, causing irritation or, worse, some long-term health effects.
Dog Pest Control Safe Ideas
Whether you’re dealing with rodents, insects, or other unwanted critters, here are some tips and products that can help you keep your home pest-free without putting your fur baby into harm’s way.
Many people have the common notion that pest control always involves the use of toxic chemicals. But there are actually many non-toxic and natural pest control options that can be just as effective, if not more so, than their chemical counterparts.
Use Essential Oils
Lavender, lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus are just some of the many essential oils that can help repel pests. Add a few drops to your cleaning solutions or place them in a diffuser around your home to keep bugs at bay without exposing your dog to harmful chemicals.
Mosquitoes are extremely annoying, especially in the spring and summer months. Try using citronella candles or essential oils to keep mosquitoes from invading your space without exposing your dog to harmful insecticides.
Create Barriers
Rather than relying on chemicals, you can also create physical barriers that prevent pests from entering your home in the first place. Depending on the pests that are lurking and freeloading in your home, you can try using fly screens, insect-proof mesh covers for your air vents and windows, or even diatomaceous earth to keep pests out of your property.
Electric fences are effective for keeping dogs in and bugs out – especially when you combine them with other natural pest control methods like traps, repellents, or deterrents.
Try DIY Traps
If the infestation has already gotten inside your home and using barriers isn’t successful, you might want to consider using DIY traps and baits. These are often much safer than chemical pesticides and can be just as effective at getting rid of pests for good.
One of the common issues when using DIY traps is that they are often ineffective against larger pests, like raccoons and squirrels.
Baiting and trapping are often more effective against roaches, ants, mice, and other common household pests. But if you’re dealing with larger critters, a larger and more robust trap may be necessary.
Plant-Based Pest Control Solutions
Although they’re not as common as you may think, there are actually many plant-based pest control solutions that can help get rid of unwanted critters without exposing your furbaby to chemicals.
Some examples of these solutions include neem oil, citronella, and garlic spray – all of which have been shown to be effective at repelling bugs and rodents. Alternatively, you can also plant plants like mint, cayenne pepper, and catnip that can help naturally repel pests from your home.
What Pest Control is Safe for Pests?
Aside from the ideas mentioned above, there are quite a few other safe pest control solutions that work effectively, even if you have a cat or dog at home. Here are our top recommendations:
Hydrex Animal Safe
Hydrex products are specifically designed to be animal-friendly yet still effective at getting rid of pests. Some examples include their flea and tick sprays, insecticide dust, and pet-safe repellents that can be used in your home or garden to keep bugs away from your pets and family.
Ultrasonic Pest Control
Ultrasonic pest control devices use high-frequency sound waves, effective at getting rid of most common household pests. Because these devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans, you won’t have to worry about these devices waking you up in the middle of the night.
Dogs, however, might hear this noise for a while. It can cause distress and should be ideally placed in areas where your doesn’t usually stay.
Rodents such as squirrels, rats, and mice are one of the most common pests that can invade your home. And if you’re not fond of using baits and traps, using these devices can be a great alternative.
Work with a Pet-Friendly Pest Control Service
Resorting to plant-based and chemical-free products can be a great way to protect your dog and keep pests at bay. But if you’re struggling with a serious infestation, calling in a professional might just be your best option.
Many pet-friendly pest control services offer safe and effective solutions for getting rid of even the toughest pests without exposing you or your pets to harmful chemicals.
These kinds of companies are highly specialized in dealing with animal-specific pests. They are a great resource for keeping your home and property pest-free while ensuring your furbaby’s safety.
Pest Control Dog Safe: Final Thoughts
Ultimately, pest control is all about finding the right balance between keeping your home free from pesky critters while also keeping your fur baby safe from harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Whether you choose to use DIY traps, plant-based solutions, or professional pest control services, the key is to do your research and find the best solution that works for you and your pup.
With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can keep pests out of your home – without putting your dog at risk.
