As a Frisco TX, Colorado pet owner, we know you have asked this question before — Is pest control safe around my furry family members? It is a completely valid concern.

No one wants to switch a roach infestation for a canine or feline disease. But here is what a lot of people do not understand. Pest control can be effective and even pet-friendly when done the right way. For instance, if you go ahead with Romney Pest Control, they will guide you on the right way to keep your pets safe to avoid any problems.

Let us unpack it all so you can make the best decision possible for your home and your fur children.

How Safe Is Pest Control For Pets?

The real answer to how safe pest control is for your pets depends on multiple things. The majority of pest control treatments currently used in Frisco TX homes are low-toxic to mammals when used according to the product directions.

Over 232,000 cases of pet poisoning are reported in the U.S. every year, according to the ASPCA, and household pesticides are a leading cause of these incidents. In and of itself, pest control is not dangerous, but it can be if you are not careful with it, particularly around cats, dogs, and other small animals.

Side Effects of Pest Control on Pets

According to a 2022 study, cats are nearly twice as sensitive to several classes of insecticides as dogs, and this risk is partly attributed to their grooming behavior. They lick their paws and fur, which increases the likelihood of ingestion. 

Some treatments work better depending on the pet. Their size, the type of chemical, and how quickly they return to treated areas. Treatments in Frisco TX, where homes regularly face spiders, ants, and rodents, are common, so awareness is key.

Potential side effects that pets may incur include:

• Skin irritation or redness — If your dog loves rolling on the floor, then direct contact with treated surfaces can cause itching or rashes.

• Too much drooling or regurgitation — Most likely after pets lick treated zones prior to drying.

• Laziness or weakness — Indicates that the nervous system may be lightly influenced by some chemical compounds

• Watery eyes or sneezing — More of an issue with cats that are especially sensitive to airborne sprays and aerosols.

• Convulsions (in extreme cases) — Rare but can be found in organophosphate-based pest control if the exposure is high.

How to Protect Your Pets During Pest Control?

Did you know that 1 in 5 pet owners in Colorado observed a change in the behaviour of their pets after the application of pest control? This is not just shocking, but it also tells us about how important it is to protect your pets when active pest control is going to happen.

It does not have to be complicated to keep your furry friends safe during a treatment. It helps to prepare a little for what you can expect. Here is what you can do if you live in Frisco TX with a pet:

• Tie up food and water bowls: Even residual pesticides that land in your pet’s bowl can upset their stomach. Keep them safe until they are in treatment.
• Keep pets away from the treatment site completely: Whether that means one room or the entire house, take your pets to your neighbors, pet daycare, or outside while the service is being performed.
• Request pet-friendly products from your pest control service: Always ask for natural or non-toxic formulations. 
• After treating wash pet bedding, toys: They can harbor chemical residue. Rinsing them quickly creates a barrier of safety.

Do not wait to inform your vet if your pet exhibits any unusual symptoms. Timely intervention can prevent a minor medical issue from escalating into a major health problem.

Furthermore, a good pest control company will give you proper guidance on safety. For example, Romney Pest Control has years of experience in conducting pest control for homes with pets. They will make sure they conduct pest control without any harm to your pets.