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Your pet is not just some cute creature you let hang around the house—he or she is a part of your family.   You want to protect your pet from any harm that might befall them, including removing poisonous plants, dangerous wires, and choking hazards from their reach.  But what about pesticides?  Many people continue to use these chemicals without considering how they might affect Fido or Fluffy.

While some pesticides are developed specifically for use with your pets to control things like ticks and fleas, other formulations that are used for controlling ants, roaches or rodents may actually be dangerous to them.  How can you protect your pet from these chemicals?  Whether you are using a pesticide you’ve bought at the store or you’ve hired a pest control service, keep these tips in mind:

• Before you begin applying pesticides, remove your pets from the area until you are finished.  During the pesticide application, remove their toys, food, and bedding from the area.
• Read the directions on the label and follow them precisely.
• Bring your pets back into the area only after the pesticide is dry and the area has been ventilated.
• When using baited traps, make sure you place them in areas that your pet cannot reach.
• Avoid secondary poisoning:  a pet being poisoned by eating a pest that has previously been poisoned.
• Discuss your concerns with your pest control provider and find out what options you have that will best accommodate your pet and the rest of your family.

If by some chance you fear your pet has managed to get into some pesticides, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian’s office immediately.  These kinds of chemicals can be fatal to small animals, and even larger pets may sustain injury by ingesting them. 

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.

One of the biggest concerns customers of Accuracy Plus have is the dangers of using pesticides around children and pets.  Obviously the most important priority any family has is the safety of their children and the animals they care for.  But you must also balance the dangers of a pest infestation with the risks of pesticides.  Using chemicals in your home may be a last resort, but if your family’s health is in danger because insects, rodents or snakes have moved in, you may way to consider calling a professional.

Most of the issues that arise from the use of insecticides stem from consumers using them incorrectly or ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions.  The fact is that most insecticides have very low toxicity levels or can be bought in organic formulations.  Regardless, it is vital that you always follow the instructions for any chemicals that you use to avoid the risk of poisoning yourself or others in your home.  You’ll also want to store them safely out of reach of kids and pets, away from heat and sunlight. 

If you see your pet behaving oddly, stumbling around, salivating excessively, vomiting or unconscious it is possible they have managed to get into your pesticides.  Even if they are not acting strangely but you find they have been in your pesticides, you should immediately call your veterinarian and have them taken in.  Likewise, for young children you will want to call the poison control center or get them to an emergency room right away if you find that they have accidentally found their way into your chemicals.  Young children have a very low tolerance for poisons and they should get medical attention immediately.

The best thing to do if you find yourself hosting pests is to call a professional pest control service.  They will be able to use the minimal amount of pesticides necessary to control your problem and may have several options for you to consider.  They’ll also know the latest products and tools which can help you protect your family without exposing them to any danger.  For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.