Is Pest Control Safe Around Children and Pets?
No homeowner wants to have pests in and around their home. This is why they take care of pests immediately once they see the signs. This is good. Pests can be, well, pests. They’re unwelcomed because of the many hassles that they bring.
Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners are haphazard when it comes to their handling of pests. They just buy the first pest control chemical that they see, not taking into consideration the pets and children that they have at home. This leads us to the question – is pest control safe around children and pets?
This guide from Champion Pest & Termite Control walks you through how to protect your home and your family. You’ll learn about common pests in Ohio, simple ways to keep them out, and what to look for when it’s time to call a professional. You’ll also get clear advice on how to keep kids and pets safe during any treatment.
For a deeper breakdown, see our full Ultimate Guide to Pests and Pest Control in Ohio.
The Concern is Valid
All known pesticides have toxic ingredients in them. It’s just a matter of choosing one that has an insignificant toxicity level. Of course, you have to make sure that their toxicity level is insignificant to children and pets.
You have to know that younger children, think infants and toddlers, still have developing systems. For starters, a baby’s kidney cannot remove toxic pesticides from the body. Worse, they’re more prone to inhalation as they take in more breaths than adults.
In addition, children are naturally curious. Given the chance, they will get their hands on these chemicals and/or the treated areas.
In the same manner, these pesticides can be harmful to pets as well. You can’t really tell your dog not to touch a treated area. Of course generally speaking, the pesticide applied to control pests is just a small amount. It shouldn’t be significant enough to cause harm to pets and adults.
So is pest control safe around children and pets? It should be, but you should still put up safety measures in place to prevent unnecessary exposure.
How to Ensure a Safe Environment for Pets and Children while Conducting Pest Control
Make sure to follow these tips to ensure a safe environment
Compare the pesticides and choose the one that’s considered to be the least toxic
You can do your own research or ask a trusted pest control company. Watch out for “Signal Words” in the pesticides. Generally speaking, the signal word can either be caution, warning or danger.The caution signal word signifies the least toxicity level as it can be slightly toxic when absorbed by the body. On the other hand, the word warning indicates that the product can be moderately toxic if absorbed. The most toxic of all is signified by the signal word danger, which signifies that it’s highly toxic. The signal word danger is often accompanied by the word poison.
Read the product label
It’s not enough that you check out the signal words. You should also read the product label. Make sure that it’s approved for its intended use. Understand how it’s supposed to be applied and make sure to follow the instructions.
Make sure that baits and poisons are safely out of reach of children
This applies if you’re going to use baits and poisons to take care of rodents, roaches, ants and the likes. Alternatively, you can place them in bait stations and make sure to secure them so that children and pets won’t have access to them.
Secure all food
Take the food out of areas that are to be treated. Place them inside the refrigerator. This is especially true if you’re going to use spray pesticides. You wouldn’t want particles to come in contact with the food. This applies to human and pet food.
Secure personal belongings
These include toys and clothing. Make sure they’re a safe distance away from the area being treated.
Be careful when storing pesticides
First of all, make sure that you store them in a safe and secure location away from reach of pets and children. In addition, store them in their original container. Never use containers that you also use to store food and water. On that note, don’t use food utensils and the likes to mix and prepare pesticide solutions.
Don’t use illegal pesticides
There are a lot of them in the market, particularly online. Unfortunately, some pest control companies use them. While they can be very effective at killing pests, they can do more harm than good because they can be harmful to pets and children. They can even be harmful to adults.
A lot of these illegal pesticides come in the chalk form. They’re applied like how one would write chalk, which means that pesticide dust will be let loose in the air and can be breathed in.
Have your kids stay away from treated pets
If you had your pets treated for lice and similar pests, make sure that they’re fully dry before allowing your kids to touch your pets.
Have everyone wash their hands during and after a pest control treatment
Once the treatment is done, have everyone, especially the kids, wash their hands before resuming normal day-to-day activities. This is especially true before handling and eating food.
Is pest control safe around children and pets? It can be if you’re going to follow the tips listed above. In addition, make sure that you’ll hire a trusted pest control professional. While you can treat pests on your own with the wide availability of pest control treatment options, it’s a good idea to just have an experienced professional do it.
In addition to ensuring the best results, they can also ensure safe results. With their years of experience, they know how to do it safely for everyone including children and pets.
Know Your Enemy: Ohio’s Most Common Household Pests
Effective pest control starts with proper identification. Below are the frequent culprits that threaten homes throughout Ohio:
- Ants
Small but persistent. Ants contaminate food and may trigger allergies. They gravitate toward kitchens, bathrooms, and any space with crumbs, moisture, or spills, even when food isn’t visible.
- Cockroaches
These notorious survivors carry bacteria and can worsen asthma and allergies. You’ll often spot them in warm, damp areas like under sinks, in cabinets, and around basements.
- Rodents (Mice & Rats)
Rodents carry diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus. Their droppings contaminate surfaces. They often sneak in through tiny gaps in walls or foundations while searching for food and warmth.
- Bed Bugs
These elusive pests hide in mattresses, furniture, and even electronics. Their itchy bites and potential allergic reactions make them a nightmare for any household.
- Mosquitoes
More than just a nuisance. Mosquitoes spread viruses like West Nile and Zika. They thrive in standing water and are especially active during Ohio’s warm months.
- Bees, Wasps & Hornets
These stinging insects can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Nests may be found in trees, bushes, attics, or along rooflines.
- Spiders
Most spiders are harmless, but species like the brown recluse and black widow can pose serious risks. They prefer dark corners in basements, closets, or garages.
Prevention Made Simple: Steps to Pest-Proof Your Home
Keeping pests out is easier than dealing with an infestation. Here’s how to get ahead of the problem:
- Seal the Gaps
Use caulk, screens, and weatherstripping to close up cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and your foundation.
- Clean Smart, Clean Often
Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly. Focus on areas where food is prepared and eaten. Wipe down countertops to remove crumbs and spills.
- Protect Your Pantry
Store all food, including pet food, in airtight containers. Don’t leave anything edible out overnight.
- Eliminate Standing Water
Empty out birdbaths, buckets, and clogged gutters. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to breed.
- Trim Back Vegetation
Cut back shrubs and tree limbs that touch your home. Remove yard debris that pests can hide in.
- Check Before You Bring It In
Inspect secondhand furniture, clothes, and boxes for pests like bed bugs before bringing them into your home.
When DIY Isn’t Enough: Professional Pest Control Services in Ohio
If pests have already moved in, or you just want peace of mind, Champion Pest & Termite Control is ready to help. We offer service options for every situation:
- Year-Round Protection Plan
Quarterly treatments that keep your home protected from the most common pests.
- Year-Round Plus Plan
Our most complete package. Includes mosquito control, perfect for families who spend time outdoors.
- One-Time Treatment
Need a quick solution? This single-treatment option is ideal for new homeowners or minor pest issues. Includes retreatment coverage for up to 60 days.
Why Choose Champion Pest & Termite Control?
We’re not just here to treat your pests. We’re here to help you prevent them.
The Champion 3E Process: Examine. Explain. Execute.
At Champion Pest & Termite Control, we help families in Central Ohio create safer, healthier homes using a simple but thorough approach:
- Examine
We start with a full inspection of your property to find any pest activity, entry points, or risk factors. We want to understand the problem before we treat it. - Explain
We walk you through what we found and how we’ll handle it. No surprises. Just a clear plan. - Execute
Once you’re ready, we use a targeted treatment that’s safe, effective, and designed to cause as little disruption as possible.
Ready to Reclaim Your Home?
Don’t wait for pests to take over. Contact Champion Pest & Termite Control today and enjoy the comfort of a pest-free home.
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Final Tip
Pest control can be safe for children and pets when you take the right precautions. If you’re unsure what products to use or how to apply them safely, give us a call. Our team knows how to treat your home in a way that protects everyone in it.