If you are a pet owner, keeping your furry friends safe is a huge responsibility. Unfortunately, doing so can be difficult if you’re experiencing a pest problem on your property. Traditionally, conventional pest control methods involved toxic chemicals and pesticides that could severely harm curious pets if accidentally ingested. If you’re dealing with unwanted critters, here are some pet-safe pest control tricks you can try that will not hurt your furry friend.
Pet-Safe Pest Control Methods
Having a pet on your property means you have to get creative in keeping pests at bay. Fortunately, these safe pest control tips keep the health of your animal in mind.
- Spraying water: Sometimes, a blast of water is all it takes to scare off a pest. Many insects in their larvae phase are immobile, meaning they can be taken down with a kitchen sprayer. Sap-sucking insects, such as aphids, whiteflies and mealybugs, are especially vulnerable to a blast of water as are easily skittish raccoons and rodents like yard squirrels.
- Cleaning up: Another simple solution is to tidy up vulnerable spots in your backyard or kitchen. Debris piles in your yard, a kitchen floor covered in crumbs, or an overflowing trash bin can be a breeding ground for pests. Frequently cleaning and disposing of trash is a long-term pest control practice that can also improve your pet’s health.
 - Trying traps: While most pest traps like snap traps with poisoned bait should never be used if a pet is in the home, other types of traps are pet-safe and effective. Pheromone traps, for example, will use attractants for specific pests but won’t pose a threat to your pet. Just be sure to keep your pets away from these traps as the pests caught inside could harm your pet.
- Keeping it dry: Moisture is a huge attractant for mosquitoes. Leaky pipes, hot water heaters, and basements are big sources of moisture that creates an environment for pests to thrive. Try to minimize moisture by fixing leaks or drains, and use a dehumidifier when possible.
Pet-Safe Pest Control Providers Near You
While these at-home solutions may provide some relief, pest infestations often require professional solutions. If your pest problem isn’t going away, you’ll want to rely on licensed and trained pest control experts who use safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly methods to keep everyone safe, including your pets. Fortunately, the experienced pest control technicians at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh are ready to help.
The team at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh will safely remove nuisance pests from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our pet-safe pest control services, call us today at 412-767-4067.
