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Citrus oil extracts are eco- and pollinator-friendly and safe to use around people and pets. But they are deadly to ants, roaches, palmetto bugs, fleas, silverfish and many other insects. You can safely spray your home or garden’s perimeter with citrus extract products to eliminate these bugs. Get to know how long will fleas live in a house without pets.
Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, so keep them away from the treated areas until the product has dried. Orange Guard can be used indoors or out making this a fresh smelling and pet-safe pest control product.
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Ultrasonic pest repellers can effectively keep pests at bay without harmful chemicals. This plug-in ultrasonic pest repeller uses varying frequencies to repel insects and mice from your home while remaining safe for people and pets. If you’re skeptical, consider the over 8,300 users on Amazon who gave this pet-safe device a 4.5-star average rating. The affordable six-pack is a great addition to your basement, garage, kitchen and pantry to keep pests away safely and effectively.
Two Cents
No one knows for sure why this folk remedy keeps flies away, but it’s worth a try. Place a few pennies in a clear food storage bag filled with water and hang it on the porch and other places where flies gather. Make sure the bags are secure so pets can’t swallow the pennies.
What to Look for When Buying Pet-Safe Pest Control Products
When choosing pet-safe pest control products, balancing effectiveness with safety is crucial. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Types of Pest Control Products
- Sprays are commonly available in hand-pumped or aerosol cans and use chemicals to repel or kill pests. Be cautious with sprays like Raid, which can be toxic to pets. Always check labels and ingredients.
- Traps: This includes mouse traps, glue traps, and bug zappers. While widely used, many traditional traps are considered cruel and may be unsafe for pets.
- Bait Stations: These enclosed devices lure rodents without harming them. They’re designed to capture pests, making them safer for pets as the bait is contained.
- Ultrasonic Repellents: Plug-in devices that emit sound waves imperceptible to humans but irritating to pests. They are pet-friendly and provide a non-toxic solution.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredient in pest control products is the substance that deters, repels or kills the pests. Not all pest control methods have active ingredients—traps, for instance, rely on physically catching pests, and ultrasonic repellents use sound waves—but when chemicals are involved, understanding their composition is crucial.
“Read the specific warnings on product labels, check the list of active ingredients and look online to see if they are dangerous to pets,” says Nicole Carpenter, President and CEO of Black Pest Prevention. She advises being cautious with ingredients like permethrin, which is particularly harmful to cats, and organophosphates, carbamates and certain essential oils (like tea tree oil), which can be toxic in large amounts.
Pet-safe pest control products often use safer ingredients like diatomaceous earth, which is natural, or certain essential oils that are non-toxic when used correctly. Some products may also use non-toxic bait. Always ensure that a product is clearly labeled as pet-safe, ideally with certifications from independent third-party organizations, before using it around pets
Effectiveness
Some pet-friendly pest control methods work better than others, depending on the type of pest you’re dealing with. For instance, lavender is a natural repellent that works well against mosquitoes, flies, spiders, moths and fleas, but it may not be effective for rodents. Similarly, bait stations are helpful for controlling rodents but won’t do much for insect infestations. Depending on your pest problem, you might need to use a combination of methods to get the best results.
It’s essential to target your pest control efforts based on your infestation type. Instead of buying a general array of products, focus on pet-safe options for the pests you want to eliminate. This approach maximizes effectiveness while keeping your pets safe.
Application Method
Different pest control methods carry varying levels of risk for pets based on their application. Sprays can pose a higher risk because they cover large areas and may leave behind invisible residues that increase the likelihood of exposure. Traps can be dangerous if placed in accessible areas where pets might come into contact with them.
Enclosed bait stations are safer because they secure the bait inside, reducing the chance of your pets accessing it, though persistent pets might still manage to break into them. Ultrasonic repellents are generally the safest option since they don’t involve toxic chemicals or physical hazards. However, it’s still important to monitor your pets’ reactions, as some might be sensitive to the sound waves used in these devices.
Regulatory Approval
“Some products may have certifications or endorsements from organizations that focus on pet health, such as the ASPCA or the EPA’s Safer Choice program,” says Carpenter. The EPA offers a helpful guide for identifying pet-safe products, which can be used alongside checking ingredients and third-party certifications on labels. Using these resources makes it easier to ensure that a product is pet-friendly and safe for home use. Carpenter also recommends consulting with a pest control specialist and your veterinarian to ensure that treatments are carried out safely and effectively.
Why You Should Trust Us
Rosie Wolf Williams is a Family Handyman writer specializing in home, garden, and pet content, including pet-friendly pest control. Her work has appeared in trusted publications such as Forbes, HuffPost, MSN, Reader’s Digest and Family Handyman.
Sheri Kaz, a home and lifestyle product tester for Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest and Taste of Home, has personally tested hundreds of products. As a homeowner and gardener for over 30 years, her extensive experience informs her expertise.
For this article, we spoke with Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant and award-winning pet book author. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Today, Newsweek, CNN, Reader’s Digest and Family Handyman.
We also consulted Nicole Carpenter, president and CEO of Black Pest Protection. A two-decade veteran of the pest control industry and graduate of N.C. State University, her expertise was invaluable in developing this article.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best Pet-Safe Pest Control Products
To find the best pet-safe pest control products, we began by eliminating unsafe options like poisons and kill-on-contact sprays. We then focused on researching non-toxic alternatives, carefully considering expert opinions and user reviews to identify effective solutions that are safe for pets. Finally, we consulted pest control and veterinary experts to confirm that our findings were accurate and safe. The result is the eight effective, pet-safe pest control solutions presented here.
FAQ
How do I know if a pest control product is safe for pets?
As mentioned earlier, always read the product labels, check the list of active ingredients, and research online to determine if they pose a danger to pets. “You can also check reviews or testimonials from others who have used the product,” says Carpenter, adding, “Manufacturers’ websites often provide information on how to use their products and whether they are safe for pets.” Finally, look for third-party certifications, as organizations like the ASPCA and EPA sometimes approve products for safe use around pets.
What should I do if my pet is exposed to a pest control product?
“After using any pest control product, monitor your pets for any signs of discomfort, illness or unusual behavior,” says Carpenter. “If you notice symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian immediately.” She also suggests isolating pets during and after applying pest control to minimize the risk of exposure beforehand.
Are natural pest control products effective against common household pests?
Carpenter advises that natural products are best used “as part of a broader control strategy” for pest management. This means they can be effective when combined with other methods but may require more frequent attention. For example, lavender “exudes a strong aroma that is pleasant to humans but repels many pests like mosquitoes, flies, spiders, moths and fleas,” she says. However, its effects fade over time, so regular applications may be needed to maintain consistent protection.
