Pests in the home, whether insect or mammal, are a nuisance that can also pose health risks to your family and pets. Pests, particularly rodents, often bring disease into the home. It's vital to treat for pests while keeping your pets safe.

1. Inform Your Exterminator

It's vital that the pest control service knows that there are pets in the home in order for them to determine the safest pest control plan. Inform the service how many pets you have, and include information on breed and species. With some pets, like dogs, size and certain behaviors may also be a contributing factor when it comes to determining the best way to tackle pests. Your exterminator can then choose control methods that are non-toxic or inaccessible to your pet.

2. Make Boarding Plans

You may need to make plans to take your pet out of the house. Larger mammals, like dogs and cats, may be able to stay home during treatment, but it may be necessary to place them in a pet crate or a closed-off room during the treatment. Many pest treatments are only potentially harmful to pets when freshly applied but are safe once they dry. Other types of pets, like reptiles and birds, may be more susceptible to pesticides, so they may need to be taken out of the home during treatment. Fish tanks may also require special care, such as being placed in an untreated room or covered completely during treatment.

3. Secure Food and Water

Although the pesticide may not have any topical effects on your pet, it may be toxic if it is swallowed. Food and water bowls need to be put away during treatment. If the area where you store pet food is going to be treated, move the food or put it in an airtight container. The same is necessary for any outdoor food and water containers, since most pest control services include yard or house perimeter treatments. If you feed the wildlife, like birds, put away the feeders until after your yard has been treated.

4. Block Access to Treated Areas

Following treatment, you may need to manage your pets range for a few days. For example, if a perimeter treatment is applied around the outside of your home, your dog should not be allowed to sniff or dig in the area. Use temporary barriers or a lead to keep your dog safe. Your pest control specialist will inform you of any areas that should be off limits to your pets and how long those areas must stay off limits.

Contact a residential pest control service for more assistance if you have pets in the home.