Bugs invading your home can be worrisome for you and your furry family members. Controlling any pest problems while keeping your pets happy and healthy is important. Implementing preventative measures, taking steps to protect your pets, and using pet-friendly pest control products is your key to success. We’ve gathered information to help you keep your home free of bugs in a pet-friendly way.
Pest-Proof Your Home
Preventing a pest problem is always better than dealing with an infestation. Check out a few tips to help keep pests out of your home.
- Seal Entry Points: To avoid a pest problem, you’ll want to make sure bugs can’t find a way into your home. Check for holes or gaps where they could slip inside, and seal them with caulk or steel wool. Pests often enter through cracks in door and window frames, cracks in your home’s foundation, and loose or damaged bricks or siding. You’ll also want to take care of any gaps where utility lines or cables enter your house. Make sure your window and door screens don’t have any tears.
- Remove Food Sources: Bugs often enter homes in search of something to eat. Removing food sources can help to deter pests. Try to keep your space as clean as possible. Clean up crumbs and wipe up spills, making sure sticky residues aren’t left behind. Store your food and your pet’s food in sealed containers to avoid attracting pests and to keep bugs from getting into it. Pick up your pet’s food when they aren’t eating, and keep their bowls clean. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Take out your trash regularly.
- Minimize Moisture: Pests are also attracted to damp environments, so keeping your space dry can help to prevent a pest problem. Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets. Wipe up any water spills. Consider using a dehumidifier or a fan in damp areas of your house to help minimize moisture build-up.
Take Steps to Protect Your Pets
In addition to bug-proofing your space, you’ll also want to take steps to protect your pets from pesky bugs like fleas and ticks. Check out what you can do to help protect your pets.
- Check Your Pets for Pests: Taking the time to check your pets for fleas and ticks can help you to catch a problem early. You can use a flea comb to examine their fur. If ticks are present, you are likely to feel a bump on your pet’s skin. Giving your pets regular baths can make it easier to spot these pests. If your pets are scratching or licking more than usual, this could be an indicator that pests are present.
- Work with Your Veterinarian: Sometimes your pets may need to use medicine or other products to keep them safe from bugs. Work with your pet’s veterinarian to find the best product or treatment plan for your pet. They may recommend flea and tick collars, an oral medication, or medicine that is applied to your pet’s fur.
Pet-Friendly Pest Control Products
Pest control products can help to control and prevent infestations, and there are options available that are more family-friendly. Our Maggie’s Farm products are formulated with plant and mineral-based ingredients. They are safe for use around people and pets when used as directed. Our plant-based sprays, like our Home Bug Spray and our Bed Bug & Flea Killer, kill pests that are directly sprayed. They can also be applied to common entry points to help prevent bugs from sneaking into your home. Our baits and dusts are an effective and more family-friendly solution when used as directed too.
Tips for Pet-Friendly Pesticide Applications
- Always read and follow the label directions.
- Remove food and water bowls before treating an area.
- Pick up any toys before applications.
- Some pets might not like the fragrance of the plant essential oils, so it can be helpful to keep them out of the treated space until the fragrance dissipates.
- Remove or cover bird cages, aquariums, and terrariums before spraying insecticides.
- It’s best to let the area dry before letting your pets return to it.
- Wipe up any excess liquid after applications.
- Place bait stations or bait placements in spots where pets can’t easily get to them.
- While our products can be used in areas where your pets spend time, they should not be applied directly to pets. The only product that may be applied to animals is our Natural Insect Repellent, which may be used on dogs, horses, and other animals. It should not be applied to cats, birds, or reptiles.
Keeping pests out of your home is always an important task. Bug-proofing your space, protecting your pets, and using family-friendly products can help to ensure your home stays bug-free. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.