When it comes to pest control in your home, the safety of your beloved pets is a paramount concern. Many pet owners understandably worry about the potential risks associated with pest control treatments and whether services like Orkin are pet safe. It’s crucial to understand the measures taken by reputable pest control companies like Orkin to ensure the well-being of your furry, scaled, or feathered family members.
Orkin, a well-known pest control service, addresses this concern directly: their methods are designed to be safe for household pets when proper precautions are followed. The key to pet-safe pest control lies in understanding the products used and the guidelines provided by Orkin specialists.
The pesticides utilized for common household pests are formulated to be effective at low concentrations, typically less than 1%. This concentration is potent enough to eliminate insects but is generally considered to pose minimal threat to humans and pets. The application techniques employed by Orkin further minimize risk. They use equipment that produces droplets large enough to prevent prolonged airborne suspension, reducing the chance of inhalation exposure. Furthermore, treated surfaces dry relatively quickly, limiting the window for potential contact.
However, while Orkin treatments are designed with safety in mind, precautions are still necessary. The primary guideline to ensure Orkin is pet safe is to keep pets away from treated surfaces until they are completely dry. This drying process usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. By preventing access to wet treated areas, you significantly minimize any potential exposure for your pets. It’s also recommended to cover fish tanks and bowls during treatment to prevent any contamination.
Orkin Pest Specialists are trained to perform services in the safest manner possible, strictly adhering to label directions for all products. These directions are developed based on scientific research and are designed to meet specific pest control needs while prioritizing safety. This commitment to safety protocols is a cornerstone of Orkin’s service.
Common concerns from pet owners often revolve around specific scenarios:
- Carpenter Ants and Exotic Pets: Pet owners with exotic birds, cats, lizards, or reptiles frequently ask about pet-friendly options for carpenter ant control. Orkin’s approach, focusing on targeted application and low-concentration pesticides, is designed to be compatible with households having a variety of pets.
- Rodenticides and Cats: The worry about cats being harmed by poisoned mice is another common concern. While rodenticides are used for mice, the risk to cats is minimized when treatments are applied professionally and according to label instructions. Direct contact with baits should be avoided, and Orkin specialists can advise on placement strategies to reduce risks to non-target animals.
- Kittens and Chemical Safety: New pet owners, especially those with young kittens, are particularly cautious. Orkin’s chemicals are formulated to be safe for kittens and other young pets once dry. Following the precaution of keeping kittens away from treated surfaces until dry is crucial.
- Removing Pets During Spraying: A frequent question is whether pets need to be removed from the house during treatments. Generally, it is not necessary to remove pets from the home. Confining them away from the areas being treated until surfaces are dry is usually sufficient.
For further reassurance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides valuable information on pesticides and pet safety on their website: www.epa.gov/pesticides. Consulting this resource can provide additional context and confidence in understanding pesticide safety.
Ultimately, ensuring Orkin is pet safe relies on communication and adherence to guidelines. Don’t hesitate to ask your Orkin Pest Specialist any questions you have at the time of service. They are there to provide specific advice and address your concerns. If you have any dissatisfaction or further questions after the service, contacting your local Orkin Branch Office and speaking with a member of the management team is always recommended to ensure your peace of mind and your pets’ safety.
