When you are a parent, whether to a human child or a fur baby, the safety of your little ones is always a top priority. If you are arranging pest control in Knoxville, you will likely have concerns about the safety of the treatment if you have children or pets running around. Let's examine whether pest control in Knoxville is safe for children and pets.

DIY Doesn't Necessarily Mean Safer Pest Control

There is a common misconception that when it comes to pest control in Knoxville, choosing DIY options will be safer for children or pets, as they may be considered less aggressive and healthier overall, but that is not necessarily true. In reality, DIY pest control is ineffective, and many of them will introduce lung irritants into your indoor air. When you are unsure what you are doing, there is a danger of overdoing it and using too much of the chemical, which can result in hazards for your children or pets. Overall, pest control in Knoxville is best left to the professionals who will use the minimum amount of pesticide needed to treat the problem effectively. Let's take a look at some of the common DIY methods of Pest Control and why they are problematic in a family home.

• Diatomaceous Earth -One of the most common so-called 'natural' pest control treatments is Diatomaceous Earth, a powder containing tiny, sharp fragments of fossilized ocean organisms. It works by blocking and damaging the pests' mucous membranes and breathing apparatus. However, the same thing that makes the powder effective against pests makes it dangerous to any individual with weaker or compromised lungs. That can include small children, seniors, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, and curious pets who get their little noses into everything!
• Vinegar & Bleach - Other common DIY pest control options include bleach and vinegar, two widespread household products we use daily. However, when used in a larger quantity, they can volatilize in the air, releasing compounds that can burn the lungs. This is unlikely to affect a healthy adult, but it can be very damaging for those vulnerable groups mentioned above.
• Over-The-Counter Products - Most over-the-counter pest control products are broad-spectrum pesticides containing high levels of potentially hazardous chemicals. This means you could be using the wrong pesticide for the type of pest you have or using a stronger pesticide than necessary, thus exposing your pets and children to unnecessary chemicals.

Is Professional Pest Control Safe?

When you arrange pest control in Knoxville with a qualified technician from a reputable company like Otis Pest Control, the pest control treatment will be much safer than any DIY attempt you make. Your technician will conduct a pest inspection first to identify the type of infestation you are dealing with. This will allow them to create a customized treatment plan using the most appropriate products and techniques to deal with the problem. The pesticide will be applied in the smallest quantity possible to be effective without posing a threat to your pets and your children. However, we all know that children and pets alike can be inquisitive, getting their hands, paws, and noses into just about everything. So, it is essential to take some additional safety precautions to err on the side of caution.

• Talk to your technician about where they will be applying pesticides. It is generally more common for them to apply pesticides in areas that are not easily accessible, such as inside walls, crawlspaces, under cabinets, and behind furniture. This makes it easier to keep kids, pets, and the rest of the family from accidentally coming into contact with the products.
• When working with professional pest control in Knoxville, you will find that they also offer you advice on preventative maintenance that can help you avoid infestations in the first place. This includes taking steps like keeping all foods in sealed packages or containers, eliminating standing water, fixing leaks, and sealing up potential entry points for pests.
• During active pest control in Knoxville, some steps should be taken to protect your pets in particular. First, removing your pets, their toys, beds, and food bowls from the area before treatment is important so they don't get contaminated. After treatment, wait until the area is completely dry and the room is well-ventilated. If you have fish, it is also a good idea to cover the tank - especially the vents - during treatment to ensure nothing finds its way into the tank.
• Ensure any baited traps are placed in places that pets and children cannot easily reach. If you make your technicians aware that you do have children and/or animals, they will be mindful of this when choosing the location for baited traps.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.