Is Pest Control Safe for Pets? What Western NY Pet Owners Should Know

If you share your home with a dog, a cat or a few smaller animals, it's natural to wonder what a pest treatment means for them. This page explains how we approach pest control around pets, what you can do before and after a visit, and where to find the exact product information for anything we use.

No pest control product is risk-free, and we won't tell you otherwise. What we can do is choose products and placements carefully, follow the label, and explain everything clearly so you can make informed decisions.

How soon can my pets go back into a treated area?

The honest answer is: it depends on the product, and the label tells us. Many liquid products used indoors list re-entry as once the treated surface is dry, which often takes a short while depending on airflow and humidity. Other products have different directions.

We don't give one universal hour count, because there isn't one. Before we treat, your technician will tell you the re-entry directions for the specific products being used that day. If you're unsure, ask, and we'll show you the label.

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) has a helpful overview of pets and pesticide use that's worth a read.

What should I do with pet bowls, toys and bedding?

A little preparation goes a long way:

• Pick up food and water bowls from areas being treated, and wash them before refilling if they were left out.
• Put away toys, chews and bedding in the rooms being treated, or move them to a room that isn't part of the service.
• Cover or move fish tanks and small-animal cages as your technician directs. Aquariums often need the air pump turned off and the tank covered during certain treatments.
• Keep pets in a closed room or outside during the treatment and until the label's re-entry directions are met.
• Let us know about birds, reptiles and fish ahead of time, since some animals are more sensitive than dogs and cats.

Are cats more sensitive to some pest control products?

Yes, and it's worth knowing. Cats process certain chemicals differently than dogs. NPIC notes that cats are particularly sensitive to permethrin and some other pyrethroids, a common group of insecticides. Many of the most serious problems NPIC describes come from dog flea products containing concentrated permethrin being used on cats, which is never appropriate.

For home treatments, this is one reason we ask about your pets before every visit. If you have cats, tell us, and we'll factor that into product choice and placement.

If you ever think your pet has been exposed to a pesticide and is acting unwell, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away. We can give your vet the product name and label so they have the information they need.

How are bait stations kept away from pets?

Rodent baits and some insect baits are placed inside tamper-resistant bait stations. These are locked boxes designed so that rodents can get in but dogs, cats and children can't reach the bait. We place them along walls, behind appliances or outdoors along the foundation, in spots that pets don't usually explore.

Tamper-resistant doesn't mean tamper-proof, so we also place stations thoughtfully and secure them where needed. If you have a determined chewer, let us know so we can adjust placement.

What does "exclusion-first" pest control mean?

Exclusion means physically keeping pests out by sealing the gaps, cracks and openings they use to get inside. For mice, that might mean sealing a gap around a pipe. For bats or squirrels, it means closing up roofline openings.

When pests can't get in, there's less need to treat inside your home at all. That's why we start with an inspection and focus on sealing and prevention before reaching for products. It's better for long-term results, and it means fewer products in the spaces your pets live in.

Are there botanical or minimum-risk options?

Sometimes. The EPA exempts certain products from federal registration if they contain only specific low-risk ingredients, often plant oils such as peppermint, rosemary or clove. These are called minimum risk pesticides, or 25(b) products. New York State also has its own registration rules for pesticides sold and used here.

These products can be a good fit for some situations. They tend to work for a shorter time and don't work well against every pest. "Botanical" also doesn't automatically mean harmless to pets. Some essential oils can bother cats and dogs, so the same care applies. We'll tell you honestly when a botanical option makes sense and when it won't solve the problem. Our lower-risk lineup includes Ecovia, Eccentria, and Apprehend (for bed bugs).

Where can I find labels and safety data sheets?

Every product we use has a label and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that list its ingredients, directions and precautions. We keep them in one place on our Safety page, and your technician can show you any label on request.

The label is the law. Pesticide applicators in New York must follow label directions, and that includes where, how and how much a product may be applied.

Pets and pest control FAQs

Can my dog stay in the house during pest control?

Usually your dog should be kept out of the rooms being treated until the product's re-entry directions are met, which for many indoor liquid products is once surfaces are dry. Your technician will tell you the directions for that day's products.

Is pest control safe for cats?

It can be done responsibly with cats in the home, but cats are more sensitive to some insecticides, including permethrin and some other pyrethroids. Always tell us you have cats so we can plan product choice and placement.

Will rodent bait hurt my pet?

We place rodent bait in locked, tamper-resistant stations designed to keep pets and children out. If you think your pet got into bait, contact your veterinarian right away and we'll provide the product information.

Do I need to wash my pet's bowls after a treatment?

If bowls were left in a treated area, wash them before refilling. It's easiest to pick them up before we arrive.

Do you use natural pest control products?

Yes, when they're a good fit for the pest and the situation. Our lower-risk options include Ecovia, Eccentria, and Apprehend for bed bugs. We always start with sealing and prevention to reduce the need for any product.

Talk with us about your pets before your visit

Gernatt Pest Solutions is locally owned, and our work is led by a technician with dual NYSDEC 7A and 7F certification. Tell us about your pets when you book, and we'll walk you through what to expect. Estimates are free.

Call (716) 605-5676 or email info@gernattpestsolutions.com.