Pest control treatments eliminate pests. However, most of the pest control treatments available contain chemicals that make them unsafe for babies and young children. This is one reason why most parents worry about how safe pest control treatment is for their young children. You must weigh your pest control treatment options if you have a baby. No chemical pest control is entirely safe for babies, but you have several options that reduce risk. You can take some precautions to protect your family during pest control treatment sessions. You can also consult a residential pest extermination specialist in Cedar Rapids to get an expert opinion.
But in the meantime, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about pest control.
What Are Your Pest Control Treatment Options?
You have several options for pest control. As a parent, you might mistakenly think that pest control and child safety are limited to the following options:
- Temporarily moving out of the house for a few days until the pest issue is under control and the home habitable for the baby
- Application of a DIY( Do it Yourself) pest control such as sticky mouse traps or ant baits
- Leaving the pests issue until it becomes a full-blown invasion, then deal with your pest issue during this phase.
The truth is most pest control solutions are toxic enough to make you leave your home. At the same time, only a few people can use DIY pest control effectively, and these methods are only readily available to some. So, if you don’t know what to do when you spot pests in your home, your first solution should be to consult pest control professionals. The professionals will advise you on the best pest control approach, especially with young babies in the house.
Is General Pest Control Safe for Babies?
Not all general pest control is safe for babies. Some pest control companies use green pest control methods and organic solutions with low chemical concentrations, which are safer. Even with organic solutions, limit your baby’s exposure to pest control chemicals. Hire a reputable exterminator and inform them of your concerns about exposing your baby to the chemicals.
How to Approach Pest Control with Young Babies in the House
If you have a young baby and pests in the house, your first instinct might be to leave home until the exterminators have done their job. However, you do not have to pack up and leave. Most pest control companies use botanical pest control methods, using non-synthetic techniques to get rid of the pests. The professionals use natural insecticides, identify areas where pests gain entry, and physically remove large pests. The exterminator will also advise you on how to prevent further infestation. Some methods the professionals use for different types of pests include:
- Bedbugs: Conventional bedbug solutions are incredibly toxic and dangerous to babies. High heat exposure treatments use no chemicals; you only need to leave your house for about four hours.
- Termites: You have green removal options for termites. Dust and spray solutions are not advisable with young babies as they linger in the air, and the baby will breathe them in. Liquid treatments are easier to control and stay where the exterminator applies them.
- Bats: Bats are protected species, and you cannot handle them without a license. Professionals will remove the bats while following the stipulated laws and regulations.
- Ants, cockroaches, mites, or flies: Most of these pests have natural deterrents, and the exterminator will employ organic solutions to get rid of the pests.
How to Discourage Pests
Prevention of pests is the best control method when you have a baby. You may never have to use pesticides to discourage pests from invading your home. However, it’s nearly impossible to keep pests away. Pests are attracted to food, shelter, and water. To make your home unappealing to pests, here are a few tips you can practice:
- Check that your screens are intact
- Remove food droppings and liquid spills
- Check your window, door, and pipework seals
- Make regular attic and foundation inspections
- Keep your kitchen and counters clean, and store leftovers in airtight containers
- Seal your trash properly
- Vacuum your house regularly
- Clear waste around your home compound
Pests can spread diseases, and you should eliminate them as soon as you see them. If you avoid dealing with the pests, they will breed and become a tremendous problem. With a young baby, you need to avoid using harsh chemicals. Talk to a reputable exterminator and tell them you have a young baby in the house. The professional will then use the safest method to remove the pests without harming your baby.
