Pests are annoying, but pets are a part of the family. Pet-friendly pest control lets you tackle the first without putting the second at risk. It employs safe, low-toxicity methods that are effective.
The old “spray everything and hope for the best” approach can backfire. Wet chemicals can linger on floors, skirting boards, or carpets where pets and kids spend their time.
That’s why more Adelaide households are looking for safer, environmentally friendly options. Over the last 30 years, Allstate Pest Control has seen the shift firsthand, helping South Australians manage pest problems while protecting the health of families and pets.
Why Pet-Friendly Pest Control Matters
Pets don’t think twice about sniffing around the skirting boards, licking a spill, or rolling on the carpet. If that surface has been sprayed with the wrong product, the end result may leave even your vet helpless.
Accidental poisoning in pets is a common household emergency. Dogs and cats are especially sensitive to insecticides. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, drooling, or worse.
And it’s not just about pets. If you’ve got toddlers crawling around, they’re exposed to the same risks. That’s why pest control that’s safe for pets and kids is the best choice.
Common Pet-Friendly Pest Control Methods That Work and Don’t
Online DIY forums are full of advice on pet-friendly pest control methods that work and help you keep the pest control service away. But let’s see how they test.
Natural Solutions
Many people try natural remedies first. Essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and even planting herbs like basil and rosemary around the yard. These options are eco-friendly pest control methods.
Some also swear by planting herbs around the fence line. Yes, they smell nice and look nice.
But mozzies and cockroaches don’t really care.
One bloke in Adelaide tried peppermint oil sprays. His dog sneezed nonstop. He later discovered that peppermint can be harmful to dogs.
Sure, they can help with mild pest problems, but they’re not reliable.
Science backs it, too. A 2005 study in Phytotherapy Research tested 38 oils. None protected against mosquito bites for more than 2 hours. Citronella oils, which lots of people rely on, need re-application every 20–60 minutes to stay effective.
Eco hacks might be fine for a backyard BBQ, but not for a full-blown cockroach infestation in the kitchen.
Pet-Friendly Pest Control Sprays
The better option is low-toxicity sprays used by professionals. These are proper pet-friendly pest control sprays, not off-the-shelf supermarket products. They’re regulated, tested, and applied with care.
We don’t soak your whole house. We treat cracks, skirting boards, and entry points. That way, pests are dealt with, and pets aren’t exposed to wet chemicals.
Want to know how these treatments work? Check our General Pest Treatment Guide for a full breakdown, or call a pest control professional and ask your questions.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Then there’s IPM, Integrated Pest Management. It’s not just about treatment; it’s about prevention.
Here’s how it works:
- An IPM professional comes to inspect and monitor pest activity.
- Seals off entry points around the house.
- Removes food and water sources.
- Uses bait stations or rodent traps that are tamper-proof.
- Applies treatment only where and when it’s needed.
The result is highly effective pest control with minimal chemicals and long-term safety for pets and families.
Preparing Your Home for Safe Pest Control
Even with pet-safe products, you’ll want to prep your house before a visit. Think of it as helping us to do a better job.
Here’s what to do:
- Pick up all pet bowls, toys, and bedding.
- Cover aquariums or bird cages.
- Keep dogs and cats outside until treated areas are dry.
- Open windows or doors to air out rooms after sprays.
If we’re doing rodent work, we’ll place bait stations or rodent traps where pets can’t reach them. You can see more in our steps for preparing for rodent treatment.
Long-Term Pest Prevention That’s Pet Safe
Safe pest control isn’t a one-off. Pests can come back if the conditions are right. Long-term prevention is key.
Here’s what you can do around the house:
- Seal gaps under doors with draft stoppers.
- Fit mesh screens on windows to keep insects out.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Keep bins sealed and away from the house.
- Clear clutter in sheds and yards where rodents love to hide.
And here’s what we do as part of our home pest maintenance services:
- Regular low-toxicity treatments.
- Monitoring of high-risk areas.
- Pet-safe traps and bait stations.
- Tailored advice for your property.
Real Homeowners Choosing Pet Safe Options
A lot of Aussies are testing out “pet-friendly” pest control ideas on their own. Some work for a little while. Some don’t. And some can cause more trouble than expected.
Take one Adelaide dog owner. They sprayed peppermint oil around the skirting boards, thinking it would keep spiders out. Within minutes, their dog was sneezing and rubbing against the carpet. A vet later explained that peppermint can be toxic for dogs if it’s inhaled or licked. What seemed like a harmless natural fix turned out to be a risk.
Another family with two cats tried essential oils for mozzies after reading about it online. The smell was strong, but the mozzies were back the same night.
Then there was a Reddit thread where one user said they wouldn’t risk their pets’ health “to save $100 a year” on a pest control service. They said, “They’re professionals. The cost to buy the stuff and figure out proper amounts is hardly worth the effort.” They pointed out how easy it is to get the wrong mix or dosage when you’re guessing with DIY solutions.
These stories are reminders and warnings that not every “natural” or DIY idea is as safe or effective as it seems. If you’re trying something at home, always check whether it’s safe for pets first. And know that some methods may not last long enough to fix a real infestation.
Keep Pests Out and Your Pets Safe.
Pet-friendly pest control is about doing things smarter and not harsher. You don’t have to choose between protecting your home and keeping your pets safe. With low-toxicity sprays, IPM, and long-term prevention advice from your pest control professional, you can enjoy a pest-free home without risking your furry mates.
DIY fixes might look appealing, but they’re often unsafe or ineffective. Professional support from a licensed pest control company is the safer option for your family, pets, and property.
At Allstate Pest Control, we’ve built our reputation as South Australia’s most trusted pest control company by protecting what matters. Call 08 8371 1277 today or book a pet-friendly pest control service online in Adelaide. Keep pests out, and keep your pets safe.