Pest Control Safe for Pets

🐱 Dangerous to Cats (Severe)

• Permethrin — The most common perimeter insecticide. Even small amounts on a cat's skin can be lethal. Many flea products labeled "for dogs" contain permethrin — fatal to cats if they lick a treated dog.
• DEET — Highly toxic to cats (and moderately to dogs). Never apply near cats.
• Pyrethrin sprays — "Natural" pyrethrins from chrysanthemums are still toxic to cats in concentrated form.

🐕 Concerning for Dogs

• Organophosphate insecticides (chlorpyrifos, malathion) — Older chemistry. Can cause severe neurological symptoms in dogs.
• Metaldehyde slug bait — Extremely toxic to dogs who are attracted to the pellets. Can be fatal. Use iron phosphate-based slug bait (Sluggo) instead — safe for pets and wildlife.
• Rodenticide bait stations — Dogs can access stations or eat poisoned rodents (secondary poisoning).

CimeXa Desiccant Dust

Amorphous silica kills by physical desiccation — safer than table salt by EPA measures. Applied in thin layers inside wall voids and along baseboards. Remove pets during application (dust inhalation); return after 30–60 min.

Snap Traps (Rodents)

Use Victor or T-Rex traps inside Protecta LP enclosed bait stations — the locked box prevents pet access while allowing rodents in. Never use glue boards where pets can access them.

Gel Baits (Ants & Roaches)

Terro, Advion, and Maxforce gel baits use tiny active ingredient amounts. A pea-sized drop contains too little to harm a dog or cat even if consumed. Place in inaccessible areas for extra safety.

Bifenthrin (After Dry)

Toxic while wet. After spray dries completely (30–60 min), considered safe for pets. Never allow pets in treated areas until fully dry. Extremely toxic to fish — never spray near water features.

Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)

Food-grade DE is safe for mammals and often used as an animal feed supplement. Apply in thin layers. Avoid creating dust clouds — fine particulate inhalation risk during application.

Borax/Boric Acid

Low toxicity to mammals when used as a thin dust, but apply only in areas completely inaccessible to pets — inside wall voids, behind outlet plates, in attic spaces. Never on surfaces pets walk on frequently.

The Pet

Capstar (nitenpyram) for immediate adult kill. Oral products (Comfortis, NexGard) for ongoing prevention. Topical: Frontline Plus (fipronil + IGR). Apply 24 hours after bathing. Keep permethrin-containing products away from cats.

The Home

Vacuum all carpets, furniture, and baseboards daily for 2 weeks. Apply an IGR-containing carpet spray (Siphotrol Plus II) to all carpets and pet resting areas. Remove pets during application; return after fully dry.

The Yard

Apply Bifen IT or Wondercide (cedar oil, safer for pets when dry) to all shaded areas, under decks, and along fence lines where pets rest. Return pets after dry (30–60 min). Treat monthly during flea season.