It is acknowledged that, aside from feeling embarrassed in front of guests, there is nothing more disturbing for a homeowner than discovering filthy cockroaches, rodents, or spiders in their home. The mere thought of this can be unsettling.
However, what is even more alarming for homeowners are the health risks associated with having a pest problem. This is particularly relevant for parents of young children or toddlers. It is a fact that many household pests can lead to health issues, such as asthma, allergies, eye and skin irritations, and more.
In addition, there are bacteria and diseases carried by many pests, including flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.
What should parents do to help eliminate unwelcome pests and insects from their homes and ensure the health and well-being of their young children?
Beware of Prescription Drugs
It is easy to conclude that spraying the home using an aerosol from the store or using pellets from the local hardware store can solve infestation problems swiftly and without hassle. While the efficacy of these products is generally low, they can also pose serious health hazards to young children living at home.
One common mistake parents make is assuming that “more is better” and attempting to flood areas of their home or yard with a chemical treatment. The result can be leftover chemicals and “run-off,” meaning that much of the chemical remains on surfaces children can inhale or touch.
Professionally oriented pest control solutions are applied using carefully measured quantities and specialized equipment.
This ensures the applied substance adheres to the desired surface and dries within 2 to 3 minutes. This is beneficial since nothing is left that could cause irritation or be inhaled.
A further point to consider is that many publicly available treatments include “scheduled poisons” and can cause what is known in the pest management industry as “secondary kills.” An example of a secondary kill is when a dog eats a rat killed by poisonous pellets; it, too, could die because the chemicals in the bait trigger the follow-up impact.
This is why it is vital to ensure that skilled pest control specialists are brought in for any pest problems.
Changes in Pest Control Throughout the Decades
Pest control has evolved significantly over the years, with laws being passed to make it more efficient and safer. In the past, it was common for pest control specialists to use Organophosphates, a highly harmful insecticide. Research has shown that even minimal doses of Organophosphates can cause serious health issues, including cancer, migraines, and respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
Unfortunately, many pest control professionals who employed Organophosphates in the past sprayed chemical aerosols throughout an area to ensure complete coverage, often with little regard for the safety of residents.
Although this method effectively eliminated undesirable pests, it also resulted in health risks from exposure to chemicals, primarily in typical treatment areas such as floors, carpets, walls, doors, ceilings, yards, and more.
Today, pest control professionals take an entirely different approach.
First, the types of products utilized by pest control professionals have changed significantly. Today, some products contain as little as 0.009 percent active ingredients, indicating that a significant amount must be ingested to produce any adverse effects.
Second, the chemicals are applied in a controlled and strategic manner within the home to ensure that inhabitants are not exposed to the chemicals. This is especially important for walls, roof voids, under kitchen cabinets, and other generally inaccessible areas.
Ultimately, not only have the products evolved, but the methods used to apply them have also improved, making pest control safer overall—particularly for children.
What Parents Can Do to Prepare Their Children for Treatment
There are numerous ways parents can prepare when dealing with babies, children, or toddlers before having their house treated. It is advisable to be prepared and consult with pest control specialists before implementing any pest control methods.
Here are some considerations:
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Allergies and Diseases
Before beginning treatment, parents should inform pest control professionals about their child’s allergies or ailments. It is essential to be aware of apparent causes and ensure the child is not negatively affected by the products used. Professional pest control experts can provide excellent information and guidance.
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Clean Up the Home
Parents should clean any clothing or toys and vacuum or mop the floors to ensure the removal of dust or dirt. This will help ensure adhesion between the material and the floor. The product needs to adhere to the surface to provide proper protection.
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Find Out More About the Procedure
Before beginning treatment, parents should speak with pest control experts regarding the procedure, what will be done, and the areas of the home that will be treated.
Parents should know that any reliable pest control firm applies pesticides only in regions that have not been cleaned or mopped. The product is best used in areas not easily accessible to common areas of the home.
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Request a Safety Data Sheet
They also indicate whether the products meet Australian standards and safety regulations.
Go or Stay?
A common question parents ask is, “Is it necessary to leave the home during treatment?” Evacuating the house is a personal choice; however, it can provide peace of mind. Suppose parents are concerned about the safety of their children.
In that case, it is advisable to take them to a nearby park or another location during treatment to ensure their safety. Treatment typically takes one to one and a half hours, with the product drying minutes after application.
What Can Parents Do if They Have Immediate Concerns About Their Children’s Safety?
If parents have recently received pest control treatments at their home and are concerned about what to do in the event of an emergency, there are several actions they can take.
It is advisable to start this process by calling the company that performed the pest control procedure to explain the issue and seek help.
There should be nothing to worry about in most cases, but it is best to seek reassurance and guidance if needed.