HOUSEHOLD PREPARATION
Pest control around children and pets: what to prepare
“Pet friendly” is not a substitute for a treatment-specific plan. Tell the technician who lives in the home, ask what will be used and follow the instructions for preparation and re-entry.
Risk depends on both the hazard of a product and the level of exposure. Good preparation reduces unnecessary contact and lets the technician choose a method suited to the pest, location and household.
Tell the technician before the visit
- Whether infants, young children, pregnancy or elderly residents are present.
- Asthma, allergies or other sensitivities relevant to the visit.
- Dogs, cats and small animals, including where they eat, sleep and roam.
- Birds, reptiles, aquariums, ponds and any filtration or air systems.
- Food-preparation areas, children's play zones and vegetable gardens.
- Products, traps or baits already used and where they were placed.
Share this information when booking, not after treatment has started. A photo of the pest and the area can also help the technician plan a targeted visit.
Questions to ask before pesticides are used
- What is the full product name and where will it be applied?
- What preparation is required for people, pets, food and utensils?
- Must anyone leave, and what determines the re-entry time?
- What ventilation, drying or cleaning instructions apply afterwards?
- Can you provide the label directions or safety data sheet?
- What should remain undisturbed for the treatment to work?
NSW pesticide technicians carrying out prescribed work must hold an appropriate licence and use registered products according to a label or permit. You can ask to see the licence and request the product's safety data sheet.
Prepare the home as instructed
- Cover or remove food, utensils, toothbrushes and exposed preparation items.
- Clear only the areas requested; excessive moving can spread some pests.
- Relocate pets from the treatment area for the stated period.
- Discuss bird cages, aquariums and fish tanks before the day of service.
- Keep toys, bedding, feeding bowls and pet accessories away from treatment zones.
- Arrange access while keeping children and animals safely separated.
Aquatic animals and birds can require particular planning. Do not guess whether covering, switching equipment off or moving an enclosure is appropriate—follow the technician's treatment-specific instructions.
During and after the service
Keep people and animals out of treatment areas as instructed.
Re-enter only after the stated label and technician requirements are met.
Allow treated surfaces to dry and ventilate where directed.
Keep children and pets away from monitoring devices and bait placements.
Follow the supplied cleaning, disposal and follow-up instructions.
Do not wash, vacuum or move treated areas unless the instructions say to do so. Equally, do not assume every surface should remain untouched—the correct aftercare depends on the product and placement.
If exposure or illness is suspected
Move away from the source if it is safe to do so and follow the product label's first-aid directions. For urgent symptoms call Triple Zero (000). In Australia, the Poisons Information Centre is available on 13 11 26. Contact a veterinarian promptly if an animal may have been exposed, and have the product name available.
For general preparation, the NSW EPA guide to engaging a pest management technician explains licensing, product information and ways to reduce exposure.
PLAN BEFORE THE VISIT
Tell us about the household.
Text your suburb, property type, likely pest and any children, pets, aquariums or sensitivities relevant to planning.