We’re going to look at the best bug sprays that can be safely used around your pets when the directions are followed. This may mean you’ll have to keep your pets away until it dries or just while you’re spraying.
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What Are The Different Types of Pet Safe Bug Sprays?
There are two main types of bug sprays, those that use synthetic or man-made chemicals and those that use “natural” or organic chemicals. Either type can be safely used around pets if used properly.
Did You Know
There are two main types of bug sprays. Those that use synthetic or man-made chemicals, and those that use “natural” or organic chemicals. Either type can be safely used around pets if used properly.
Man-made chemicals would include such active ingredients as Bifenthrin, Deltamethrin, and Cypermethrin. All of these are variations of pyrethroids, a synthetic version of naturally occurring extracts found in chrysanthemum flowers.
They have low toxicity in humans when mixed and used correctly, and a corresponding low toxicity in small animals. They’re very toxic to birds and fish though, so if your pets are of those varieties, pyrethroids can be problematic.
Organic pesticides are natural products like lime sulfur or soap. However, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Strychnine and tobacco are natural but no one would argue that they’re safe.
D-Limonene, made from orange peels, and many essential oils, are examples of natural bug killers and insect repellents that are also considered organic. Many of these also suffer from the requirement that they should be used sparingly around pets.
What Makes A Bug Spray Pet Friendly?
In this instance, a bug spray can be called pet friendly or pet safe if it dries quickly once it’s applied and then is safe for your pets. If it is still toxic to pets after it has dried, that wouldn’t be safe for your pets.
Although some of the organic sprays are undoubtedly safer than the synthetic ones, the mist or fumes can still be toxic if inhaled or if they get in your eyes or your pet’s eyes. For this reason, none of them should be used while your pets are in the area.
Treat the area, inside or out, wait until it is completely dry then let your pets back into it. In other words, the method of treatment is the determining factor in making it pet safe.
Are Regular Bug Sprays Unsafe For Dogs And Cats?
Some of the sprays we’re discussing here are regular bug sprays. Even the ones that use essential oils as the active ingredients are increasingly becoming regular sprays due to the increased public interest in “going green” or reducing the use of pesticides.
Top 5 Best Pet Safe Bug Sprays
- MDXconcepts Organic Home Pest Control Spray
- TERRO Spider Killer Aerosol Spray
- Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider Travel
- Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer
- Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer Spray
MDXconcepts Organic Home Pest Control Spray
This all-natural pesticide uses Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Peppermint Oil, Spearmint Oil, and Rosemary Oil as the active ingredients. It kills ants, cockroaches, earwigs, fleas, mites, scorpions, silverfish, spiders, and more. It comes in a 16-ounce spray bottle.
It kills pests quickly and safely, without any dangerous fumes or harsh chemicals that could endanger your pets. It’s also long-lasting and comes with a 100% 60-day money-back guarantee. The essential oils give it a fresh minty smell when you spray it.
Be advised, this is a pesticide, not a repellent. This bug spray will kill bugs that come in won’t keep them out of your house. It’s safe around your pets when used as directed.
Terro Spider Killer Aerosol Spray
Contrary to its name, Terro Spider Killer kills a lot more than just spiders. It also kills bed bugs, spider mites, ants, cockroaches, scorpions, and more.
The active ingredients are Pyrethrins and Deltamethrin, both of which are broad-spectrum insecticides.
The advantage of an aerosol is that you don’t need to mix it in a pump-up sprayer. It’s ready to go as soon as you get it.
It’s also non-staining so you don’t have to worry if it gets on your furniture, drapes, or carpets and it’s safe for pets once it dries.
This pest control product is well-known and used by pest control professionals so you can use it with confidence yourself.
The one disadvantage to aerosols is that they run out quickly, requiring you to purchase more.
Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider Travel
This pesticide has been USDA certified to be a bio-based product, meaning the EPA is satisfied it doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals. The active ingredients are geranol, cedar wood oil, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
In addition to being safe for your pets and children, it is also considered non-toxic to fish and birds, a limitation affecting the use of most synthetic pesticides. Furthermore, it won’t leave stains on bedding or carpets.
Despite being sold as a bed bug killer, it works against a wide range of other insects as well. The limitation of essential oils is that they don’t last very long, seven to 14 days is about average.
Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer
Ortho is a well-known brand name. This pesticide kills aphids, caterpillars, centipedes, stink bugs, and more.
Because the active ingredients are Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin it will “technically” kill termites too – in large enough quantities.
Bifenthrin was originally used in the United States to kill termites, but it requires 80-100 gallons for an average-sized house. Since then it has been tested and found effective on a wide range of other insects as well.
Ortho is designed for outdoor pest control and the gallon jug comes with an attached sprayer handle with an adjustable nozzle but it can be used inside as well. Keep your pets out of the area when you’re spraying and afterward until it’s dry.
Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer Spray
Another well-known brand, Raid uses Bifenthrin and Cypermethrin as the active ingredients.
This pressurized aerosol shoots a stream of pesticide up to 22 feet to kill wasp and hornets from a safe distance. Keep your pets out of the area until it is dry.
This also kills mud daubers and bald-faced hornets on contact. Because of the active ingredients, it is a broad-spectrum insecticide that will kill many other types of insect infestation.
However, it’s use should be limited to the outside only.
It will kill crickets, earwigs, ants, beetles, spiders, stinkbugs, caterpillars, scorpions, silverfish, palmetto bugs, and so-called waterbugs. Like all aerosols, it’s easy to use too much too quickly.
If you’re looking for professional pest control help, use the tool below to get estimates from local professionals:
