Most dog owners believe their four-legged buddy to be over a pet. They’re component of the family members and as with any family member, you want to keep them safe. Regrettably, chemical pesticides used to control lawn pests include toxic ingredients which leave behind a harsh residue and present a health risk to your puppy. Successfully controlling lawn pests does not require dangerous chemicals and can be done without potentially harming your pets.
Organic Pest Control
Homemade pesticides generally contain nontoxic ingredients which may safely control unwanted insects without harming dogs. One cup of canola oil mixed with one tablespoon of mild dish soap produces a concentrated pesticide used as a treatment for soft body insects. When ready to use, mix one cup of water with 1 tsp of the concentrated oil mix and completely coat the plants. Diatomaceous earth — DE — is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock crunched to a dust or powder-like form. It is made up of the fossilized remains of an aquatic plant. DE dehydrates insects — such as fleas, ticks, cockroaches and earwigs — which crawl through the powder and is generally safe to use in lawns where dogs and children play.
Biological Pest Control
Attracting predators which feed lawn and yard insects will naturally control the insects without harming pets. When added to the lawn, beneficial nematodes control fleas, ticks and other insects from the soil without posing a risk to animals or people. Enticing ladybugs, parasitic wasps and green lacewings to your lawn will cut the amount of scales, aphids, mites and other common garden insects infesting your own plants. Spiders may seem dangerous but are usually considered a valuable predator feeding on a wide variety of annoying insects. Wolf spiders, jumping spiders and crab spiders are some that search and catch the insects scattered through plants and soils, and can help control leafhoppers, aphids, beetles and caterpillars.
Cultural Pest Control
Keeping the lawn well preserved goes a very long way to controlling insects. Tall grass and weeds provide hiding places for insects, therefore keep the lawn mowed and pull weeds from the ground. Corn gluten meal applied early enough in the season will control weeds without harming animals. Leaf litter, plant debris, trash and litter provide protection for insects which will use these places to conceal and multiply. By eliminating these places, you will lower the amount of unwelcome insects in your lawn while improving the look of your lawn.
Considerations
Chemical insecticides must only be used after the rest of the pest control options have been exhausted. If you opt to use chemical pesticides, then be mindful that they may be detrimental to your dog. Ongoing handling, application, storage and storage increase the potential for harm to your pet. If possible, choose the least toxic insecticide available and consistently follow the directions on the label. Keep the dog out of this region while applying the chemical and don’t permit him to enter the region until the pesticide dries. What’s more, store unused pesticides in their original container in a cool, dry and ventilated place out of the dogs achieve.