The best pet-safe pesticides for your home and yard

With a plethora of options available, finding the right pest control product that is safe around pets can be overwhelming. To ease this task, we’ve curated a list of 10 certified pet-safe pesticides that will keep your pets safe and your home pest-free.

When looking for pet-safe pesticides, search for products that use natural ingredients known to be less harmful to animals. Ingredients like diatomaceous earth, citronella, and certain essential oils can offer protection against pests without posing a significant risk to pets.

The following chart offers a quick reference to some of the best pet-safe pest control products available, highlighting key information to help you choose wisely.

Spectracide Bug Stop Home Barrier is designed to kill ants, roaches, spiders, and other indoor pests on contact while being safe to use around children and pets when used as directed. Its non-staining formula makes it ideal for use inside your home without worry

Active ingredient: Gamma-cyhalothrin.

Wondercide offers a natural solution to keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes at bay without the use of harsh chemicals. Safe for dogs, cats, and even humans, this spray can be used indoors and outdoors to create a protective barrier around your home. Make sure you let the product dry fully before reintroducing pets to the area.

Active ingredients: Cedar oil, lemongrass oil, sesame oil, and sodium lauryl sulfate (from coconut).

Paws and Claws Pet Spray uses natural cedar oil to repel and control fleas, ticks, and mites. It’s an eco-friendly option that’s safe for pets, people, and the planet. This spray is effective at creating a natural barrier against pests without the use of harmful chemicals.

Active ingredients: Cedar oil, hydrated silica

For those who love gardening but want to keep their pets safe, this bug spray is ideal. It repels ants, roaches, spiders, flies, and fleas with natural essential oils and is safe to use around your garden and outdoor living spaces.

Plus, you can apply it to a large area conveniently by adding it to your sprinkler system, or by attaching a pump sprayer or garden hose directly to the container. One of the main ingredients, cinnamon oil, can be toxic to pets, so be sure to allow five days for the product to dissipate before letting them back out to play.

Active ingredients: Cedar oil, cinnamon oil, propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ethyl ester.

Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under is a testament to the power of natural ingredients. It’s crafted to combat ants, roaches, and other household pests without the harsh chemicals that can irritate pets and humans alike. You’ll want to ensure the product is diluted due to its main ingredient, clove oil, which can be dangerous if high concentrations are ingested.

Ingredients: Clove oil, cottonseed oil, and other plant-powered ingredients.

Raid Essentials offers a pet-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise on effectiveness. Designed for indoor use, it acts quickly to eliminate ants, spiders, and roaches, ensuring your home remains a safe haven for its two- and four-legged occupants. Like with Wondercide, you’ll need to ensure the product has fully dried before reintroducing your pets to the area.

Active ingredients: Geraniol (from pine trees), lemongrass.

Skout’s Honor takes pride in its eco-friendly and biodegradable flea and tick spray, which is safe for pets, families, and the home. Its plant-based formula is gentle yet effective, offering peace of mind to environmentally conscious pet owners. You can apply it to affected areas of your home or directly to your dog. And with Skout’s Paw Pledge™, you can feel doubly good knowing your purchase is protecting your pet while feeding another in need. Use only as directed as high concentrations can be toxic.

Active ingredients: Cedarwood oil, peppermint oil.

EcoSMART leads the way in organic pest solutions, using a blend of essential oils to safely eliminate pests. When used as directed, its non-toxic formula is perfect for households that prioritize organic living, ensuring pets are exposed to nothing but natural ingredients. Never use more than the suggested amount as high concentrations can be toxic.

Active ingredients: Peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and other essential oils.

Orange Guard’s water-based formula uses orange peel extract to deter a wide range of insects. It’s safe around kids and pets, making it an ideal choice for families seeking effective and non-toxic pest control solutions. The active ingredient D-limonene can be harmful if ingested and cause liver damage, so keep an eye on your pets after application.

Active ingredients: D-limonene (orange peel extract).

Vet’s Best offers a solution for outdoor spaces, targeting fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes without harming vegetation or pets. It’s perfect for treating up to 5,000 square feet of lawn, garden, or kennel area, keeping outdoor playtime safe and enjoyable. High concentrations of its active ingredient, peppermint oil, can be harmful. Be sure you allow plenty of time for the product to dry and dissipate before letting your pets roam free outdoors.

Ingredients: Peppermint oil and eugenol (from clove plants).

In our quest to maintain a pest-free home without compromising the health and safety of our beloved pets, it’s tempting to turn exclusively to natural remedies. After all, “natural” sounds inherently safe and gentle, right? However, it’s important to remember that natural isn’t always synonymous with better or safer for our furry friends.

Some natural substances can be just as harmful, if not more so, than their synthetic counterparts if used improperly. This doesn’t mean we should avoid them altogether — many natural remedies offer effective and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. The key is to use them wisely and with an understanding of their effects on pets.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. It works by physically dehydrating insects upon contact. While it’s non-toxic to humans and pets, it’s crucial to choose food-grade diatomaceous earth and use it in moderation, as inhaling the dust can irritate the lungs.

Vinegar solution

A simple mixture of vinegar and water can deter many types of insects. Vinegar’s strong scent is unappealing to pests like ants and spiders, making it a great natural repellent. However, its acidic nature means it should be used cautiously around pets, ensuring they don’t ingest or come into direct contact with the solution.

Essential oils

Certain essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass, are known for their pest-repellent properties — and many products above feature them. They can be diluted and sprayed around the home to create a barrier against pests.

Yet, it’s vital to remember that some essential oils can be toxic to pets, especially cats, if used excessively or improperly. Always research and use a safe concentration, and consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new scents into your pet-friendly home.

With the right approach and mindful practices, you can protect your pets from harmful chemicals and ensure your home remains a pest-free zone. Here are some practical tips to achieve just that:

• Choose pet-safe products. Always opt for pesticides and repellents that are certified as safe for use around pets. Look for natural ingredients and check for any specific pet-related safety information on the label.
• Read labels carefully. Before using any product, read the label thoroughly to understand how it works, where it can be safely applied, and any necessary precautions to keep your pets safe.
• Wait after application. Pesticides can linger on grass and surfaces for a while. Wait the recommended amount of time — as stated on the product’s label — before allowing pets to play in treated areas.
• Store products safely. Keep all pest control products in a secure place, out of reach of curious paws and noses. This helps prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
• Regular pet checks. After walks or playtime outside, check your pet for ticks, fleas, and other pests. Early detection can prevent these critters from becoming a bigger problem.
• Maintain your yard. Regularly mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and removing standing water can greatly reduce the presence of pests in your outdoor spaces.
• Consult with a vet. If you’re unsure about the safety of a product or if your pet has unique health concerns, consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.

As diligent as we might be in creating a safe and healthy environment for our pets, we can’t control the practices and products used beyond our own lawns — such as at dog parks or in neighborhood green spaces.

This is why it’s important to know the signs of pesticide poisoning in pets. Understanding these symptoms can help us act swiftly and seek veterinary care as soon as necessary, potentially saving our pet’s life.

Symptoms of pesticide poisoning in pets

• Excessive salivation or drooling. This is an early sign that your pet may have ingested something harmful.
• Vomiting. Keep an eye out for vomiting soon after visiting a new or suspect area.
• Diarrhea. Like vomiting, diarrhea is a clear indication of gastrointestinal distress.
• Lethargy or weakness. If your usually energetic pet is suddenly sluggish or weak, it could be a sign of poisoning.
• Seizures. In severe cases, exposure to certain chemicals can trigger seizures.
• Difficulty breathing. Watch for any signs of respiratory distress, which could indicate inhalation of toxic substances.
• Muscle tremors. Uncontrolled shaking or tremors can be a symptom of neurotoxic poisoning.

Choosing pet-safe products isn’t just a precaution; it’s a way to show your love and commitment to your pet’s well-being. And with so many options available today, you don’t have to compromise on safety for effectiveness.