It’s always a good idea to pay attention to the chemicals in and around your home. The truth is that most often the air inside a home is more polluted than the air outside. Indoor pest control sprays cause concern for many. Here’s what you should know.

The Safety of Indoor Pest Control Sprays

The safety of any particular insecticide depends largely on the type of insecticide and the application. For example, insecticide dusts and aerosols are generally applied in cracks and crevices. Baits for ants or roaches can be injected into cracks, or set in a known traffic pattern that they’ve established. Residue from these insecticides can be attractive to pets, and can be seen by people, so use with extreme caution around pets and children.

Any treatment that leaves a residue usually comes with specific instructions. These indoor spray instructions generally recommend staying out of the home until the material has dried. And it’s usually recommended to not come into contact with the residue for several hours.

While most insecticide poisonings occur from swallowing the chemical, the ingredients can be absorbed through your skin or by breathing airborne particles. Once the material has dried, this risk is greatly diminished. A qualified pest control specialist knows the safest way to apply insecticides, especially indoors, so call them to do the job for you.

Ingredients in Indoor Pest Control Sprays

If you’re concerned about toxicity and indoor insecticides, check the label or ask your pest control representative. If you are concerned about toxicity, avoid products containing: phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon, malathion, chlorpyrifos, and dichlorvos.

Take Precautions to Limit Exposure to Indoor Pest Control Sprays

You can minimize your risk of inhalation and exposure by taking a few simple steps. The first is to talk to your pest control company and learn what they’re using. After a product is applied inside your home, try to stay out of the home for several hours. This allows materials to settle and dry. If you’re in contact with the chemicals – if you’re applying it yourself, for example – make sure to wear gloves and long sleeves. You may also want to wear a mask to avoid inhalation.

Finally, one of the best ways to improve the air quality inside your home is to open the windows and let in some fresh air. Household plants are also great at cleaning the air inside your home. Indoor pest control sprays are sometimes necessary to get rid of pests; a few simple precautions can keep you safe.