The importance of protecting our homes from pests cannot be over-emphasized. Living in an insect-free home is optimal and protecting the largest investment we make a must. In today’s real estate market we employ every selling advantage and cannot let the sale of our property be undermined by pests.
We choose to keep safe our selves, our families, and our cherished pets with regular pest control inspections and appropriate management. On treatment day some of us are off to work, some to school, and the pooch and kittens are in the garden – all set! Oops – not so fast. What about the beautiful, meditation-inducing exotic fish in the aquarium; and let’s not forget Fluffy the tarantula or Judy the bearded dragon in your son’s room.
These finned and multi-legged friends of the family must be protected on pest control day. The most important reason to safeguard these creatures is that they are indeed a part of the family and loved by one and some (Sorry, Fluffy.). Another important reason to keep these unique pets safe is that veterinarian visits are expensive, and replacement would be a high-priced endeavor.
There are some pest control companies who will tell you the chemicals used are safe for humans and therefore safe for fish and other aquarium-dwelling pets. Not so. Consider that we humans have biologically precious little in common with these cold-blooded swimmers and crawlers. What we as humans are able to withstand does not speak to what these critters can.
Consider how a chemical cocktail designed to kill insects, their eggs and larva might do no harm to fish and other small cold-blooded beings. This seems unlikely because it is. When preparing your home for pest control be mindful of all your pets. How might this be done? So glad you asked.
To begin, cover the aquarium and filter with a towel or sheet and double up if the fabric you are using appears permeable. Seal the fabric to the outside of the tank leaving no gaps for a flow of air to enter the filter. The chemicals used are air-bourn and can waft up into the filter and ultimately be worked into the aquarium water. This is why covering the filter is so important. However, be very careful when covering the filter; if the power is on the warmth from the covered motor may be a fire hazard.
Another word of caution. Please cover or remove all food from the area being treated. If you’ve purchased six-legged delicacies for Judy’s mid-day snack, hide them somewhere. The pest-control professionals have a difficult time differentiating a bug from an item on the menu.
Along with moving the food from the area being treated, be sure to also remove or cover any fish or reptilian supplies used in their care. The water buckets, filter equipment, tubes, nets, and feeding utensils should be kept separate during the treatment as well to avoid contact with the air in the location being treated.
Following these simple steps to safeguard your aquarium-dwelling pets will ensure their safety during the pest control process and provide you with peace of mind.
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