Pest Control Chemical Safe for Children

Its that time in the year again where critters and crawlies are waking up from their hibernation.

What are OzBargain most favourite all-purpose pest control chemicals/barriers that are safe around children? Is it worth to do it ourselves, if we can source them from Bunnings?

Or should we just leave this to the pest control expert? If this is job for the expert due to the commercial grade chemicals that are not accessible for us plebs, please send your recommendation.

Last year we can still see some crawlies a month after the pest control service was provided. So I lost faith in that company.

Comments

  • +2

    What critters are you talking about?

    Cockroaches, rats, mice, cupboard moths? Each one has a different solution.

    We don't spray chemicals around as kills a lot of friendly critters.

    • Based on last year, mostly are cockroaches, ants and spiders. We have some redback spider and white tailed spider around our area.

      • cockroach baits…chuck 'em around the house, kidsafe.

        Ants (in the house I assume?), put some antrid around where the kids can't access it (and explain to them about poisons :) ). If they are outside we just leave them alone.

        Spiders, are they in your house or 'in your area'? Redbacks and white tails are easy to squish. We avoid whole house sprays cos it kills the daddy long-legs and wolfies as well.

        • Spiders are coming into our house. I killed them when they are in. I was thinking the pest control barrier wouldnt even allow them to live for long once they stepping in over the barrier sprays, which is a preferable method. Those that are actively crawling while we are sleeping is what worrying me.

          Thanks for the inputs.

  • +14

    Can’t you just discipline your kids instead. Spraying them is not going to end well for anyone

    • Lol I admit the title can misleading.. or is it a click bait?

  • +1

    Best to swat a fly or cockroach, rather than killing everything around.

    • +1

      Best to swat a fly or cockroach

      Have you ever had a cockroach infestation?

      • It sounds like OP is concerned some "crawlies" may arrive, not dealing with an infestation.

        • Yes this is correct, no infestation yet (finger crossed). Its about preventing them coming inside the house.

  • +1

    For cockroaches and to an extent spiders. Mortein power guard on surfaces kids won’t touch. Then cockroach baits again in areas where kids won’t access (eg outside of window sills, behind furniture). Yates or pest Xpert gels, plus which ever brand of those little plastic bait houses under furniture etc.

    For ants, depends on type. For sugar ants ant rid the first time, once they’ve figure that out they won’t go for it. Next line would be Yates ant bait. If you have lots of types and they are bothering you or coming inside pest xpert granules, treat your whole property to kill the nests.

    None of these are necessarily safe, but if they are where kids won’t touch them they’ll be fine. Do the spray when kids are out. The Mortein power guard is a pump so it won’t go everywhere when applying it.

    • Just to add to this that if it's german cockroaches, anything available at bunnings will not work to treat the actual problem and you'll just be treating the symptoms.

      If it's the bigger american ones then you're fine.

      • +1

        that if it's german

        Play this on loudspeakers and they'll all goose step out of their hiding places

      • This stuff works on the German ones https://www.facebook.com/share/p/r8pZnPgjbhFubfVa/?mibextid=… wanhaulan bait. Often available in Chinese discount variety stores.again just hide it in places where animals and kids can’t get to it.

    • +1

      pesticides on surfaces kids won’t touch
      cockroach baits again in areas where kids won’t access

      There's your solution, OP

    • My does my pest control company said that they used kids and pets' safe chemicals. So the kids can even be inside the house when they are spraying. I thought this product exist. They also offer warranty for 6 months, highlighting safe yet effective chemicals. Is this too good to be true?

      • Most the ones allowed to be used in Australia are technically safe for kids and animals, but for me I wouldn’t want it in surfaces they might lick or touch, hence the method that I’ve recommended. It’s not perfect but the best solution I’ve come up with and no need to pay a professional to come in.

        • Got it, thanks for taking time explaining them in details.

  • where are you located OP??

    • NSW

      • i would recommend a guy, but he does sydney… Not sure about NSW

  • +2

    Best to fix the root cause - weather sealing, better bins, etc

  • +4

    Pest Control Chemical Safe for Children

    Instead of spraying them can't you just send them to their room?

  • +2

    Last year we can still see some crawlies a month after the pest control service was provided. So I lost faith in that company.

    "Crawlies" doesn't mean anything. what are you talking about?

    Generally a single treatment from a pest control company won't work if there is a full on infestation, especially cockroaches. These usually require multiple treatments spaced several months apart.

    Also, life isn't about having zero bugs inside your home. The occasional fly or gnat is nothing to worry about. Cockroaches (especially german) are a sign of a larger problem and should be addressed.

    Or should we just leave this to the pest control expert? If this is job for the expert due to the commercial grade chemicals that are not accessible for us plebs, please send your recommendation.

    You can actually buy the same chemicals they use online. Not sure about it being available at bunnings but you can google it and you'll find the active ingredients and go from there.

    Again, depends on the bug. If it's german cockroaches, you're F'd and need proper treatment from a professional (speaking from experience).

    • Ah i see. I thought there can be one magic spray that can prevent them all. I dont mind them being outside, as long as they are not coming into the house. Some of the house members are not a big fan of roaches and spiders chilling in the same room they are sleeping.

      Oh yes, the pest control companies that I used exclude german roaches from their 6 month warranty. Sounds like it requires a different treatment.

      • +2

        They exclude german cockroaches because they're the most difficult to deal with, require multiple treatments and are virtually impossible to remove if you are in an apartment complex. Ask me how I know :)

        Spiders, unless they are red back or trap door (doubtful they are inside) are not that bad and can be moved/dealt with on an individual basis.

        Roaches shouldn't just be running around inside. I assume it's the big bastards? Not a problem to see the occasional one.

        I think with those you can get outdoor traps, the big black boxes you see in commercial properties.

  • +2

    Common pesticides (pyrethroids) are pretty safe for humans. You can buy "plant based" but that doesn't really make any difference.

    Toxicity aside, spraying inside is still gross. Suggestions are use baits for cockroaches, spray outside for spiders etc.

    • +1

      The guy that does my place for german cockroaches said the active ingredient is the same as what's in the flea+tick in your dogs tablets. Then proceeded to spray himself with it and said "i've done this for 20 years and I'm fine".

      Fine is subjective. haha

      • +3

        The cancer is building.

  • +3

    A couple of weeks ago I had to take 8 wild galahs to the vet because someone sprayed insecticide on something the birds thought was tasty. Don't know whether it was done to exterminate the insects, or exterminate the galahs. They couldn't walk, their legs were paralysed, so they couldn't take off and fly. And if they could, they couldn't hold onto the branches of trees, so they just fell back to the ground when they tried. One survived, because the vet believed me what the symptoms were rather than waiting to see for themselves, and gave it atropine early enough. The others all died of heart failure or had to be euthanased because they went into convulsions.

    So please take care with insecticides. They don't just kill insects.

  • +2

    Please don't poison the children.

  • Cockroaches are a part of daily life in Australia.

    If you spot just a few at night, there’s generally no cause for concern. However, a large infestation with roaches appearing during the day is a red flag. Often, reducing food sources that attract them is sufficient to manage the problem.

    Be aware that using baits can sometimes attract more cockroaches into your home, including those from neighbouring properties.

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