How Long After Spraying Pesticides Is It Safe for Pets?

February 15, 2025

After spraying pesticides, it’s generally safe for pets to return to the area once the treatment has dried, typically within 1–2 hours for routine applications. While modern pesticides are more targeted and less harmful than older chemicals, some can still pose risks, especially if ingested. For pet owners concerned about chemical exposure, natural and botanical pest control options are available. If a pet accidentally ingests pesticides, contacting the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center can provide immediate guidance on the next steps.

They’re our companions, our friends, our stress relief, and a source of unconditional love – our pets!

When insects, arachnids, and other pests invade your home, you want them out ASAP, and that often means using chemical pesticides to kill and repel the invading hordes. But how do the chemicals affect the animals that we do want in the house – our dogs, cats, and other animal friends?

We answer this question at almost every home we treat: How long after spraying pesticides is it safe for pets?

This month, we’re answering that and some other questions about how the chemicals we use to drive away pests can affect your household pets.

Are Pesticides Harmful to Pets?

Some can be, and some aren’t. In fact, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), insecticides are responsible for only about 3.5% of pet poison exposures, well behind over-the-counter medications (almost 17% of exposures) and human foods and drinks that are toxic to pets (think chocolate or xylitol gum—about 16% of exposures).

Pesticides have come a long way, and very few of the general poisons that used to be common are still in use. While the exterminators of yesteryear used a selection of chemicals that interrupt the life processes of any animal, most of today’s pesticides are highly specialized chemicals that interfere only with the biological systems of a select few types of animals.

These highly targeted pesticides can be less harmful to pets than other, far more common products, such as dryer sheets and essential oils.

That’s not to say that you should be cavalier about your pets and pesticides. Many of them, while targeting specific insects or arachnids, can still negatively impact pet species. Even pet-safe pesticides can be deadly to any animal that ingests large amounts of them, the same way any other chemical can be dangerous in large quantities.

There are still plenty of incredibly potent chemicals in the exterminating business. Your licensed pest control company has powerful products that they can use when an infestation is particularly resistant to treatment. Some of these products are broad-spectrum poisons that are deadly to anything, including untrained and unprotected people.

If you’re receiving pest control services and are concerned about your pets, talk to your pest control team to find out what precautions you should take with your pets.

How Long After Spraying Pesticides Is It Safe for Pets?

The answer depends on the specific product being used, but a good rule of thumb is to keep pets out of a treated area until the pesticides have dried. In many cases, the dried pesticide is “persistent,” meaning it’s designed to stay in place once it’s dry—kind of like paint.

To get more specific information, you can refer to the product label (for pesticides you apply yourself) or talk to your pest control team (for professional pesticides).

Generally speaking, if National Exterminating is providing you with regular, preventative interior pest control, you’ll only need to keep your pets away from treated areas for 1-2 hours. If we’re treating your home for a significant infestation, we’ll give you guidance on how long your pets (and your family) should stay clear of the application area.

I Don’t Like the Idea of Any Chemicals Around My Pets

We get it—some folks are uncomfortable with the idea of chemicals being used around their companion animals. While we’re licensed and trained to use chemical pesticides safely and without causing negative impacts to the people and animals who live in your home, we know that an aversion to chemical treatments is very common, especially among pet owners.

If that’s the case, we can still help. Our team is also trained on the proper use of several botanical and other more natural pest-control products. These products produce some of the same effects as chemical pesticides—killing or repelling pests like roaches, spiders, and other crawling critters—but they don’t contain any of the synthetic compounds that make up most products’ active ingredients.

These earth-friendly pest control options are usually very safe for use around pets, and you can bring your animals back inside very soon after these products are applied.

What Do I Do If My Pet Ingests Pesticides?

Believe it or not, there’s a poison control for pets! The ASPCA operates an Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). The APCC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is staffed by professionals who can help you determine your next steps if you think your pet has ingested something poisonous.

The key thing is to keep calm. Call the APCC at 888-426-4435 and answer their questions. They’ll tell you if your pet needs veterinary care, if there are any steps you should take at home, or if all you need to do is keep an eye on your furry friend for a couple of hours.

We Get Rid of the Pests and Keep Your Pets Safe! Let National Exterminating Protect Your Middle Georgia Home or Business. Call Us at 478-922-1410.

Your Middle Georgia home or business needs a pest control partner you can trust. National Exterminating is ready to earn that trust with our exceptional customer service and cutting-edge pest control solutions. Call us today!