Can household pesticides harm my pets?
Yes. Many household pesticides carry warnings on their labels cautioning people to keep pets away from treated areas. In the case of flea powders and other pet pesticides, warning labels usually state application rates and the minimum age of any pet to be treated, to avoid illness. As is the case for warnings about human health hazards, these guidelines cannot assure that your pet will suffer no adverse effects. Pesticides are known to poison fish and other forms of wildlife when used outdoors; a similar health hazard exists for aquarium fish and pet birds during and after pesticide application. Diazinon, available for home insect control, is prohibited for use as an insecticide on sod farms and golf courses because it has killed ducks, geese and other water fowl. It is likely to be hazardous to pet birds, if they are exposed.
