Is Ant Killer Safe for Pets?

Ants are a common household pest and can be a problem if they invade your home. However, using ant killer may be harmful to your pets, so it's important to choose a product that is safe for them.

What to Consider When Choosing Ant Killers

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing ant killer:

The active ingredient. The active ingredient is the chemical that kills the ants. Some common active ingredients in ant killers include boric acid, pyrethrins, and deltamethrin. Boric acid is the most dangerous of these three chemicals for pets. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death if ingested.

The formulation. Ant killers are available in a variety of formulations, including baits, granules, and sprays. Sprays are the most likely to drift and come into contact with your pet. Baits and granules are less likely to be accidentally ingested by pets, as they are in pieces that may seem unappealing and out of the way, but they are still not suitable for a pet to eat.

The ingredients. Some ant killers contain additional ingredients, such as scents and dyes. These ingredients can be harmful to pets if they are ingested.

How to Use Ant Killers Safely

If you must use ant killer, there are a few things you can do to keep your pets safe:

Read the label carefully. This will tell you the active ingredient, formulation, and ingredients of the product. It will also provide instructions for use.

Apply the product only as directed. Do not use more than the recommended amount.

Keep the product out of reach of pets. Store the product in a place where your pet cannot access it.

If your pet comes into contact with the product, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Alternatives to Ant Killer

There are a few natural alternatives to ant killer that are safe for pets:

Diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized algae. It is effective at killing ants by dehydrating them. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around areas where you have seen ants.

Vinegar. Ants dislike the smell of vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it on areas where you have seen ants.

Peppermint oil. Ants also dislike the smell of peppermint oil. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a cotton ball and place it near areas where you have seen ants.