8 Pet-Safe Pest Control Products

Updated on Oct. 15, 2024

When you choose products to rid your yard and home of pests, keep the health of your family and pets in mind.

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When it comes to keeping pests like fleas, ants, roaches, deer or mice out of your home, you want to ensure the products you use are safe for your pets. Choosing pet-safe pest control solutions is essential to protect your furry friends from harmful chemicals. When purchasing pest control products, always read the labels and ingredient lists. Look for products free of harmful ingredients like DEET, which can be toxic to pets, and metaldehyde, commonly found in slug, snail and rodent control products.

Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant and award-winning pet book author, stresses the importance of vigilance when using pest control. “Toxic reactions can kill pets. You’ll see signs of poisoning—remember the acronym SLUD, which stands for salivation, lacrimation, urination and defecation—symptoms often associated with insecticide poisoning. Birds, fish, and cats are especially sensitive, but dogs can also suffer from toxicity.”

Shojai advises, “Remove pets from areas being treated, including fish and birds, and don’t allow them back until the product has dried. Pets can absorb toxins through their skin or by licking paws after walking on treated surfaces.” With that in mind, our pet experts have compiled a list of pest control products that are effective in repelling insects, mammals, and other critters—while ensuring the safety of your pets.


Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth

This powdery, pet-safe pest control substance is made from fossils called diatoms. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth wherever you see signs of unwanted insects like bedbugs, roaches or fleas. Insects with exoskeletons dehydrate when coming in contact with Diatomaceous Earth, but pets are not harmed by it. It’s sometimes used to prevent internal parasites, or dusted into a pet’s fur for treatment against fleas.

DE, as it’s sometimes called, will kill insects within 24 hours when used as directed. It can be used inside or outside of your home as a pet-safe pest control measure. It can even be added to kitty litter to absorb odor. A favorite of gardeners and pet owners alike, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this multi-purpose product.

Catchmaster Fly Paper

Catchmaster Fly Paper

Sticky fly traps attract and catch flying insects like houseflies and gnats. These traps are non-toxic and placed on an interior window where flying insects hang out, but up and away from your pets. They’re easy to apply directly to a window and easy to remove leaving little residue that can be removed with window cleaner.

These unobtrusive sticky traps catch flies so quickly and effortlessly, you’ll no longer have to run around the house with a fly swatter. Let Catchmaster do the work for you.

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Deer Scram Repellent

Deer Scram Repellent

Are deer and rabbits eating everything you grow? Deer Scram keeps those pesky critters away.

Deer Scram is made from natural organic ingredients. While it smells bad to the animals you don’t want hanging out in your yard, you can’t smell it—and most importantly, it won’t harm your pets.

It’s rain and snow resistant but should still be applied monthly for increased effectiveness.

Biologic's Live Nematodes

BioLogic’s Live Nematodes

BioLogic’s Scanmask microscopic nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) feast on cutworms, grubs and other lawn ruiners, but are harmless to humans and pets. Just like these earth friendly products, nematodes are a natural way to get rid of garden pests and improve soil health

BioLogic’s nematodes are sprinkled on the soil and eliminate 230 insects including fire ants, causing Amazon users to refer to this scanmask as “a miracle”.

Pet Safe Insect Repelling Lavender Plant

Pet-Safe Insect Repelling Lavender Plant

Many plants can be used to repel gnawing insects from vegetable and flower gardens. Lavender and lemon balm are pet-friendly plants mosquitoes loathe. Oregano contains carvacrol, a natural insect repellent, and basil is an aromatic fly deterrent.

It’s not too late to plant some pet-safe pest control plants. This cold hardy English lavender plant is a perennial that is suitable for growing zones 5-9, so you’ll enjoy its benefits for years to come.


Orange Guard

Orange Guard

Citrus oil extracts are eco- and pollinator-friendly and safe to use around people and pets. But they are deadly to ants, roaches, palmetto bugs, fleas, silverfish and many other insects. You can safely spray your home or garden’s perimeter with citrus extract products to eliminate these bugs. Get to know how long will fleas live in a house without pets.

Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, so keep them away from the treated areas until the product has dried. Orange Guard can be used indoors or out making this a fresh smelling and pet-safe pest control product.

Pamkelle Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

Pamkelle Ultrasonic Pest Repeller