This is the question we get most often from new customers — especially families with young children or pets who spend time on the floor and in low areas of the home. It's a fair question, and we'd rather give you a straight answer than a vague reassurance.
What We Use
We use EPA-registered, professional-grade insecticides applied by licensed technicians. The products we use are formulated for residential use and are the same categories used by pest control companies throughout the country. The active ingredients vary by pest and situation — synthetic pyrethroids are among the most common for general pest control, and they're derived from compounds found in chrysanthemum flowers. Bait products we use for ants and roaches are targeted — they attract and kill the specific pest without requiring broadcast application.
The Re-Entry Period — What It Actually Means
After most interior treatments, we recommend keeping people and pets out of treated areas for 30 to 60 minutes — until surfaces are dry. Once the product has dried, it's bonded to the surface and the residual exposure is minimal. You don't need to leave the home for hours or days for a standard pest control treatment. The 30-to-60-minute window lets the product set and the application volatiles dissipate. We'll tell you specifically what the re-entry time is for whatever we applied on your visit.
A Few Practical Steps That Make Sense
Cover or remove pet food and water bowls before we treat — they shouldn't be in treated areas. Fish tanks should be covered and the aerator turned off during treatment. Move pet toys and kids' toys off the floor in areas being treated — you can put them back once surfaces are dry. For crawlspace or exterior treatments, there's typically no interior re-entry restriction at all.
The Honest Context
The products we apply are significantly more regulated than what's available in stores. Over-the-counter pest control products are often higher concentration formulations designed for consumer use without professional training. A licensed technician uses the right product at the right rate in the right location — that's what the license means. If you have specific concerns about a product or have a family member with chemical sensitivities, tell us before the visit. We can discuss options and make adjustments. We also offer an eco-friendly service option that uses botanical and naturally-derived products.