Bug Exterminator coming...safety precautions?

[Roxy_9_2011]

We have a horrible spider problem in our apartment, and the owners offered to bring an exterminator over (no charge for us, woohoo!) But we have our 2 conures to keep safe. Can someone either direct me to a discussion on what to do if it's already been talked about or let me know how long should I keep the birds away? Should we also take the cages away? I don't know what the exterminator will do...mainly need to know how long should we keep them out of the apartment and if we should take out the cages too.
Thanks!

 

[forbey]

Excellent topic!

We have a similar problem. We just moved into a formerly drafty country home on a crawl space. We have spiders and ants (tiny ants and monster ants). We have remodelled both houses so that they are much tighter and more energy efficient, but we are going to need some pest control help and I'm scared to death because of the possibilities of poisoning our dogs and Skittles.

 

[MissyMe83]

I'm pretty sure that they have spray that is supposed to be safe for humans and pets, but I still have to wonder...At my place of employment they come inside and spray for spiders by all the offices/cubicles once a year and I actually inquired about the spray they use and he said it was safe and non-toxic. I'd let them know that you have animals in the house and if anything is going to be sprayed that it must be non-toxic. I would also remove the birds and cages for a period of time during/after they have sprayed.

Maybe someone else with more knowledge can make some suggestions.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

We recently had a exterminator come, they used pet safe products(they said once it is dry we can even lick it) and were forbidden from spraying anything in my room, I kept my door shut and my window open and also used painters tape and plastic wrap to block off the vents and taped off the cracks in the door and hung out in my room for a few hours.

Do you know what species of spider is common in your house?

 

[Zellie]

I had to have an exterminator come a couple of months ago. I was terrified that it might hurt Emi, so I had her boarded for five days until the fumes dissipated. She's fine! If it would be possible to board your birds, I recommend it (for peace of mind if nothing else). I also told the exterminator not to spray anywhere near the corner where I keep the bird. The cage itself went with Emi to the parrot sitter's house.

 

[Roxy_9_2011]

I will have our 2 birds boarding at the bird store. I talked to the owner as well for advice. She wants both birds and cages at the store for a few days at least to be safe. The owner is SO nice. I will interrogate the exterminator for sure on what they're using and how long it will linger in the home.

That's crazy that they have stuff to kill insects that you can lick cause it's so safe...makes me wonder how effective it really was

 

[Merlee]

We have a horrible spider problem in our apartment, and the owners offered to bring an exterminator over (no charge for us, woohoo!) But we have our 2 conures to keep safe. Can someone either direct me to a discussion on what to do if it's already been talked about or let me know how long should I keep the birds away? Should we also take the cages away? I don't know what the exterminator will do...mainly need to know how long should we keep them out of the apartment and if we should take out the cages too.
Thanks!

See if you can get the name of the exterminator coming, call them and ask all your questions. Many companies' claim their products are safe but you can always request a particular room not be treated.

In the meantime, you can look and see how and where the insects are coming in. Are the baseboards, ceilings, windows sealed with paintable grout so they have no access into your home? Are the doors airtight? I know it's impossible to keep everything out, but some preventative measures will help.