Is Mosquito Spray Dog and Pet-Safe? (EPA Says Yes*)

Are the chemicals dangerous? Will it affect a dog's health?

The first step in understanding the safety of mosquito yard sprays is to distinguish between the active and inert ingredients. Active ingredients are the ones responsible for killing mosquitoes and other pests, while inert ingredients serve as carriers or stabilizers. Generally, it's the active ingredients that raise concerns.

Most residential mosquito sprays use some form of pyrethrin, or permethrin. The EPA re-evaluated their safety as recently as 2019 and 2020 and determined that with proper application they are safe for use around humans and dogs as well. In fact, many topical flea and tick medications are made from pyrethrins.

While some active ingredients can pose a risk to pets if ingested in large quantities, the concentration levels in mosquito sprays used for residential purposes are usually very low and considered safe. However, it's essential to avoid direct contact with wet spray as it may cause minor irritations for pets with sensitive skin.

The bottom line: always wait 20-40 minutes after an application for the chemicals to dry before letting your pet back into the yard. 
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Note for homeowners with fish ponds

Homeowners with fish ponds should not use mosquito sprays around fish. Pyrethrins are considered extremely toxic to fish and shellfish according to the EPA.

Mosquito sprays are tested and approved by the EPA 

The good news is that mosquito sprays undergo rigorous testing before receiving approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of various pesticides, including mosquito sprays, to protect human health, the environment, and our furry friends.

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How are chemicals tested by the EPA? 

The testing process conducted by the EPA is comprehensive and stringent. It includes evaluating the potential risks of the active ingredients to both humans and animals, as well as their environmental impact. The EPA sets strict guidelines to ensure that only products meeting their safety standards are available to the public.

Through these tests, the EPA can determine appropriate usage instructions and safety precautions to protect pets and wildlife. As a result, EPA-approved mosquito sprays, when used according to the label instructions, are generally considered safe for dogs and other pets.

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How to ensure the chemicals are applied correctly

To ensure the safety of our pets during mosquito treatment, it's crucial to follow the proper application guidelines. If you hire a professional pest control company, make sure they are licensed and have experience in handling mosquito treatments for pet-friendly environments.

Professional technicians should be trained to apply the products with precision, targeting mosquito breeding areas while avoiding places where pets frequently roam. Additionally, they will provide instructions for homeowners, such as keeping pets indoors or in a separate area during the application and waiting until the treated areas have dried completely before allowing pets back into the yard.

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Find a Pet-Safe Mosquito Company

At HOMR, we spent a week interviewing and testing 4 licensed residential mosquito spray companies. Read our guide on pet safe mosquito spray companies.

HOMR is a home maintenance concierge service that does all of the above (and more!) for you. At $9/month, you can rest easy knowing that any time you need a mosquito service (or anything else), HOMR will handle contact, scheduling, and managing your home maintenance services. We only work with vetted, trustworthy professionals whose expertise matches the project at hand. Learn more about HOMR.