Is pest control safe for newborn babies?

Question: We have a newborn in our house, and I'm wondering if it is safe to spray for pests.

Should we avoid the house for a few hours after our Orkin guy comes? He sprays for ants and roaches—it looks like 1.34 is the product type, with method 93 and equipment is "B". Please advise of any extra precautions we should take with a newborn in the house.

Answer: Depending on the application, it would be best to remain out of the house for a few hours after spraying, especially if you are concerned.

Pesticides designed for control of household insects are formulated at low concentration levels. The various formulations are intended for particular areas of the home. Dusts and aerosols are intended for application in cracks and crevices. They are effective against pests but without any exposed residue.

Baits intended to eliminate ants and/or roaches are either injected into cracks and crevices or put into plastic bait stations. The stations are placed out of the reach of children.

Insecticides that are intended for application onto exposed surfaces have very specific directions on their labels. The directions have instructions for mixing and application. The directions also require that people, including their children, stay off of the treated surface until the treatment has dried.

The Orkin Pest Specialist will select treatment methods according to the particular situation. Since most pest problems begin outside the home, many homes receive routine treatment only on the outside. This prevents most pests from getting into the home. The family can request indoor treatment if they see a pest indoors.

When the ants and roaches are under control, you may want to talk with your Pro to see if this type of treatment would be right for your situation.

Your Orkin Pest Specialist develops a customized treatment plan backed by science, so that it best fits your needs and situation. The Specialist will be doing the applications in the safest way possible while following the product's label. If you have specific questions on the service ask the Specialist at the time they are servicing your home. If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to call your local Orkin Branch Office and speak with a member of the branch's management team.

Orkin used the information above to also answer the following questions submitted by Orkin.com users:

• Question: Is the pest treatment harmful to newborns?

• Question: Do you guys use "kid safe" spray in homes?

• Question: Are the products used safe around children? I have a preschool that uses Orkin, I want parents to know the products are safely administered.

• Question: I am having Orkin spray in my apartment tomorrow. I have a two-month-old baby. I am wondering if it is safe for both of us. I also want to know how many hours I have to stay out of the house after the spray.