Mosquito Fogging and Pets, Fish Tanks and Birds: Precautions

Pets are family, and some of them are especially sensitive to the insecticides used in fogging. Fish and birds, in particular, can be harmed quickly by even small exposures. If fogging is planned near your home, a little preparation protects your animals.

This guide gives general precautions. Follow your provider's instructions and ask a vet about your own animals.

The short answer

Before fogging, tell the provider about your pets, remove birds and small animals from the area and the building, cover and switch off aerosol-sensitive fish tanks or move them to a sealed room, keep dogs and cats indoors away from the area and covered bowls, and ventilate after fogging before letting animals back. Keep pets away from treated surfaces and plants until dry, and contact a vet immediately if an animal shows signs of illness, such as drooling, vomiting, tremors, difficulty breathing or unusual behaviour. Birds and fish are the most sensitive, so take extra care.

Dogs and cats

• Keep them indoors, away from the fogging area, with windows and doors closed as advised, or arrange for them to stay elsewhere during fogging.
• Remove food and water bowls, or cover them, and wash them before use afterwards.
• Keep them away from treated gardens and surfaces until dry, as the provider advises.
• Wipe paws and fur if they have been outside during or soon after fogging, as advised by a vet. Do not use harsh chemicals on pets.

Birds

• Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems. Move pet birds well away, ideally to another building, before fogging, and keep them there until the area is well ventilated.
• Remove cages, perches and bowls from the treated area.
• Be careful with garden birds, bird baths and feeders. Cover or remove them.

Fish tanks and ponds

• Fish are extremely sensitive to insecticides in water and air.
• Cover indoor tanks tightly and switch off air pumps and filters that draw in air, as advised, or move tanks to a sealed, unaffected room.
• Do not use fogging or spraying near ornamental ponds and fish pools. Tell the provider so that they avoid them.
• After fogging, ventilate and check fish before restarting equipment.

Small animals and reptiles

Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, reptiles and others should be moved out of the area and kept in a ventilated, unaffected room. Cover or remove their food and bedding.

Preparation checklist

1. Tell the provider about every animal in the home.
2. Ask for the product name and the re-entry time.
3. Move animals as above, and cover or remove food and water.
4. Switch off and cover aquariums.
5. Close windows if fogging outside, and use ventilation afterwards.

After fogging

• Wait the advised time, then ventilate thoroughly.
• Wash bowls, toys and bedding that may have been exposed.
• Check animals for any unusual signs.

When to call a vet

Contact a vet immediately if an animal shows excessive drooling, vomiting, tremors, difficulty breathing, weakness, unusual behaviour or if fish are gasping or dying. Take the product name with you.

Reducing the need for fogging

Remove breeding sites weekly and use larvicide and screens, so that fogging is needed less often.

When to call a professional

Ask the provider for methods suited to homes with pets, and for advice on timing and precautions.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe for dogs to be outside during fogging?

Keep them indoors and away from the area.

Can fish tanks stay in the room?

Only if sealed and switched off as advised, otherwise move them.

Are birds at higher risk?

Yes. Move them away.

What about municipal fogging?

Keep pets indoors and windows closed, and cover tanks and cages.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on mosquito control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full mosquito control guide for Bangalore.