The 5 Most Common Insecticides and What Pet Owners Need to Know  

The following guest blog was written by the ASPCA Poison Control (APC).

Insecticides, pesticides and rodenticides are commonly used in and around the home to control unwanted pests, but many pet owners don’t realize just how varied these products can be, or how different their effects may be if a pet is exposed.  

From yard sprays to flea and tick preventatives, insecticides come in many formulations and contain a wide range of active ingredients, each carrying its own level of risk. Understanding the most common types of insecticides and how they can affect pets is an important step in preventing accidental exposure and keeping your animals safe. 

The 5 Most Common Insecticides

Besides the different uses, insecticides come in many forms as well. They are found as bug sprays, pastes, gels, foggers, granules, powders, and liquids. Insecticides for pet parasite control come as either oral medication, topical medication, shampoos, dips or collars.  

Just as with rodenticides, insecticides can pose various types of toxicosis depending on the active ingredient, how much was ingested and how the pet was exposed. Listed below are some common types of insecticides. 

1. DEET (Diethyltoluamide)

This is a chemical commonly found in topical sprays or towelettes as an insect repellent but technically is a pesticide. It comes in concentrations anywhere from 5% to 100%.  

Depending on the concentration and amount ingested or absorbed through the skin by a pet it can cause GI upset, excessive thirst or neurological signs such as ataxia (stumbling), tremors or seizures. If skin has been exposed, it can also cause irritation in that area. 

2. Isoxazoline Insecticides

Used as flea, tick, and mite preventatives in parasite control for dogs and cats. They can come combined with heartworm preventative and oral or topical preparations.

If ingested inappropriately, these insecticides can cause mild GI upset, skin irritation if skin was exposed and depending on the amount or individual sensitivity of the pet neurological effects. Weakness, ataxia (stumbling), over responsiveness to stimuli, tremors or seizures can develop. 

3. Indoxacarb

This insecticide is found in ant and roach bait products usually in the form of gels and bait stations containing paste or gels. Also found as a sprayable for agricultural purposes.  

If orally ingested, a taste reaction can develop causing gagging, drooling, retching and vomiting. Diarrhea and lethargy are also possible. If the skin has been exposed, a tingling sensation can develop as well as twitching, itchiness and redness at the application site. 

4. Pyrethrins

Pyrethrins are derived from chrysanthemums and often used in natural insecticide products. They are commonly found at low concentrations for bug and yard spray products. Lower concentrations usually only cause mild GI upset. 

5. Pyrethroids

Unlike pyrethrins, pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals. However, they act like pyrethrins. They are found as liquid concentrates, sprays, and granules for yards. These chemicals can cause GI upset, taste reactions, ataxia (stumbling), tremors, or seizures.  

If skin is exposed, a tingling sensation can develop, along with twitching, itchiness, and redness at the application site. 

Permethrin is an example of a synthetic pyrethroid that cats are highly sensitive to. It is typically found in flea and tick products for dogs and large animals, as well as household insecticide products. If ingested or there was a skin exposure, it can cause drooling, coughing, vomiting, wobbliness, tremors or seizures.  

Tips On How to Use Insecticides Safely Near and For Pets

1. Read the Label

The label will indicate the active ingredient, what insects it targets, whether it is for indoor or outdoor use, how to prepare the chemical, and how much to use. Paying attention to the instructions for dilutions with liquid yard or home products is very important, as higher concentrated products can be more harmful. If using a Pest Control Officer, talk with them about precautions and risks with products they use.  

When using topical or oral flea and tick or heartworm preventative products, it’s also important to thoroughly read the label. Especially if you have both dogs and cats, do not use these products on your pets unless specifically labeled/prescribed for their species and weight. 

Even when a product is used correctly on a dog according to label directions, extra caution is needed if a cat lives in the same household. Dogs and cats should be kept separated until the product is fully dry for at least 4 hours. 

Products containing high concentrations of permethrin will typically have warnings to not use the product on a cat. You can also consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the products you are going to use.   

2. Let It Dry

Insecticides have the highest risk for animals while they are still wet and lower risk once dried. It is good to be aware of some products (i.e. granular insecticides) that need to be watered after application, which can increase the drying time. 

3. Shield Your Pet

When treating your home with insecticides, keep your pet out of the house or in a separate part of the house until you’re completely finished; the chemicals are dry, and you’ve put them away. Never spray any chemicals or leave insect bait stations near your pet’s water or food dish. 

4. Lock It Up

It’s best to store products in a locked closet and off lower shelves. Never transfer a product to a new container and always place empty containers in outdoor trash cans. If using bait stations, they should always be placed in a location that cannot be accessed by a pet.   

5. Save the Receipt

If your pet comes into contact with a pesticide or insecticide, having a record is helpful to determine the next steps. This can be with the physical packaging, receipt, pest control contact, or a picture of the product. 

If your pet was exposed, call the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 and/or contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Key Takeaways

1. What are the most common insecticides that affect pets?

Some of the most common insecticides in household and yard products include DEET, isoxazolines (used in flea and tick preventatives), indoxacarb (often found in bait products), pyrethrins, and pyrethroids such as permethrin. These are widely used in both consumer and veterinary care products, which increases the chance of accidental exposure. 

2. What symptoms might indicate insecticide poisoning in pets? 

Signs can vary depending on the product and amount involved, but commonly include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. More serious exposures may lead to neurological signs such as wobbliness (ataxia), tremors, muscle twitching, or seizures. Skin exposure can also cause redness, irritation, or a tingling sensation.

3. Are flea and tick preventatives safe for pets?

When used exactly as directed for the correct species, weight, and product type, flea and tick preventatives are generally safe and effective. Problems most often occur when products are used on the wrong species, dosed incorrectly, or when multiple products are combined without veterinary guidance.

Always follow label instructions and your veterinarian’s recommendations.

4. Why are cats more sensitive to some insecticides?

Cats lack certain liver enzymes needed to properly metabolize some chemicals, especially permethrin found in many dog-only flea and tick products. Because of this, even small exposures can lead to severe toxicity in cats, including tremors, seizures, and potentially life-threatening complications.

5. When is insecticide exposure most dangerous for pets?

The highest risk period is when insecticides are still wet or freshly applied, as pets can absorb them through the skin or ingest them while grooming. Concentrated formulations, improper dilution, and exposure to bait stations or stored chemicals can also significantly increase risk.

5. What should I do if my pet is exposed to insecticide?

If you suspect exposure, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as early intervention can greatly improve outcomes. If possible, have the product label or packaging available to help guide treatment decisions.

7. How can I prevent insecticide poisoning in my home?

Prevention starts with careful label reading and correct application. Keep pets out of treated areas until products are fully dry, store all chemicals securely out of reach, and never use dog-only products on cats.  

Avoid placing bait stations near food or water bowls and always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about a product’s safety. 

Keeping Pets Safe Around Insecticides

While insecticides play an important role in managing unwanted bugs, they also require careful handling with pets in the household. Many exposures are preventable with simple precautions like reading labels closely, allowing products to fully dry, and storing chemicals securely out of reach.  

If an exposure does occur, acting quickly and contacting your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control can make a significant difference in outcome. By staying informed and proactive, pet owners can safely use insecticides while minimizing risks to their pets’ health and well-being.