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Safe Pest Control

1 August 2024

As pesticides may be hazardous to the health of children of any age, their exposure to pesticides should be kept to a minimum. In addition to pest control, try to prevent pests from entering your home by maintaining it clean, storing food in sealed containers, always keeping the garbage can closed and having screens on windows.

Home pest control: if pesticide is to be sprayed inside the home, only use pesticides that are specifically designed for home use. Keep children and toys away from the sprayed area and then ventilate the room thoroughly.

Calling an exterminator: choose a licensed exterminator only. Check the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s database of licensed exterminators (Hebrew) with a valid extermination license.

As pesticides may be hazardous to children’s health, their exposure should be kept to a minimum. This can be done through safe storage and use of agents. First and foremost, try to prevent pests from entering your home by:

  • Maintaining a clean home and environment
  • Storing food in sealed containers
  • Making sure that the garbage can lid is closed
  • Closing or sealing spaces below doors
  • Installing screens on all windows in your home

Safe use of pesticides

  • To minimize exposure and risk to children, use baits or gels before spraying.
  • Make sure to purchase products with safety locks. Make sure to use the safety lock once you have finished using the product.
  • Before using, read the label on the pesticide, make sure to follow the instructions and adopt all listed safety measures.
  • Under no circumstance must you allow children to use the pesticide, including in animal shampoo and flea collars.

In case of poisoning or suspicion of poisoning

In case of poisoning or suspicion of poisoning

You can contact the Israel Poison Information Center at Rambam Medical Center at: 04-8541900

Home pest control – use of designated pesticides

  • Use only pesticides designated for home use. Do not use agents designed for agricultural purposes.
  • Keep children away from the sprayed area.
  • Collect children’s toys and keep them away from the area before spraying.
  • Cover food before spraying.
  • After spraying, ventilate the affected area as much as possible.

Storing pesticides

  • Pesticides should be stored out of the reach of children, preferably out of their sight.
  • Pesticides should be stored in their original containers with their original labels.
  • Do not store pesticides in drinking glasses or bottles.
  • Do not store pesticides next to food products.
  • Do not apply rat poison wrapped in food.

Calling an exterminator

  • Licensed exterminator

    Choose a licensed exterminator only. Check with the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s database of licensed exterminators (Hebrew) that the exterminator has a valid license. Ask the exterminator to present the license and check the list to make sure it is valid.

  • Licensed exterminator for the necessary actions

    Make sure that a licensed exterminator will perform the necessary actions. Not all exterminators may perform all pest control actions.

  • After the pest control process

    Ask the exterminator for guidelines on ventilating and cleaning the house after spraying.

  • Summary of the pest control process

    Ask the exterminator for a summary of the pest control process – if there are any concerns of poisoning, adapt the process to the agent used during the pest control process.

  • Do not be in the house

    People cannot be in the house as the pest control process is performed. Ask the exterminator when you can return home after the process is completed.

For more information about pests and pest control agents, visit the Ministry of Environmental Protection website.

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