How can pets be exposed to pesticides?

Pets can be exposed to pesticides in several ways, one of which is by entering a treated area before the Restricted Entry Interval (REI) has expired. The REI is the minimum amount of time that must pass after a pesticide application before unprotected people (including pets) can enter a treated area without protective equipment. If pets enter these areas during or shortly after the application, they can come into direct contact with the pesticide residues or breathe in the chemicals, leading to potential exposure.

Ensuring that pets stay out of treated areas until the REI has passed is crucial for their safety and preventing unintended health effects. While other factors such as consumption of contaminated soil or residue on fur can also lead to pesticide exposure, the immediate entry into a treated area during the REI is a direct and often overlooked way that pets can be exposed to harmful chemicals.