Exterminator coming

[holabird]

I am having the house sprayed tomorrow for bugs. What concerns do I have for the tanks? Is it safe? Should I cover them somehow? Don't know if I should be concerned or not. Thoughts?

 

[ripped tide]

I would be freaking out. I can't say the fear is justifiable, but that stuff is POISON. I'd ask if they have an effective natural alternative to the spray.

Some folks say that spraying for bugs won't hurt. I dunno.

 

[mockery]

Turn off your skimmer when they get there and cover the top of the tank. For at least an hour after he's gone.

 

[rdnelson]

Only time the bug man gets near my tank is when he pulls up a chair and watches it for 5 or 10 minutes. He also knows RO stay away from my ponds.

 

[spankdog]

I've had an exterminator coming for a few years now. Never changed anything with my tank and its been fine.

 

[jef4y]

Depends on where he's spraying as to what I'd do. Outside? Nothing. Inside but in different rooms? Nothing. Same room, I'd kill the skimmer & blanket the tank/sump. May be overkill, but better safe than sorry.

 

[thesilence87]

Just to be safe, I'd glad press n' seal the top of the tank for at least on hour after his visit, I am just super careful though, as I did it for duct cleaning.

 

[holley123]

DON'T use towels!!!!!!! The poison seeps through it! Best thing would be trash bags, lots of them!!!!!! The bug man came last year and all 6 of my tanks crashed within 3 hours! That stuff don't play, it will nuke your tank and not think twice about it! I can't stress enough how important it is to closely monitor your tank after he sprays, and be prepared to do a 50% water change. Yes I said 50%. If you catch your tank crashing you can save some stuff. Just make sure you have a backup plan just in case your tank crashes!

Edit:

thesilence87;769878 wrote: Just to be safe, I'd glad press n' seal the top of the tank for at least on hour after his visit, I am just super careful though, as I did it for duct cleaning.

+1 I never thought about that idea. Thanks!

 

[mcphock]

Better yet, tell him not to spray in your tank rooms at all. It's the aerosolation you're concerned with. Powered poisons or "natural" (like peppermint, aka bull****) are fine otherwise.

 

[acroholic]

Should not be a problem if he is spot applying with a wand type sprayer. Be concerned if you are having the house fogged. Have him stay away from the area near the tank and you should be fine.

 

[rdnelson]

We have used Ace Pest Control for years. They come once a month and do inside and out. We spoke with both the office and the guy who actually comes out and they assured us that they understand the intricacies of pest control around aquariums and ponds. Our tank was fresh water up until last year so that means they treated our house for 16 years with not trouble in or fresh water. The ponds have had fish for a least 6 years and are adjacent to the house and have never lost a fish. The salt water tank/s have been running for a year this July with absolutely no issue.

If they are worth there beans, they should know how the chemicals they use affect pets and fish. If they don't know that, I think it is time to find a new exterminator. Hey, I hear Arnold is unemployed!