EDITOR'S NOTE: This article, written by Becky Barron who was the director of Lower Keys Friends of Animals at the time, was first published on the KWTN Critters Page on Sept. 26, 1997. It's still true.
Many people have their homes or rental properties "tented." Especially at this "slow" time of year.
The chemical used to kill insects is very deadly and an indiscriminant killer. Exterminators are trained to use these chemicals in a safe and responsible manner, but it is not their responsibility, nor do they have the time, equipment or ability to ensure that all neighborhood pets are out of harm's way.
The law requires that once the tent is in place, the exterminator must set off a "warning gas" which is like tear gas and is intended to cause any animnals hiding under the tent to try to escape. The theory is that workers will hear them scratching to get out and release them. I have spoken to exterminators here and they say sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, so don't count on it. Sometimes even the best-intended efforts can end in diaster.
What Should You Do?
•As soon as you know that your residence is going to be tented, you should inform all of your neighbors in a two-block radius, at least one block in either direction on the same street and at least the block in front and behind your house. A simple note copied and placed on their doors or mailboxes will allow time for your neighbors to make sure that their outdoor pets are accounted for and not hiding under your house when the tent is placed. The death of a neighbor's cat, or someone's "backdoor feeder" is an all-too-common tragedy when homes are tented in Key West.
• Make sure that you have a place to stay with your pets, take them to the vet for boarding or have someonewho can keep your pets for you.
• Animals should not just be left in the yard. Small pets, expecially birds, are very sensitive to chemicals and should be completely removed from the property. Make sure that you have a sufficient number of carry cases for cats and small pets, and good collars and leashes for dogs. In all the excitement, a frightened cat can escape from a cardboard box or laundry basket and retreat under the house.
• All outdoor cats should be caught and contained at least 24 hours before the workers arrive, and we also recommend trying to catch any household lizards and frogs and putting them outside.
• Take a look around under decks and around the lawn to remove any other creatures that may be too close, like box turtles or snakes. (Remember, they are very beneficial to our environment, they are mother nature's exterminators, and they even work for free!)
• Once the workers arrive to clear around the house and place the tent, untamed outdoor cats will disappear and you wil not know if they are safe. Many times they will be hiding under the house.
We cannot emphasize how important it is to get the cats early. Do not wait until the morning of the tenting to try to get the cats when they come to eat, as this rarely works. Do not leave the responsibility of making sure the animals are safe to someone else.
• If you know there is a cat under the house, tell the exterminator that you are sure of this and do not let them spray the deadly gas into the tent. If anyone releases the deadly chemical into the tent and they have been informed that there are animals under the house, Monroe County Animal Control reports that the exterminator can be charged with a third degree felony.
If the tent was placed and there is still an animal under the building, have the exterminators return the next day. This will give the animal a quiet night to come out, and a baited trap can be left near the opening.
• If you need to borrow cat cages, carriers or traps, call Lower Keys Friends of Animals at 294-9445 or Key West Critter Patrol at 293-6983.
And please don't wait until the last moment. A good plan will save lives.