Pet Safe Weed Killer

People consider pets as a part of their family and they tend to avoid any thing that can cause harm to them. Nowadays, pet safe labels are attached to many household items right from pet safe fences to pet safe ant killers and pet safe plants. But what about weed killers? Weed killers are indispensable to get rid of the weeds in your yard. At the same time, the chemicals in weed grass killers can sometimes cause harm to your pets. In a broader sense, these chemicals are detrimental to the residents of the house as well as the environment.

Weed Killers and Pets

As far as pets are concerned, many of the garden weed killers are labeled pet safe. But, you have to check the ingredients and avoid those which contain carbon tetrachloride, chloroform or chloroethane, which are carcinogens that can affect the health of your pet. Make sure that the garden weed killer you choose does not contain '2,4-D', which is a highly toxic substance. Some manufacturers do not give the list of ingredients, while some others may not disclose some of the ingredients. It is always advisable to buy a pet safe weed killer after thorough research. You can also go for those certified by veterinarians or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

However, commercial weed killers contain chemicals which are not preferred by most people. You have a very safe option of using homemade weed killers which can also save your money. You can make your own weed killers from household items. The following are a few methods of using some household items as lawn weed killers, which are also pet safe.

• One of the most commonly used household item is vinegar. For better results, use a mixture of two parts of boiling water and one part of vinegar and spray it on the weeds. For tougher weeds, this mixture should be used repeatedly. You can even add some clove oil or lemon to increase the potency. If the area to be covered is small, then use a spray of plain white vinegar. Vinegar is available in different strengths - 5% (regular), 10% (pickling) and 20%. It is better to use 5% or 10% vinegar, as 20% is very strong and can be harmful.
• Another option is plain boiling water. Boiling water should be poured over the weeds, in order to kill them instantly. Make sure that the area does not have any other plant, as boiling water is capable of killing any plant. You can pour the water over the entire sidewalk, driveway or patio. This method is also beneficial in eradicating weeds which grow in crevices. After the treatment spread cornmeal in the area to prevent regrowth.
• Sugar and salt can also act as pet safe weed killers. Add a small quantity of sugar to the base of the weeds. You can add some chili pepper to keep away your pets from eating the sugar. Addition of salt makes the soil unsuitable for the growth of plants. This way is also good to ward off weeds and at the same time protect your pets.
• Cornmeal can also be used as a pet friendly weed killer. It can be applied to the cracks and crevices in the driveways and sideways to prevent the emergence of weeds. It is better to use cornmeal before spring, in order to prevent the seeds of the weeds from germinating. Make sure that the cornmeal does not harm other plants.
• You can also mix all these items an make a solution to be used as a natural weed killer. Another pet safe weed killer can be made by making a solution of one gallon water, one gallon bleach, 1/4 teaspoon dish soap.

Some of these items are very effective and can be used as crabgrass weed killer too. If you are facing the problem of weed control and don't want to use any commercial weed killers, you can try the above pet safe weed killers, which are not only pet safe but environment friendly as well.