Health and Safety Protection Tips
Welcome to Health and Safety Protection Tips! This space is designed to help house sitters stay safe, aware, and well-prepared while caring for homes and pets. From handling minor injuries to recognizing potential hazards, we offer practical, easy-to-follow advice. Protecting your wellbeing is just as important as caring for the home. With the right knowledge and a calm approach, you’ll handle situations confidently and responsibly. Each experience helps you build resilience, expand your skills, and house sit with greater peace of mind.
Share Your Perils & Possibilities!
Health and Safety Protection Tips
Natural Bug Deterrent
Discovered bugs on the bed, sofa, or soft furnishings during your house sit? A simple DIY spray using water, vinegar, and cloves can help deter pests naturally. Vinegar’s strong scent disrupts insects, while cloves contain eugenol, a known bug repellent.
Natural Clove Solution:
- Scatter whole cloves in problem areas
- Quick Spray Recipe:
- 300-400ml water
- 10-15 drops clove essential oil
- 1 tsp rubbing alcohol or vinegar (helps oils mix)
- Optional: Add tea tree or lavender oil for stronger effect
- Shake well, spray lightly around entry points and hiding spots
- Reapply daily as needed
When to contact homeowners: For serious infestations, persistent problems, or before using commercial products.
Regular maintenance: Vacuum frequently (especially beds and furniture), empty vacuum outside immediately.
House Key Security
Plan ahead for lost keys to protect your pets, property, and peace of mind. Clear communication and agreed-upon procedures help prevent confusion and keep everyone safe. By preparing together, homeowners and sitters can ensure quick resolution if keys go missing—minimising stress and safeguarding the home throughout the sit.
- Spare key location arranged (lockbox, trusted neighbour)
- Emergency contact list shared
- Non-identifying keyrings recommended
- Locksmith details provided
- Sitters manage keys securely (lanyard, pouch)
- Access points tested on day one
- Written agreement covers key loss responsibility
Procedures vs. Real Life
Plans are useless if you don’t follow them. Leaving keys inside or a slammed door can lock you out fast.
Plan Ahead, Stay Present
Keep keys on you. Check doors. Contact the homeowner immediately if there’s a problem. Stay prepared and alert.
Natural Bug Deterrent
Discovered bugs on the bed, sofa, or soft furnishings during your house sit? A simple DIY spray using water, vinegar, and cloves can help deter pests naturally. Vinegar’s strong scent disrupts insects, while cloves contain eugenol, a known bug repellent.
Natural Clove Solution:
- Scatter whole cloves in problem areas
- Quick Spray Recipe:
- 300-400ml water
- 10-15 drops clove essential oil
- 1 tsp rubbing alcohol or vinegar (helps oils mix)
- Optional: Add tea tree or lavender oil for stronger effect
- Shake well, spray lightly around entry points and hiding spots
- Reapply daily as needed
When to contact homeowners: For serious infestations, persistent problems, or before using commercial products.
Regular maintenance: Vacuum frequently (especially beds and furniture), empty vacuum outside immediately.
Watch, Learn, Protect
Quiet Observation Builds Safety & Trust
The first step to keeping pets safe and stress-free is simply… watching.
Take the time to quietly observe how they behave, where they rest, and what makes them feel secure — it’s the foundation for building trust and understanding their needs.
Even the most confident animals can feel unsettled when their owners leave. As a sitter, quietly observing their routines and body language during the first day or two helps you understand how they communicate, what makes them comfortable, and what might cause stress.
Why it matters:
When you know their habits, you can:
✔ Spot signs of illness or distress early
✔ Avoid situations that might scare or overwhelm them
✔ Maintain their routine for comfort and stability
✔ Give owners genuine, informed updates
Quick Tip:
Jot down their sleeping spots, feeding habits, play preferences, and signs they want space. This small habit protects their wellbeing — and makes your sit smoother and safer.
Feeling Tense
Feeling tense? Light a peppermint candle. The fresh scent can help clear your head, ease tension, and boost focus — perfect after a long travel day or a busy pet sit!
Revive Dry Skin
For a quick, at-home remedy, mix olive oil with a few drops of lavender oil and gently massage into dry skin. It moisturizes and soothes while leaving a calming scent!