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What To Expect During A Pest Control Visit

Posted on June 8, 2021
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You can no longer deny your pest issue. You’ve tried the DIY methods and sprays, but they still keep coming back. After making the right choice to call a pest control professional, what will happen? The following article will outline what you should expect before, during, and after a pest control visit.

Before The Visit

Before your pest control visit, it’s best to prepare ahead of time. By that, we mean organizing and cleaning your home. This preparation work will make your pest control specialist’s job much easier.

Tidy Up The Area

First, it’s best to clear the area that needs pest control treatment. Pests flourish in small cracks and corners of rooms that often go undisturbed. Depending on the severity of your pest infestation, you may have to move away bulky furniture and appliances to make the area as accessible as possible.

Pack away any important personal items to avoid potential chemical spray contact. This may include:

  • Clothing
  • Toiletries, Makeup, Personal Hygiene Items
  • Pillows, Bedding, Cushions, Curtains, Mattresses, etc.
  • Children’s Toys
  • Art
  • House Plants

Pack them away in a cabinet or a different part of your home. For bigger items that you cannot move, wrap them in plastic wrap. You could also use old, thick towels. However, cloth can absorb sprays. Therefore, we recommend plastic wrap to best protect your items.

Clean The Floors
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Insect eggs can hide in carpets or the cracks of hardwood. Before your pest control visit, vacuum or mop the area. By doing so, you can help reduce the number of tiny eggs the human eye won’t typically see. Having a clean surface will help maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.

Afterwards, discard the mop head, whatever is inside of the vacuum and give it a wipe. You don’t want to track the eggs to other areas of your home.

Kitchen Cleanup

For a pest control visit specific to the kitchen, you’ll want to do the same thing. Make sure you tightly seal and store away food items. You should also remove cutlery, pots and pans, and other small appliances from the area. If that’s not possible, use plastic wrap to protect them. Clear underneath the sink, in the cabinets, and in the pantry to create better access.

For large appliances like your fridge, you may have to unplug them. It’s best to do this as the last step before your pest control visit to keep food fresh.

During The Visit

Here’s what you should expect during your pest control visit. First, your specialist will give a formal introduction and let you know what their plan is. Next, they will examine the problem area to see where it could originate from. This includes points of entry and moisture issues. By conducting a thorough examination, they can come up with a personalized plan for you.

Pets & Children

Pets and children should ideally be out of the home. This will prevent them from entering the area while your pest control specialist is spraying the treatment. You should make a plan with family or friends to look after them for the afternoon.

Chemical Sprays & Health
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With that said, it is generally safe for you to be at home. However, those with known allergies, chemical spray sensitivities, and pregnant women should leave the area. Furthermore, if you find any symptoms during the pest control visit, leave the area. This could include:

  • Watery Eyes
  • Dizziness
  • Breathing Problems
  • Nausea

Let your pest control specialist know about underlying conditions beforehand. They can give you a timeline and let you know when it’s safe to come back.

After The Visit

Once your pest control visit is complete, here are a few things to do after.

Toss It
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While we mentioned that pest control chemicals are not toxic, it’s better to be extra safe. If you happen to forget about an apple on the counter or toothbrush in the bathroom, toss it. This gives you more peace of mind knowing you won’t be directly interacting with the treatment.

Wait It Out

It’s understandable to want your home extra clean now, but make sure you wait. Using cleaning products immediately afterwards will reduce the effectiveness of the pest control treatment.

There may also be some areas that you should not wipe down for a prolonged period. Your pest control specialist will let you know when you can move back your furniture. Once it’s safe to do so, you can rearrange your home back to normal.

Fix The Leak

Leaks add unwanted moisture. These areas are breeding grounds for many pests. If you have a leak under your sink, have it fixed. On top of the treatment, this also prevents the pests from coming back.

Monitor The Situation

Continue to closely monitor the area for a few days. You may find dead pests emerging after your pest control visit. Safely discard them. Keeping the area clean and dry will keep the problem from coming back.

If you still find new, live pests in the area, follow up with your specialist. Some pest control plans need more than one visit.

Conclusion

The great thing about a pest control visit is knowing a professional is safely handling the problem. You can sit back for a while, and they’ll effectively remove the pest. Remember to tidy up your area beforehand and continue monitoring after. You can reduce any anxiety by knowing what to expect throughout the pest control visit. If you’re still unsure about something, ask your pest control specialist. They’ll be happy to answer any questions for you.

Ready to handle your pest problem? At Martin’s Pest Control, we proudly serve our community with locations in Calgary and Airdrie. Contact us today to request a free quote.