Clear access to baseboards, cupboards, and any dark corners where bugs or rodents hide makes the work faster and safer. Move furniture a little away from walls, pick up loose items from the floor, and empty under-sink cabinets if possible. It feels like extra work, but professionals need that space to treat the right spots.
Put food in sealed containers and remove pet dishes. I once forgot my cat’s water bowl during a treatment, and it was just awkward. It’s safer to move plants, too, especially if they’re delicate or in small pots. Technicians can then focus on treating entry points without worrying about contamination.
Laundry baskets, kids’ toys, and random clutter can block access without you realising it. A bit of decluttering now prevents re-scheduling later. Doing these small things makes the visit smoother, and honestly, it saves time for everyone. After all, the goal is a clean space free of unwanted visitors, not a day wasted re-arranging the house during the appointment.
How to Prepare for Pest Control?
Clear counters, floors, and window sills so that nothing blocks access to the spots where technicians usually spray. If you are curious about where does pest control spray in apartments, the areas include baseboards, corners, and sometimes behind appliances. I once left a toaster out and had to move it while the technician was already there–felt a bit awkward.
Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors ahead of time. It keeps the treatment from sticking to dust rather than surfaces that actually need it. You might think it’s overkill, but every professional, including Airdrie’s trusted pest professionals, says it helps. Some people even clean their car at the same time, and there’s advice on how to pest control your car if you need that too.
What to Remove or Cover
Food, dishes, pet bowls–get them out of the way. It’s easier to cover items with plastic wrap or place them in sealed containers. Oddly enough, I once left a bag of chips on the counter and regretted it. Not dangerous, just messy later.
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Pet toys | Store in a closed box or bag |
| Clothing on floor | Pick up and place in a hamper |
| Electronics near baseboards | Move slightly forward for access |
After the Treatment
Leave the house for the time your technician recommends. Coming back too soon makes the whole visit less useful. And yes, sometimes the smell lingers a bit, but that’s normal and fades quickly.
Clear and Protect Food Items Before Treatment
Move all groceries, snacks, and kitchen staples out of the way first. It’s safer to place everything in sealed containers or large plastic bins with tight lids. I once left cereal boxes on the counter during a spray service–bad idea, as the packaging absorbed odours I couldn’t get rid of. An expert would always advise sealing food, cutlery, and small appliances away from treated areas.
Empty cupboards where food is stored, especially under the sink or near the stove, because these spots are common entry points. It might feel unnecessary if you think the technician won’t spray there, but sometimes they do. If there’s a pantry, double-check jars or bags that don’t close properly. Even pet food needs to be stored–placing it in a secure tub works best.
Consider the fridge and freezer too. Anything kept outside should either be discarded or packed away. In some cases, treatments involve products safe for kitchens, but it’s better to be cautious. If you want extra guidance on dealing with unique spots, like vehicles where snacks often spill, see this guide on how to pest control your car as it offers helpful tips that also apply to hidden crumbs at home.
Move Furniture and Belongings to Allow Access to Entry Points
Shift large items like couches, wardrobes, or shelves a bit away from walls so the technician can reach baseboards, windows, and door frames. It might feel inconvenient, but leaving these areas blocked makes treatment less thorough. A bed bug issue, for example, can persist if furniture stays too close to walls, even after a service meant to can pest control get rid of bed bugs.
Smaller belongings should go into boxes or bins. Stack them neatly somewhere out of the way. I’ve seen people just pile things in a corner, thinking it’s fine, but that can still block cracks or entry points. With ticks, it’s the same story–access matters if you want a treatment that actually can pest control get rid of ticks.
If you keep plants inside, move them as well. Sprays won’t always harm greenery, but it’s safer to place them elsewhere while any products are applied–there’s always that slight risk, and it’s just not worth testing whether does pest control spray kill plants.
- Pull furniture at least 15–20 cm from walls.
- Group small items into sealed containers or bags.
- Relocate potted plants and fragile décor to another room.
This kind of access makes it easier for the specialist to inspect and treat spots you’d probably overlook yourself. It’s a bit of effort, but the results are usually far better than doing nothing and hoping for the best.
Plan for Pet Safety and Temporary Relocation if Needed
Arrange a safe space away from treatment areas, maybe a friend’s home or a kennel, so animals stay clear of chemicals. Dogs and cats are curious, and they might sneak into places you’d never expect. Small pets like birds or reptiles can be even more sensitive, so moving them out temporarily is often best.
If you’re unsure about risks, ask a technician about specific substances they’ll use. They know whether the products used for dealing with rodents, insects, or even bigger issues like can pest control get rid of moles pose danger to animals. It’s surprising how often people underestimate the impact on fish tanks too; covering or moving aquariums might feel like overkill, but it’s safer.
I’ve seen people try leaving pets in a different room, thinking it’s fine. But odours travel. If there’s doubt, find out when to call pest control specialists to ask what they suggest. These teams deal with everything from wasps to spiders, even cases like can pest control get rid of brown recluse, so they’ve got practical advice.
Families in areas needing comprehensive Airdrie pest and rodent control often plan ahead, dropping pets off early on treatment day. It’s a small inconvenience compared to stressing them out or risking exposure. A bit of planning here just saves headaches later.
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Do I need to remove all food items before the exterminators arrive?
Yes, all exposed food should be packed in sealed containers or placed in a refrigerator or pantry. This prevents contamination by treatment chemicals and keeps the area clear for technicians. Dry goods such as cereals, flour, or pet food are best stored in airtight bins.
Should I leave my pets at home during the visit?
Animals are highly sensitive to many treatment substances. Arrange for temporary relocation of pets such as cats, dogs, birds, or reptiles during the procedure. If relocation is not possible, discuss safe containment options with the service provider, for example, using a room that will not be treated. Aquariums should be covered securely, and air pumps turned off for a short period as advised by the technician.
Is it necessary to move furniture away from walls?
Yes, shifting furniture at least a few inches away from walls helps technicians reach baseboards, cracks, and other hiding spots. Items such as sofas, cabinets, and beds can block key entry points where pests nest. A clear workspace allows for more thorough treatment and inspection.
How soon can I return home after the treatment?
The waiting time depends on the type of chemicals used and the advice of the service team. In many cases, re‑entry is allowed after several hours, once surfaces have dried and fumes have dissipated. Always follow the specific instructions given by the technicians, as some treatments may require longer ventilation periods.
