5 Things You Should Do Before Pest Control Arrives

April 3, 2020
in Pest Control
by Ashley Dando

Australia is a beautiful place to live, except when it comes to pests.

Some of the most common pests found in Australian communities include flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, mites, rats, and bed bugs. These pests are not only frustrating but can wreak havoc on your home’s structural integrity as well as pose health risks for you and your family.

The good news is a professional pest control treatment can eliminate your pest problems once and for all. If you’re considering hiring a pest control team, know what to expect and how to prepare your home for treatment.

What Happens During a Pest Control Treatment?

Unwanted insects can wreak havoc on your home, but fear not; regular pest control treatments can help you get this under control. So how does the process go down? Let’s review what you can expect during a pest control visit.

First, your team should arrive promptly and be dressed in professional uniforms. The exterminators should introduce themselves and answer any questions you may have regarding the process. If you have concerns, let your pest control team know immediately.

Next, the exterminators will inspect common entry points for insects. This means checking out your pipes, garages, and crawlspaces. Then they’ll give your yard an examination to determine areas of future pest problems, like moist areas that make great homes for pesky insects.

After examining your home, your exterminators may need to go to their vehicle to put together a report. They will create a plan depending on what evidence was gathered during their inspection.

Finally, the professional pest control agents will meet up with you to discuss their report and let you know what is going on around your home. Your team should be transparent and explain everything in a way that’s easy for you to understand. Once you and your exterminators are on the same page, they will begin the first steps of treatment.

Preparing Your Home for Pest Control

From protecting your pets to letting your neighbours know what’s going on, here are five ways you can prepare for your upcoming pest control treatment.

1. Protect Your Pets

When it comes to your pet’s safety, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Before your pest control treatment, take preventative measures to keep your pets out of harm’s way.

Cats and Dogs

If you have dogs or cats, try to relocate them for the day or a couple of hours. If you have neighbours, friends, or family members who can look after the animals, during the treatment, do so. Curious pets can come across wet pesticides and lick it up.

The process can also put a strain on a pet’s emotional health. Many household pets experience anxiety, stress, and worry when strangers enter their home in bulky gear. Dogs especially may get defensive and interrupt the exterminators.

Before your pest control treatment, remove pet beds, water bowls, and toys to prevent pesticides from sticking to them. Cover all pet food and treats.

Caged Pets

Pesticides can be harmful to fish, snakes, and birds. Caged pets should be relocated or properly covered. Cover tanks or birdcages with a towel or sheet to prevent airborne pesticides from getting inside them. Be sure to also cover or store away pet food and supplies.

Some birds have sensitive respiratory systems and may need to be removed from the home during a pest control treatment. If you’re unsure about what to do with your caged pet during a pest control treatment, call your veterinarian for advice.

2. Cover Open Items

Before the exterminators arrive, all open items must be covered or packed away.

Any objects left out in the open can accumulate pesticide particles. It’s best to clear as much out of the way as possible. Throw away loose odds-and-ends and pack toys and clothes into closets. You may want to wrap your belongings in plastic before putting them away.

In bathrooms, put away toothbrushes, makeup, and hairbrushes. Remove any open food from your kitchen counter or table. Store away loose food in your fridge or pantry. Cover or pack away silverware, plates, glasses, and appliances.

If you’re receiving bed bug treatment, you will need to focus on your bedroom. Remove bedding and personal belongings from all bedrooms. Wash your linens in the hottest water possible. Don’t replace your bedding for a minimum of four hours after your pest control treatment.

3. Move Furniture

Your exterminators need easy access around your home. Once you’ve tidied up the infected rooms, do a little rearranging to make your exterminator’s job easier.

Move all furniture and appliances away from your walls. Large belongings should remain three to four feet from walls and windows. This gives exterminators more space to inspect for signs of insect activity.

4. Scrub Your Floors and Carpets

Clean hardwood floors and vacuum carpets to remove visible pests and hidden insect eggs. Mopping increases the effectiveness of your pest control treatment, which leads to better long-term results. While vacuuming, focus on cracks and entry points.

After you’ve finished cleaning, don’t forget to wipe down your vacuum and other cleaning appliances. Take any disposable cloths and vacuum bags outside. Wrap them in plastic before discarding them in the rubbish bin.

5. Let Your Neighbours Know

If you live in a rural area, you don’t need to worry about this step, but if you have close neighbours, give them notice about your upcoming pest control treatment.

There are a few reasons why you should talk to your neighbours about your pests.

Firstly, there are certain types of people who are more prone to pesticide poisoning. They include:

Young children
Pregnant or nursing women
Elderly adults
People with asthma or severe allergies

To stay on the safe side, it’s best to let nearby neighbours know what’s going on. If your neighbours are at high risk of developing a pesticide reaction, they can take appropriate measures to protect their health.

Second, if you live close enough, the pests infecting your home may also be wreaking havoc on theirs. That means your neighbours may also want a treatment, which exterminators can easily do.

Your nearby neighbours should also be aware of your treatment in case they need to be extra careful as well. If you’re having outdoor treatments done, your neighbours may need to close their windows and doors to prevent pest control spray from finding its way into their home.

Your Pest Control Dream Team

The more you prepare for your upcoming pest control visit, the smoother and quicker your exterminators can get their job done.

Are you looking for a respectable pest control team? You’ve found the one! Trust the well-equipped experts at Safeguard Pest Control to get the job done right.