Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
Before you call any kind of pest exterminator to your property, you need to read this blog. It is a list of a few things that you must do to make sure that your property is ready for the exterminator. There will be a few areas in your house that you would want to give extra attention to. These can be your kitchen, bathroom, study, and also your pets. Let’s understand what all you should do to prepare your home for pest control:
Move Your Furniture To A Safer Spot
You don’t want any pest medicine or insecticides to seep into your expensive furniture pieces. You must move them to a location that is either far away from the affected area or completely out of your house. Get your couches, tables, chairs, sofas, and mattresses away from the exterminators. You can line them up against the walls so that no spills can affect them. You can also use a waterproof tarpaulin cover to protect your furniture pieces from insecticides.
Manage Your Pets Smartly
Your pets might be the most reluctant family members and may not be that willing to adjust to who is about to enter your property. If you have dogs or cats in your house, it is better to put them away while the pest control people are nearby. Before the exterminator arrives, it is important to relocate their kennel or bed to an area either outside the house or to a friend’s place for the time being. A more practical approach is to relocate your pets inside the bathroom for as long as the exterminator team is working on your property. You can even set up a chair or a sofa inside the bathroom for yourself so that your pets don’t get nervous or scared all by themselves.
What About Your Living Room?
Your living room is probably the largest area in your house. It has a lot of intricate and expensive items showcased at different spots. If you have any expensive paintings and beautiful decorative pieces, it is better to cover them with plastic wrap well before the exterminator arrives. If you have any indoor plants, it is always advised to move them out or leave them on the balcony or the terrace. These chemicals can damage your plants if you are not careful with them. If you have any curtains or expensive window treatments installed, you can cover them up with plastic wrap before the treatment begins.
Take Care Of Your Kitchen And Dining Area
Your kitchen and dining area are the most critical sections of your property. They will need a little extra care and diligence when you are about to clean them because you may have several food items right out in the open. You also have to take care of your utensils, cutlery, plates, cups, glasses, and a lot of other items that you serve food in. If you have any open bowls and similar containers that contain food items and other edibles, get rid of them before the Ant Pest control professionals arrive.
The next thing that you have to do is clear out your dustbin. If you have any unfinished food items, wrap them in plastic wrapping and take them out of the kitchen. Cover all the containers that contain water and wrap them up with a plastic wrap. If you have any fruits or vegetables stored up, remove them and pack them in air-tight containers. All your spices, chips, milk, juice, cheese, and similar items should be either consumed if possible or packed and stored at a different location.
Now Let’s Enter Your Bedroom
You would want to sleep in your bedroom the same night. Will that be possible? Most pest control professionals would advise you to vacate your premises for at least 24 hours. This means that sleeping in your bed the same night may not be possible. However, if you want to spend the night in your bedroom, do remember to seal all your clothes in an airtight bag and keep them away from the treatment areas. Get your bedroom treated the first thing in the morning before anything else. Remove all your beddings and mattresses including your bed sheets, pillows, pillowcases, covers, and cushions so that none of those materials absorb those chemicals. Again, if you have any expensive items in your bedroom, either remove them or cover them up with plastic wrap and tie them up nicely.
So, You Have Made All These Arrangements. What Do You Do Next?
- You have prepared your home well for a pest control treatment. But there are a few other things that you will need to do to get your house back to its normal state. Remember to try the following tips after the whole treatment is complete:
- Open all your doors and windows for as long as possible. Leave them open for at least 4 hours to avoid any residual misting.
- Ventilate your home well. Turn on all the ceiling fans and exhaust fans for at least 2 hours after the treatment.
- You’ll also have to invest in a few bottles of organic cleaning solutions and a set of microfiber cloths. Clean your house thoroughly once the treatment is complete. Make sure to sanitize every surface that has come in direct contact with those chemicals.
- Spend the night somewhere else if possible. Yes, many families choose to spend the same night at their friend’s house or a nearby hotel. This way, they know for sure that by the time they return to their house the situation will be back to normal and the fumes and odor will have gone away.
Final Thoughts
Speak to your exterminator before you invite them to your place. Understand the complexities of the entire pest control process. They should be able to guide you better as to what to do before and after the pest control takes place. You will be saving yourself a lot of time and energy by connecting with them beforehand.
