Clear off countertops. Every surface in the kitchen and bathroom should be wiped down and left bare–no toasters, no toothbrush holders, no spice racks. These areas often receive the most treatment, and clutter just gets in the way. If there’s any loose food on open shelves or crumbs behind appliances, sweep them out now. Otherwise, the technician might not be able to apply product where it’s most needed.
Move furniture away from the walls. Not all extermination services require full access to baseboards, but many do–especially for crawling insects or rodent issues. Even shifting items 30–40 centimetres can make a difference. It doesn’t need to be perfect; just enough space to get behind dressers, beds, or shelving units. Heavy couches? Shift one side if that’s all you can manage.
Pets should be out. Not just out of the room, but out of the unit, ideally. Even if treatments are labelled as “pet safe,” exposure during application can still be an issue. Fish tanks must be sealed or unplugged. I once forgot to cover a birdcage and regretted it later–not because anything happened, but because I spent the whole day worrying. Better not to take chances.
Don’t mop the treated floors afterward–at least, not right away. Let any product dry completely and sit undisturbed for as long as the technician advises. Sometimes that means hours, sometimes days. It depends on the treatment and what it’s targeting. Ask. And make a mental note of where traps or bait have been placed, especially if you’ve got kids. They’re often small and easy to miss.
What to Clean and Remove Before the Exterminator Arrives
Clear out everything from under sinks–especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Exterminators often need direct access to baseboards and plumbing areas where insects tend to nest. Bottles of cleaner, sponges, bins, even the random plastic bags–move it all. Don’t just push it aside, take it right out of the room.
Wipe down kitchen counters, stovetops, and food prep areas. Any crumbs or spills, even small ones, can draw bugs back in after treatment. If you have pets, wash out their food bowls and either remove them or cover them tightly. The same goes for food–seal it or store it away. Cupboards that have been seeing ant or roach activity? Empty the bottom shelf completely and give it a once-over with soapy water.
Bedrooms are easier, but don’t forget closets. If the technician’s treating for silverfish or bedbugs, they might ask for access to baseboards or carpet edges. Pull small furniture pieces a few inches from the walls. You don’t need to rearrange your entire place, just make space where a nozzle or sprayer might need to reach.
In the living room, lift throw blankets off couches, remove anything stored behind furniture, and vacuum. Not because the technician expects a clean house, but because a layer of pet hair or dust can interfere with treatments sticking where they need to.
If you’ve seen activity in a garage or utility room, it’s worth sweeping those too. Especially corners, near baseboards, and behind shelving. Toss anything that’s sat untouched for years and may be housing something you’d rather not think about. And if you’re curious what a technician sees when they walk into a cluttered garage, The Pest Control Guy on goldenstateofmind.com has some stories.
What to Remove from the Space
Anything that might get in the way or be affected by treatment should go–especially kids’ toys, pet beds, and open laundry. If you’ve got aquariums, unplug air pumps and cover them tightly. Same with reptile habitats. Even if the product being used is considered low-risk, better not chance it.
Finally, if you’re not sure whether something should be cleaned or removed, it probably should. It’s a pain, yes. But it makes the job smoother and helps the treatment work the way it’s supposed to. Which, honestly, saves you hassle in the long run.
How to Protect Food, Pets, and Personal Items During Treatment
Seal all food in airtight containers or place it inside the refrigerator. Don’t assume plastic wrap or a loosely closed cupboard is enough–vapours from certain treatments can still seep in. Anything edible, including pet food, snacks in backpacks, or fruit in bowls, should be fully enclosed or removed from the unit entirely. Even tea bags and coffee grounds count.
Remove pet bowls, bedding, and toys. If possible, relocate pets–especially birds, reptiles, and small mammals–to a friend’s house or a separate area untouched by the technician. Cats and dogs might be able to return a few hours later, but sensitive species need longer. Fish tanks must be tightly covered, with the air pump shut off during application. If that sounds risky, ask the technician to walk you through safer options.
What About Personal Items?
Any toiletries, toothbrushes, razors, or makeup should be stored in cabinets or drawers. If they’re out in the open, zip them into bags or move them to another room. Same goes for contact lenses and medications–chemical exposure, even in trace amounts, isn’t something to gamble on.
Electronics like phones or laptops don’t typically need covering, but if you’re cautious (or have a habit of eating beside them), tossing a clean towel over the keyboard doesn’t hurt. Jewellery, documents, and anything you wouldn’t want sprayed or dusted by accident? Tuck them away. Simple rule: if you’d hate to replace it, stash it.
You can read more safety tips from ca.enrollbusiness.com about The Pest Control Guy or check out specific local guidance at Pest Control Services in Calgary for Fast Results. Each treatment type is different, and the technician will usually leave instructions–but covering the basics ahead of time saves a lot of stress.
When and How to Re-Enter Your Home After Pest Control
Do not re-enter the treated area until the recommended wait time has passed–usually 2 to 4 hours for standard sprays, and up to 24 hours for fumigation or fogging. Your technician should give you a clear re-entry window. If they didn’t, call and ask. Don’t guess.
Once back inside, open windows for ventilation, even if the product used was labelled low-odour or pet-safe. Airing out the space for at least 30 minutes helps reduce any residual vapours or chemical traces, especially in bedrooms and kitchens.
Wipe down exposed surfaces where food might come into contact–counters, dining tables, stovetops. Use mild soap and warm water, not bleach or strong disinfectants, unless the product label suggests it. That might sound unnecessary, but some residues can irritate skin or interfere with food safety.
If floors were sprayed, avoid mopping for at least five days unless advised otherwise. Some treatments rely on residual contact over time. I made that mistake once–cleaned too early, and the ants came right back.
For children and animals, keep them away from treated baseboards, under sinks, and closets for an extra day. That might feel excessive, but it’s easier than dealing with a reaction or call to the vet. Bedding and toys stored away during service can be returned, but give them a quick check–just in case.
If the smell is strong or if you start feeling lightheaded, leave again and air the place out longer. It’s rare, but sensitivity reactions can happen. No need to push through it.
Lastly, don’t rush to reintroduce indoor plants. Some absorb residues through leaves or soil. If possible, leave them outside for 24 hours more, especially after fogging.
If in doubt, or something seems off–call The Pest Control Guy or whoever did the treatment. It’s better to ask than assume, especially when your space is involved.
Q&A:
Do I need to leave my home during the pest control treatment?
Yes, in most cases, it’s recommended that you and your pets leave the property for a few hours. The specific time depends on the type of treatment being applied. For example, with spray-based applications, staying away for 2–4 hours is usually advised to allow chemicals to settle and dry. Always follow the instructions given by the technician or the product label.
Should I clean my home before the exterminator arrives?
Yes, it’s helpful to vacuum floors, mop hard surfaces, and remove clutter, especially in areas where pests have been seen. Cleaning improves the treatment’s reach and reduces the chance of pests finding shelter during and after application. However, avoid using strong cleaning agents just before a gel or bait application, as it might interfere with the treatment.
How should I store food and kitchen items before treatment?
All food should be sealed in airtight containers or removed from the treatment area. Store utensils, cookware, and small appliances in cabinets covered with plastic sheeting or relocate them to a non-treated room. If your pantry is being targeted, empty it out as instructed by your pest control provider.
Is it safe for children to return home right after the treatment?
Children should return only after the advised waiting period has passed and the treated surfaces are completely dry. Some treatments may leave residues that can be harmful if touched or ingested. Ask the technician for specific guidelines related to children’s safety.
Can I sleep in my bedroom the night after pest control service?
If the bedroom was treated, it’s usually fine to sleep there the same night—provided the room has been well-ventilated and surfaces are dry. For certain treatments, such as bed bug fumigation or fogging, a longer wait might be necessary. Ask your pest control provider for bedroom-specific instructions.
Should I wash all fabrics like curtains and bed linens before a pest control visit?
It depends on the type of treatment and the target pest. For bed bug or flea control, it’s strongly recommended to launder all bedding, curtains, and soft items in hot water and dry them on high heat. This helps eliminate any hidden insects or eggs. For general insect spraying, this step may not be required, but removing or covering fabrics can prevent exposure to chemicals. Always confirm with the service provider to match their specific guidelines.
Can I leave my indoor plants inside during treatment?
No. Most pest control companies advise removing houseplants from treated areas or relocating them outside for the day. Pesticide residues can settle on leaves and soil, potentially harming the plant or contaminating the root system. If removal isn’t possible, tightly cover the plants with plastic sheeting and seal the base around the pot to reduce exposure. Once it’s safe to re-enter, check for visible residue before bringing them back to their usual location.