Remove all food items from countertops, open shelves, and floors. Seal them in containers or place them inside the fridge. Anything left out can become contaminated or attract insects after the visit.
Move furniture away from walls by at least half a metre. It feels unnecessary sometimes–especially if you’ve never seen anything crawling around–but this helps the technician reach potential entry points or nests.
If you’ve noticed droppings, shed skin, or chew marks, take a few photos or mark the spots with painter’s tape. Sounds obvious, but people forget. Those small clues can guide the inspection.
Laundry hampers, pet bowls, and children’s toys should be tucked away. A sealed bin works well for smaller items. Not all products used are the same, and contact with surfaces that touch skin or food isn’t ideal.
Ventilation is another thing. Open windows if possible, especially if you’ve had a reaction to strong odours in the past. Most products these days are low-odour, but still, airing things out helps.
One last thing–don’t clean immediately afterward. Leave treated areas untouched for at least 48 hours unless the specialist says otherwise. Wiping too soon can make everything less useful.
For more details specific to your home, get in touch with The Pest Control Guy in Calgary. Every building has its quirks.
Clear Out Food Sources and Secure the Kitchen
Remove everything edible from countertops, open shelves, and the top of the fridge. Don’t just shove items into cupboards–deep-clean inside those too. Wipe away crumbs behind appliances and check under the stove where things tend to collect unnoticed. If there’s an open cereal box or fruit left out, tuck it in a sealed container or toss it. The goal isn’t perfection–it’s making sure nothing invites unwanted guests back once the treatment’s done.
Unplug Small Appliances and Move Them if Possible
Toaster, coffee maker, blender–anything that sits out daily should be unplugged and relocated. Some products used during service may settle behind or under these, so shifting them creates access and avoids contamination. If moving them seems like too much, at least wrap them in plastic or store them in a sealed bin. A bit of effort here saves hassle later.
Vacuum Floor Edges and Baseboards
Even if everything looks clean, run the vacuum along the baseboards–especially where carpet meets wall or hard floors have cracks. That fine dust and debris attracts insects more than people think. And while you’re at it, double-check for pet hair under furniture. It’s often overlooked, but it matters more than expected during treatment.
What to Remove and Cover Before the Pest Control Visit
Clear all kitchen countertops. Wipe them down, and take away anything that can trap residue–cutting boards, dish racks, coffee machines. Even small crumbs tucked under a toaster can interfere with the technician’s work. Unplug small appliances and tuck away cords if possible.
Inside cupboards, empty the lower shelves completely. If you’ve got food stored there, move it to airtight containers and place it somewhere safe, like the dining table or sealed bins. Remove open snacks, cereals, pet food–anything that isn’t sealed tight. Chemicals can settle on packaging, and even if they’re safe for use indoors, you don’t want to guess whether something’s still safe to eat.
Move furniture away from walls where possible–at least 45 cm. Sofas, beds, dressers, nightstands. Especially in bedrooms, since soft furnishings can hide insects and spraying often targets baseboards and corners. This makes it easier for the specialist to reach hidden entry points. Here’s a helpful link on where does pest control spray in apartments–a good reference to understand where they’ll likely focus.
Aquariums? Definitely cover them. Turn off pumps temporarily. Same goes for terrariums or bird cages. Remove pet bedding and wash it afterwards. And if you’ve got a dog bowl on the floor–it needs to go up. Water dishes too. Better to be overly cautious than risk your pet ingesting something by accident.
Lastly, cover electronics if they’re near treatment zones. Most sprays won’t harm them, but dust or mist can leave a film. Plastic sheeting works fine–don’t use anything absorbent like towels. And don’t forget closets. If the technician will be treating inside, clothing should be removed or tightly covered. Otherwise, those jackets may end up carrying more than just lint.
Creating a Safe Space for Kids and Pets During Service Visits
Move animals and young children out of treatment areas well in advance. If possible, arrange for them to stay elsewhere for several hours–or overnight, depending on what’s being done. Some products used indoors may remain active on surfaces even after they’ve dried, and it’s not worth the risk of exposure through skin contact or inhalation.
What to Do Before Technicians Arrive
- Secure pet food bowls, litter boxes, toys, and bedding in sealed containers away from treated zones.
- Unplug and relocate aquariums if they’re in the workspace. If that’s not feasible, cover the tank tightly with plastic wrap and turn off air pumps during application to avoid contamination.
- Talk to your technician ahead of time. If mice are part of the concern, you may find this link useful: does pest control include mice.
During and After the Treatment
- Keep children occupied in a safe, closed-off room–or ideally, out of the house entirely. They’re curious by nature and don’t always notice warning signs or barriers.
- Pets, especially cats and small dogs, tend to explore treated corners and baseboards. Crate them or confine them to untreated parts of the home until surfaces are declared safe by the technician.
- After the service, open windows if directed, and wait until everything has fully dried before letting kids or pets back in.
Honestly, it might feel excessive, but those extra steps could mean avoiding a reaction or a veterinary bill. Erring on the cautious side? That’s rarely a mistake here.
Which Areas Should Be Cleaned and Left Accessible for Treatment
Clear the baseboards in all rooms–especially bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Move furniture, boxes, and any clutter at least 2 feet away from walls. If it’s not movable, like a large sectional or cabinet, try to clean behind and underneath as best as possible. Technicians need that wall access to apply treatments where insects hide or enter.
Kitchen and pantry spaces should be wiped down and decluttered. Pull out the fridge and stove, vacuum behind them, and check for crumbs, grease, or moisture build-up. Same goes for the dishwasher–run a cycle with cleaner and leave it slightly open. These spots often attract activity and may be directly treated.
In the bathroom, lift mats, empty under-sink cabinets, and clear the tub/shower edges. Silverfish and cockroaches love these humid areas. Any product applied needs dry, reachable surfaces, so wipe down and air them out beforehand.
Basements and utility rooms usually have wall voids or unfinished corners where activity concentrates. Tidy up shelves, sweep dust from the floors, and remove anything leaning against foundation walls. If you’ve got stored seasonal gear or bins, stack them off the ground or move them to the centre of the room if possible.
And don’t forget closets–especially ones that share walls with kitchens or bathrooms. Shake out shoes, vacuum the floor, and bag any laundry. Treatment might involve spraying along baseboards or corners inside those tight spaces too.
Lastly, consider what might block entry to these areas once the treatment starts. Technicians need unblocked paths to move quickly and safely between rooms. If you’re unsure how deep the treatment will go, this does pest control get rid of all bugs article gives a solid idea of what to expect.
No need to scrub every inch or empty every drawer, but yes–clean floors, open access, and uncluttered surfaces go a long way. It makes the job easier, and quite honestly, much more thorough.
Q&A:
Do I need to remove food from my kitchen before pest control treatment?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended to store all food items in sealed containers or take them out of the kitchen temporarily. Open food or improperly stored items can be contaminated during treatment. This includes snacks, pet food, and anything left on counters. It’s also a good idea to unplug and cover appliances if you’re concerned about residue or exposure.
Should I wash surfaces after the pest control service is finished?
That depends on the type of treatment used. If non-toxic methods or baits were applied, you may not need to clean. However, if sprays or dusts were used, especially in visible areas, it’s safe to wait the recommended period (usually a few hours) and then wipe down surfaces that come into contact with food or hands. Avoid cleaning areas where the technician specifically applied long-lasting treatments unless instructed otherwise.
Do I need to leave my house during the procedure?
In many cases, yes—especially if chemical sprays are involved. Most services will ask you to vacate the property for a few hours. Children, pets, and individuals with respiratory issues should definitely stay away during and shortly after the application. The exact time will depend on the products being used, so make sure to ask the technician in advance.
How can I prepare my pets before pest control?
Pets should be removed from the treated area before the technician arrives. This includes cats, dogs, birds, and especially fish, as tanks are very sensitive to airborne chemicals. Cover cages and aquariums with plastic sheeting and turn off air pumps during the procedure. Don’t bring pets back in until it’s safe—this will be clarified by the service provider.
What should I do with furniture and belongings before the treatment?
Move furniture away from walls to give the technician access to corners, baseboards, and other likely pest entry points. Secure or remove items like children’s toys, electronics, and decorative objects that could be affected by spray or dust. If you’re dealing with bed bugs or cockroaches, you may need to empty drawers and cabinets as well. A good service will usually give you a prep sheet ahead of time, so follow those instructions closely.
What should I do to prepare my home before a pest control treatment?
Before the pest control service, clear away clutter and clean areas where pests are commonly found, such as kitchens and basements. Remove food items from counters and store them in sealed containers. Wash dishes and take out the trash to avoid attracting insects. Also, ensure pets and children are kept away from treated areas during and after the procedure according to the technician’s advice.
How long do I need to stay out of my house after pest control treatment?
The time required to stay away depends on the type of treatment used. Some treatments may require you to leave for a few hours, while others might suggest staying out overnight. Your pest control provider will give specific instructions based on the chemicals applied and the infestation level. Following their guidelines helps ensure safety and allows the treatment to work effectively.