How to prepare for pest control

Published in February 2022
Share:

Index
    How much will pest control cost me?
    Get free quotes from a pest control professional near you.

    How to prepare for pest control

    in Articles Hub
    Published in February 2022
    Share:

    How to prepare for an exterminator

    Wondering how to prepare for an exterminator? Many people don’t realise they need to do a little bit of work at their home or business before the exterminator arrives. In fact, many pest control professionals will refuse to treat a property that hasn’t been properly prepped beforehand. Lack of preparation can lead to unsuccessful results and re-infestation, so it’s important to follow a few simple steps to get your premises ready.

    To keep the pest specialist happy and ensure the most effective treatment possible, read on for five tips on how to prepare for an exterminator in your home or business environment.

    Want to find pest control in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

    how to prepare for an exterminator

    1. Take note of exactly where you’ve seen pests

    Whether you need pest control for mice, insects or other unwanted dwellers, write down a list of all the areas of your property where you’ve seen pests lurking. Some pests (especially cockroaches) spend a lot of time in hiding, so they may not be easy to spot when your pest control technician arrives. If you have an infestation of ants, it’s also important to pay attention to where they are as they are tiny and can spread fast. A list of sightings makes it easier for your technician and it helps to ensure no areas or infestation go untreated.

    Read more: How much does pest control cost?

    2. Scrub the floor and vacuum the carpets

    All hard floors and carpets need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove visible pests and eggs. Use a good detergent on all hard floors and plenty of elbow grease. When vacuuming carpets, don’t forget to get into cracks with your vacuum crevice attachment. When you’re finished cleaning, take your used cloths, mops and vacuum bag outside. Seal everything in a separate bag before throwing in the bin. Don’t forget to give the entire vacuum cleaner a wipe down after.

    3. Move furniture and large appliances away from walls

    Do I need to move furniture for pest control? Your pest control expert will need full and free access to anywhere pests have been seen. Even if you haven’t spotted any pests around particular items of furniture or appliances, you still need to move them for cleaning. Move all your furniture and appliances away from the walls to clean behind and beneath each of them. Once you’ve finished cleaning, leave your large belongings at least three or four feet from the wall. This way your technician can check for any signs of recent activity.

    Want to find pest control in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

    House pest control

    4. Put all food items away

    Check any food items that have been left out on countertops for contamination. If everything looks untouched by pests, remove the foods from your work surfaces and store your items safely away. Small appliances and cooking utensils should also be removed and stored somewhere if you have space. If you need to keep food items outside of the fridge or cupboards, they must be fully covered before and for some time after pest control treatment.

    5. Cover cages and aquariums with sheets or towels

    If you can, relocate your pets before receiving treatment. For any pets that cannot be kept outside the building or relocated to a friend or neighbour’s house, it’s vital to cover their cages with large sheets or towels and keep your pet in their enclosures. Whether it be aquariums, bird cages, insect tanks or any other type of animal enclosure, your exterminator will not treat your property while your pets are indoors if they are not properly covered and protected.

    Want personalised advice on how to prepare for pest control? Get in touch with a Yellow Pages listed exterminator in your area and compare multiple free quotes.

    Want to find pest control in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?
    How much will pest control cost me?
    Get free quotes from a pest control professional near you.
    Did you find this article helpful? Tell us what you want to read more of!
    Start survey >

    Cost Guides

    How much does a building inspection cost? [2025]
    How much does a tax return cost? [2025]
    How much does a marriage celebrant cost? [2025]
    Car aircon regas cost guide [2025]
    How much does head gasket repair cost? [2025]
    How much do bifold doors cost? [2025]
    How much does carpet installation cost? [2025]
    How much does a personal trainer cost? [2025]
    How much does floor polishing cost? [2025]
    How much does roof replacement cost? [2025]
    How much does bathroom resurfacing cost? [2025]
    How much does it cost to build a duplex? [2025]
    See all cost guides

    Get free quotes from professionals near you.