When scheduling a pest control service, a common question that arises is whether to clean your home before or after the treatment. The answer is both, but with specific steps to ensure the treatment's effectiveness and the safety of your home.

Declutter and Prepare:

Before the pest control professionals arrive, it's essential to declutter your space. Removing items from areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and storage spaces helps expose hidden nests and allows the treatment to reach more areas. This step is crucial as pests often hide in cluttered spots, making them harder to eliminate.

Vacuum and Dust:

Vacuuming and dusting are important to remove existing pests, their eggs, and any food sources that might attract them. Focus on corners, under furniture, and other hidden areas. A clean surface also ensures that the pest control chemicals can adhere effectively, increasing the treatment’s overall success.

Store Food Safely:

All food items, especially those in open containers, should be securely stored. This not only prevents contamination from the chemicals used during the treatment but also reduces the chance of pests being lured back by accessible food.

Move Furniture:

For pests like cockroaches and ants, moving furniture away from walls can make a significant difference. This exposes the nooks and crannies where these pests often hide, allowing the pest control treatment to target these areas more effectively.

Cleaning After Pest Control

Wait Before Cleaning:

After the pest control treatment, it's essential to give the chemicals time to work. While it's tempting to clean immediately, waiting at least a week before doing a thorough cleaning ensures that the treatment remains effective. This is especially important around areas that were heavily treated.

Light Cleaning is Permissible:

During the waiting period, light cleaning tasks like wiping down counters, sweeping, or tidying up are generally okay. However, avoid cleaning areas that were directly treated to ensure you don’t disrupt the treatment.

Post-Treatment Care:

Once the waiting period is over, focus your cleaning on areas where food is prepared or where children and pets frequently play. It’s important to remove any residual chemicals while ensuring that you don’t compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.

Special Considerations

Increased Pest Activity:

It’s not uncommon to notice an increase in pest activity after a treatment. This happens as pests are driven out of their hiding spots. Regular vacuuming during this time can help manage the situation, but avoid deep cleaning the treated areas until the chemicals have done their job.

Consult Your Pest Control Professional:

Always follow the specific advice given by your pest control provider. They may have additional guidelines based on the type of treatment used and the pests being targeted. If you’re unsure about when or how to clean after a treatment, don’t hesitate to ask for their expert advice.

Cleaning both before and after a pest control treatment is essential to maximize its effectiveness and ensure your home remains safe and pest-free. By following the appropriate steps and timing your cleaning carefully, you can protect your investment and enjoy a cleaner, pest-free home.

Contact us here at Bamboo Pest Control of Kirkland for more information about our pest control services.