What Should I Do After A Pest Inspection?

An official pest inspection is a call to arms. Having had a pest inspection, you should follow these steps. Before doing anything else, double-check that all items that could be pests have been removed from your list. Second, ensure no problems can enter your home through cracks or crevices. Finally, if you discover an infestation, getting in touch with a professional is best. Insects and rodents won't want to set up shop in your house if you follow these precautions!

Don't Touch Anything Until After You've Sprayed The Area With Pesticide.

There is a wide range of pest management options, each with specific cleaning requirements. Mechanical traps or solid, poisonous bait are standard methods for eradicating rodent populations. However, liquids, gels, fogs, or sprays are typically used for insect control because they adhere to surfaces.

After having your property sprayed by a Smithereens technician, you can finally relax and clean. But it would help if you always let the spray dry before proceeding. You should also avoid wiping down the walls and ceilings around the room's perimeter (e.g., baseboards). Our pest control specialists use a chemical barrier around the edge of your property to prevent pests from any that do. Cleaning that area may cause more problems to entering.

Three to five days after treatment, light cleanings are acceptable. It's best to wait about two weeks before diving into deep cleaning.

Be Sure The Food You Ate Was Safe To Eat

A Smithereen technician will often avoid spraying near where you keep your food to avoid contaminating it. Put away all food, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea, in a secure location before beginning treatment. After that, use soap and water or your prefered cleaning product to disinfect any surfaces that contact your food. It should be safe to eat if you follow these instructions.

Verify Your Bedding, Furniture, Etc.

Very few pesticide treatments will leave any residue on either. After the two-week waiting period (see "Wait to Clean after the Application of Pest Control Spray" above), you may proceed with your regular cleaning of cabinets, sofas, and armchairs. Taking an extra precaution by doing laundry or visiting the dry cleaner is fine.

However, one crucial caveat to this rule is that after a bed bug treatment, you should not move any clothing or furniture. Moving clothes or cleaning furniture may spread bed bugs throughout your home, depending on the treatment method used. Always consult your technician before taking any action to get rid of these annoying pests.

Don't Keep Trash Cans Or Recycling Bins Full Of Water And Paper.

Most property managers and homeowners are aware of the risks associated with pests when the trash is left unattended. Such neglect invites pests of all kinds, including rodents and insects. For this reason, companies offering pest control services stress the importance of regular trash collection, the use of tightly sealed trash cans, and the thorough cleaning of recyclables.

However, only a minority recognises the dangers of wet mulch, paper products, and similar items. Cockroaches and insects generally require water as much, if not more, than they do for nourishment. Immediately after applying a pest control treatment, you should throw away any wet paper products or other similar items if you're having trouble controlling invasive pests.

Treatments For The Same Pest Can Have Vastly Different Results.

Silverfish, Ants, And Cockroaches

Increased pest activity could occur as silverfish are exposed to the treatment. It is expected because the pests' every day hiding places are disturbed. If the treatment was applied correctly and the customer followed the recommendations, our technical pest team can reassure customers that this activity will decrease over several weeks.

You could say the same thing about cockroaches. 

Weasels And Mice

A longer treatment time may be necessary for rodents. The time it takes to see the final results of a rodent treatment varies. After a couple of weeks, you shouldn't see as many rodent droppings or other evidence of their presence.

Our treatment has an immediate and devastating impact on spider populations. If you recently had an influx of spiders onto your property, not all of them will die immediately. A few days' patience is required to fully experience the treatment's benefits.

Parasites Don't Just Vanish Into Thin Air.

As we've already discussed, pests like ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and rodents can become more active after treatment (spiders are generally flushed out immediately post-treatment). Do not worry, and be sure to follow your technician's instructions. In addition to this guide, our pest brochure has similar suggestions.

Treatment "Wait" Time During Which Cleaning Is Performed

According to our technical pest team, the wait time between pest treatment and cleaning is 7-10 days. However, if you have to clean during the waiting period, remember to leave at least 10 to 15 centimetres of space around the baseboards so that you don't wash away the products. When treating the exterior of a building for spiders, wait 1–2 weeks before wiping down windows and doors.

What Does A Pest Control Treatment Involve?

There's no need to let insects run amok in your house if you get them under control with routine pest management services. So, how does everything work in practice? Let's go over what to expect from your local exterminator.

To start, make sure your team arrives on time and in uniform. When the exterminators arrive, they should introduce themselves and address your concerns. Tell the pest control staff right away if you have any worries.

The next step in the extermination process is to examine potential insect entry points. It includes checking to plumb, storage areas, and basements. Then, they'll inspect your lawn to find possible pest breeding grounds, such as damp spots that attract unwanted insects.

Your pest control technicians may return to their van to compile a report after inspecting your home. They will develop a strategy based on the information obtained during the inspection.

Everyone on your team should be honest and lay out the details in a way you can understand. Once you and the pest control team are on the same page, the initial phases of treatment can begin.

How To Get Ready For Pest Control In Your Home

Here are five things you can do before your upcoming pest control treatment, from keeping your pets indoors to notifying your neighbours.

Safeguard Your Pets

Be cautious rather than worry about your pet's well-being. Take precautions to ensure the safety of your pets before beginning any pest control treatment.

Pets, Both Feline And Canine

Move your dog or cat somewhere else for the day or a few hours if possible. You must have neighbours, friends, or family members take care of the animals while you undergo treatment. Pets can accidentally ingest wet pesticides if they find them.

You may also compromise a pet's mental health during this process. Having strangers in their homes, especially ones carrying heavy equipment, can cause stress and worry for household pets. In particular, dogs may become defensive, preventing them from doing their jobs.

To avoid having pesticides stick to your pets' beds, water bowls, and toys, take them out of the room before you treat for pests. To include all pet treats and food.

Pets In A Cage

Pesticides pose a threat to aquatic life, reptiles, and birds. Pets in cages should either be moved to a safer environment or kept out of the elements. Use a towel or sheet to cover aquariums and bird cages to keep pesticides out. Do not forget to put away or secure pet food and supplies.

Some bird species have respiratory sensitivities that necessitate their removal from the home before pest control is applied. If you have a pet in a cage and aren't sure what to do with it during a pest control treatment, it's best to call your vet for guidance.

Secure Any Displayed Items

All exposed items must be sealed or packed away before the exterminators arrive.

Pesticide residues can adhere to anything that has been left out in the open. When possible, it's preferable to make room by removing obstacles. Discard any lost items and put away any toys or clothing lying around. The plastic wrap could help protect your possessions while they are being stored.

Make sure you put away your makeup and hairbrushes in the bathroom. Finished eating? Put away the dishes and clean the kitchen counter or table. Put unpackaged groceries in the fridge or pantry: wrap or store silverware, plates, glasses, and electronics.

The bedroom is the primary area of focus for bed bug treatments. Take everything out of the bedrooms, including the beds. Be sure to use boiling water when washing your bed linens. You should not replace bedding for at least four hours after a pest control treatment.

Shifting The Furniture

Your pest control team will need unimpeded access to your home. 

To avoid damage to your walls, you should pull out all of your furniture and large appliances. Keep your large furniture at least three to four feet away from any wall or window. As a result, pest control professionals will have more room to look for evidence of insects.

Clean Your Carpets And Floors

Hardwood floors should be wiped down and vacuumed, and you should thoroughly check carpets for insect eggs and pests. Your pest control method can expect better long-term results if you mop the floor afterwards. If you're vacuuming, pay special attention to crevices and entryways.

Please remember to clean your vacuum and other cleaning equipment after each use. Throw away used towels and vacuum bags outside. Protect the landfill from potential contamination by placing them in plastic bags before disposal.

Share the news with your neighbours!

Those who reside in more remote areas need not worry about this step, but those with close neighbours should inform them of your impending pest control treatment.

There are a few good reasons to discuss the pests in your home with your neighbours.

In the first place, some people are more vulnerable to the effects of pesticide exposure than others. Some of them are babies and toddlers.

Notifying nearby neighbours is a good safety measure. Your neighbours can take precautions to protect their health if they are at high risk of experiencing a reaction to pesticides if they are aware of this.

Second, the pests that have invaded your home may also be causing damage to theirs if you both live nearby. Exterminators can quickly treat your neighbours' homes if they decide they need it.

If your neighbours live nearby, they should be informed of your treatment in case they need to take precautions. If you're using pest control outside, your neighbours may want to seal off their windows and doors to protect themselves from the chemicals.

Never Lose Your Cool

Exterminators will always give 110% effort to eliminate any problems on and off your property. No one, other than the pests, should get hurt from correctly applying pesticides. Patience is rewarded in the end, especially when dealing with exterminators.

Some pests will emerge from hiding immediately after spraying, while others may take longer. In addition, if pesticides are used, it is best to ask the exterminator when it is safe to enter.

Set Up Your Cleaning Equipment

Once the pesticides have been applied and it is time to clean, you should begin gathering the necessary supplies. Wiping cloths alone isn't going to cut it; you'll need more supplies than that. In addition to the cleaning supplies, you should also have things on hand to protect yourself from pesticides. These include rubber gloves and a face mask.

To clean properly, you will need the following supplies: water, dish soap, vacuum cleaner, trash bags, sponges or rags, steam cleaner, and laundry baskets. As some pesticides may still be on the surfaces, these instruments will help clean up the mess. If you're using water sitting around for a while without being changed, you could be reintroducing harmful pesticides into your home.

Locate A Point Of Departure

The entire house may have been sprayed with pesticides, making it difficult to know where to start cleaning. Find a starting point before cleaning, so you know where to start and how far you need to go. If multiple rooms need attention, select one to treat and then proceed to the next. But if you didn't make a cleaning plan or look for a starting point, you might spend a long time wondering what to do first.

Spotless The Floor

Keep in mind that the floor needs to be cleaned after using pesticides in the home. Sometimes chemicals can adhere to feet and must be removed before you can use them again. The base needs to be swept or vacuumed. Not just on the floor or in the corners but also the nooks and crannies hid by the furniture. Use a dishwashing soap, water solution, and a mop to clean for effective chemical removal. Mopping or cleaning near walls that have been sprayed with pesticides can dilute their effectiveness, so it's best to avoid doing either near those areas. If you have carpets, vacuum them to absorb chemicals and dirt effectively.

Clear The Dust From The Walls And The Glass

After applying pesticides, every surface, including floors, walls, and windows, must be meticulously cleaned. Since most pests are found within structures, you can also use pesticides in these areas. Using cloth rags for cleaning is recommended for removing pesticides from walls and windows. You can clean the walls with a soap and water solution using a spray bottle, but you should lay down some clothes to catch the drips before they hit the floor. Remove any traces of chemicals by wiping down the affected areas.

Steam And Vacuum Your Furnishings

Covering your furniture before spraying pesticides is necessary, but it's easy to overlook in the excitement of getting rid of the insects. Removing any lingering chemicals from your furniture by vacuuming and steaming it after it has been exposed to the elements or treated for pests is essential. Of course, once the pesticides have done their job, you'll need to clean the furniture.

You should also wash any clothing stored in a closet after it was sprayed to remove any lingering pesticides. Beds treated for bed bugs can also be steamed and vacuumed. Your mattress is where you spend a lot of time relaxing and sleeping, so you naturally want to avoid having any traces of pesticides there. Because chemicals tend to adhere stubbornly if not obliterated, it is essential to pay special attention to the crevices and corners of the furniture. Know that pesticides can also be found on tables, and take special care to clean them if you value the health of your loved ones.

Maintain A Dry Home

Some pests don't fare well after being sprayed with pesticides, while others find a way to survive and even thrive by gaining access to underground water systems. Even if your home has been treated, pests can still survive if they have access to water. To keep your home dry and pest-free, seal any leaks you find and thoroughly wipe down any damp areas.

Food that has been left exposed to the elements should be discarded.

Since kitchens are known to be hotspots for pests like ants, cockroaches, rodents, and flies, they will be the first areas to be treated. Forgetting food or covering it up before spraying pesticides is a common oversight. Because of this, you will leach harmful chemicals into our food supply. Foods that have been exposed to pesticides during cleaning must be discarded. Even if sprayed, ingesting it can cause health problems. Because pesticides can saturate packaging, you should throw foods like cereals away even if unsealed.

Get The Dishes Cleaned Up In The Kitchen.

Since cooking areas are prime targets for infestation, cooking utensils, countertops, dishes, and more will inevitably be sprayed. You will also apply insecticides to dishes, silverware, and other kitchenware. All words, from silver to stockpots, must be washed thoroughly during the cleaning process to remove any traces of chemicals. It can absorb toxins through the skin, so avoid using sprayed utensils for food preparation. Giving the countertops an excellent scrub is essential to eliminate any lingering pesticides. For health and hygiene reasons, please wash, scrub, wipe, and mop the kitchen.

Conclusion

If you want to keep pests out of your home after a pest inspection, you can do a few things. First and foremost, you should seal any exterior cracks or holes that could serve as entry points for pests like insects and rodents. Seal and store all perishable items, and take out the trash regularly. If you have any pets, you should always keep their food and water dishes wiped down and empty. Finally, don't delay calling your exterminator if you find evidence of pests after conducting your inspection.

Content Summary

• A call to arms is an official pest inspection.
• The following procedures should be carried out after a pest inspection has been completed.
• After a specialist from Smithereens has sprayed your property, you may put your feet up and get to cleaning.
• However, there is one important exception to this rule: following a bed bug treatment, nothing should be moved.
• If you're having problems getting rid of pesky pests, don't wait to throw away any damp paper goods or similar objects after applying a pest control solution.
• Before initiating any pest control treatment, be careful to take the necessary procedures to protect the safety of your pets.
• Take your dogs out of the room before you spray for bugs so that the pesticide doesn't go on their bedding, water bowls, or toys.
• Meant to encompass all kind of pet snacks.
• Clear out the bedrooms, including the furniture.
• You should remove all heavy equipment and furniture from the room to protect the walls from potential harm.
• There are a few advantages to talking to your neighbours about the bugs in your home.
• When it's time to clean up after applying pesticides, you should start gathering your supplies.
• You shouldn't just clean up without additionally preparing for the possibility of being exposed to pesticides.
• Locate the starting location of your cleaning project before beginning work.
• Once the insecticides have done their job, you'll need to clean the furniture.
• Seal any leaks you find and thoroughly wipe out any moist surfaces to keep your home dry and pest-free.
• Infestation is most likely to occur in the kitchen, therefore it is likely that you will have to spray your dishes, surfaces, and other cooking equipment.
• Please clean the kitchen thoroughly by washing all surfaces, sanitising all surfaces, and mopping the floor.
• Final ThoughtsAfter a pest inspection, there are steps you may take to prevent future infestations.
• How long must I wait after having pests exterminated before I can reenter the premises?
• Please wait 7-10 days after pest control before cleaning the house, as recommended by our professionals.
• To remove chemicals efficiently, try mopping the floor with a solution of dish soap and water.
• Since you'll want to take the dead insects outside to decompose, you might see an uptick in pest activity after a pest control treatment.