When should you clean when in pest control treatment?

• Vacuum and Dust Thoroughly: Vacuuming and dusting help remove not only dust but also crumbs, pet dander, and pest eggs. Reach under couches, beds, and large appliances where pests might nest. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag outside immediately after cleaning to remove any pests or eggs you may have picked up.

• Store Food Safely: This is one of the most important steps. Place all food items in sealed containers or store them in the fridge. Ensure that dishes are clean, and put away any pet food bowls. Proper food storage prevents contamination during the treatment and removes a tempting food source for pests.

• Move Furniture as Needed: For best results, create access to areas where pests often hide, like behind refrigerators, under sinks, or beneath large furniture pieces. Moving these items also makes it easier for the technician to treat hidden spaces thoroughly.

• Cover or Store Sensitive Items: For delicate items like toothbrushes, kids' toys, or pet bowls, covering them with plastic or storing them temporarily can protect them from contact with any pest control products used.

Should You Cover Furniture?

Before the treatment, it’s a good idea to ask if you need to cover larger furniture pieces like couches, beds, or tables. In some cases, especially with liquid treatments, covering these items with plastic can help avoid accidental exposure. Some pest control treatments may require you to cover mattresses or pillows, so checking with your technician about the specific type of treatment can be helpful.

What to Do Immediately After Pest Control?

Once your pest control service is complete, the main focus should be on allowing the treatment to work without interference. Here’s how to handle cleaning and other tasks afterward:

• Wait Before Cleaning Thoroughly: Pest control treatments need time to work. Avoid deep cleaning for at least a few days to allow the treatment to settle on treated surfaces. Cleaning too soon could wipe away the product, reducing its effectiveness. Generally, waiting about a week is recommended, but your pest control technician can give you specific guidance based on the treatment used.

• Light Cleaning is Okay: It’s perfectly fine to clean lightly if needed, such as wiping down counters or cleaning up spills. Avoid mopping or scrubbing areas where the treatment was applied directly. Light cleaning lets you keep the space tidy without disturbing the pest control products in hard-to-reach spots.

• Follow Post-Treatment Cleaning Guidelines: Once you’re ready for a full cleaning after a week or so, focus on surfaces you frequently touch or use, like kitchen counters and floors. Vacuum carpets, wipe down counters, and wash any bedding, pillowcases, or other fabrics that may have been in contact with the pest treatment. This is especially important in homes with children or pets.

• Ventilate Your Home: Opening windows to air out treated rooms can help disperse any residual smell from the treatment. Allowing fresh air to circulate not only removes any lingering odors but also provides a healthier environment after treatment.

Tips to Keep Your Home Pest-Free

Maintaining a pest-free home takes more than just a one-time treatment. Here are some additional steps to help keep pests at bay long-term:

• Regular Cleaning Routine: A routine cleaning schedule for dusting, vacuuming, and wiping surfaces helps remove crumbs, food residues, and other things pests love. Keep trash cans tightly sealed and take out garbage frequently.
• Store Food Properly: Make sure food items are stored in sealed containers, especially pantry items like flour, sugar, and grains. This keeps food fresh and less accessible to pests.
• Fix Leaks and Control Moisture: Pests like cockroaches and ants are drawn to water sources, so fixing leaky faucets or pipes can be a big deterrent. Be mindful of any standing water in sinks, pet dishes, or outside areas near your home.
• Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect and seal cracks, holes, or gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation of your home. Blocking these entry points helps prevent pests from getting inside.
• Tidy Up the Yard: Keep your yard free from overgrown vegetation and debris, which can serve as hiding spots for pests. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and dispose of fallen leaves or branches to help reduce the chance of pests finding a way into your home.
  

Knowing when to clean before and after a pest control service is key to keeping your home pest-free. Preparing your space ahead of time allows treatments to target pests effectively, while waiting to clean afterward ensures the treatment lasts. By following these simple steps and staying on top of routine cleaning, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and pest-free home all year long.

For more information about our pest control services or to schedule a consultation, contact Bamboo Pest Control today. Let us help you protect your property with our safe, effective, and eco-friendly pest control solutions.