If you have a pest problem in your home, you may be wondering what you need to be aware of when you call on pest control professionals to help you with the problem. If you have never needed to use a pest control service before you may be a little wary of what will happen.
I have to admit that we’ve usually dealt with pest control ourselves in the past. But here in our condo, pest control is actually included. So the first time we called them up to report an ant problem, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. He turned out to be pretty brilliant and seemed to understand the minds of the ants. And we learned that ants can actually travel on wires.
Pest control is usually not a daunting process if you listen to people like the pest control experts in San Antonio. They will tell you all you need to know about what is going to happen, and what actions you need to take. Here are a few questions you might be thinking about asking your pest control professional.
1. Should I empty my kitchen cupboards before the exterminator arrives?
Yes. As a general rule, for most pest treatments, it is a good idea to remove all items from your kitchen cupboards before extermination takes place. Items should be stored away from the kitchen and under covering to prevent dishes and foodstuffs from becoming contaminated by the chemicals used in the pest control process. You should also clean and wash all of the cabinets; this is important if bait is to be used during the extermination as any remnants of food stuffs left behind may deter the pests from becoming interested in the bait.
It’s important that you ask the pest control expert you have hired about emptying cupboards, because for some treatments there may be different actions you need to take. For instance, if your home is being treated for a spider infestation you should not disturb any spider webs that are in place.
2. What should I do after surfaces in your home have been treated?
While the pesticides used to treat surfaces in your home are still wet, there is some risk involved with coming into contact with them. Once the area is dry is perfectly safe to touch; drying usually takes approximately 2-4 hours. If anyone touches the area while it is still wet they need to wash their hands with soap and water. If a pet comes into contact with a treated area during this time frame, you should consult a veterinarian.
3. Do you need to leave your home during the extermination process?
If you speak to the exterminator you have hired they will tell you if you can stay in your home during pest control treatment. Often you will be asked to vacate the premises while the work is taking place. If there are young children, pregnant women or people with breathing difficulties in your home they should definitely leave the property during treatment, and preferably until all of the treated surfaces are dry. This is the same for pets.
If you follow the advice here, and pay attention to the information you have given by the pest control experts, the extermination process will be straightforward, and you will benefit from the result of having a pest free home.
I’ve been meaning to find a good exterminator for some pest problems I have. They’re starting to drive me crazy! I didn’t know that it was a good idea to empty all the cupboards and whatnot before they get there. I’m willing to do anything to get rid of the problem! Thanks for sharing these tips.
I really liked the second question you suggest asking. I think I understand why an exterminator comes to my house, but knowing how to make sure I don’t ruin the work they just did is also very important. I also don’t want to risk my health, so knowing the risks involved with coming in contact with the exterminator’s chemicals will definitely be helpful to ensure my health and my family’s health.
Great point about asking the exterminator whether you should leave the premises during the procedure. You mentioned that pregnant women, for example, should always leave during the treatment. Does it depend on what pest you are having exterminated?
I’ve never had to get an exterminator before, but I know someday the time will come. I didn’t know you could ever stay in your home in any circumstance while the extermination process was happening. I can understand why you would leave especially with children and pregnant women. Great info, thanks!
Thanks for the post. I want to make sure that whatever pesticides are being used in my home that my kids and pets are safe. I think it is important that you understand and adhere to what the serviceman says. Like you said, it can take up to 2-4 hours for the spray to dry. Thanks again for the post.
I had never thought about removing things from the kitchen cupboards before the exterminator gets to my house. I can see how this would save time and money to do. I’ll have to remember this the next time I need to hire an expert.