Do a few things ahead of time to get the most bang for your buck
If you’ve stumbled upon some uninvited guests living in your home, it could be time to call in a pest control company. If you declutter and protect valuables before your appointment, the visit will go faster and be more effective. Here are nine steps you can take to prepare for an exterminator service.
The first thing you need to do is try to figure out what type of pest you are dealing with and if you have an infestation. If you notice droppings, smell odd odors, see damage to fabric such as curtains, hear noises in walls and floors, or notice track marks, these are telltale signs of pests in your house. Of course, seeing rodents such as mice and bugs (alive or dead) is a major sign you have a pest problem and need to call a professional exterminator near you.
You can also be invaded by other types of wildlife, such as raccoons, squirrels, or bats. For these situations, you will need to hire an animal control service near you to remove them.
Figuring out the type of pests and how severe the infestation is can help you provide adequate information to the exterminator so they can treat the problem accordingly.
Make note of all the places you notice signs of pests. Pictures can help the exterminator make a correct identification and locate the source more easily, so snap photos of things like droppings, gnaw marks, and even the insects or critters themselves.
To help the exterminator move easily through your space and more effectively target the source of your pests, clear clutter from your home and garage as much as possible in advance. If you plan on donating anything, be sure to check the items over carefully to make sure you aren’t inadvertently spreading pests.
You don’t want to risk having your prized possessions get sprayed with chemicals, especially if they’re difficult to launder. So, ensure you put away items such as clothing and accessories, linens, toiletries, pet dishes and toys, and children's toys. If you don’t have an out-of-the-way area where you can put them, place them in covered plastic tubs to protect them.
You also need to protect all food items to avoid exposure to chemicals. Put fruit, snacks, and anything else that’s out on the countertop into cabinets or covered plastic containers. Remove small appliances, too, and store them in cabinets or another out-of-the-way area.
When your pest control specialist arrives, ask them if the kitchen is sufficiently prepared or if there’s anything else you need to do to protect your family from chemicals.
In some cases, you may need to cover beds, tables, couches, and other furniture and items in plastic to protect them. Check with the exterminator to find out what type of treatment will be used and if this step is necessary.
Wipe counters clean and ensure they are cleared off. Vacuum and mop floors to remove dust and debris so the treatment is easier to apply. Vacuuming also lifts and fluffs carpet, which allows treatments such as insecticides to penetrate deeper into the fibers.
Be sure to snap photos before cleaning up any evidence of your pest problem. If there are droppings or there’s an area of your home that’s extensively damaged by pests, cleaning it up yourself could actually pose a health risk. In this case, talk to your exterminator about the best plan of action.
Houseplants are susceptible to the chemicals used by exterminators, too, so you may need to move or cover them before your appointment. But discuss this with your exterminator ahead of time, especially if the plant is near an area where you’ve seen evidence of pests.
If you have pets or kids in the home, let the exterminator know ahead of time and discuss the safest possible treatment options. On the day of service, take pets and children out of the home or make sure they are in a safe area where they will not be exposed to hazardous chemicals.
You will need to discuss with your pest control expert to know when and what to clean after the treatment. Sometimes, you may have to wait a couple of weeks for deep cleaning to avoid wiping up the treatment they applied.
However, you’ll want to wipe down any surfaces you use for food prep and eating. Before the treatment, you’ll also want to make sure that items such as pet dishes and children's toys won’t be exposed to the chemicals.
Most pest control specialists recommend having treatments about every three months to maintain your home and prevent pests.
However, if you have a severe infestation, it may require more frequent treatments. Also, if you notice bugs or rodents between visits, you need to inform them so they can address the issue before it worsens.
The cost of pest control depends on various factors, such as the type of pests you are dealing with and how severe the infestation is. Hiring a pest control specialist typically costs between $50 and $500. Quarterly pest control visits average between $100 and $300 depending on the type of service you need. Routine pest control services can prevent infestations and costly damage to your home.
