How to Prepare for a Pest Control Visit in Your Home

Pests can be more than just an annoyance—they can damage your home, contaminate your food, and pose health risks to your family. That’s why hiring a professional pest control company is one of the best decisions a homeowner can make when dealing with an infestation.

But here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: how you prepare your home before a pest control visit can directly impact the effectiveness of the treatment. With the right preparation, pest control professionals can work more efficiently, treatments last longer, and the risk to your family and pets is minimized.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for a pest control visit, what to expect after the treatment, and how to ensure lasting results.

Why Professional Pest Control Is So Important

DIY sprays and traps can only do so much. A professional pest control service, like Midwest Pest Control, uses proven techniques and products that are more powerful and targeted than over-the-counter options. Experts also understand pest behavior, which means they know exactly where to treat and how to prevent future infestations.

Benefits of Professional Pest Control:

• Thorough inspection and customized treatment
• Long-term pest prevention
• Reduced health risks for your family
• Safer, more eco-friendly options

But to get the most from your treatment, home preparation is key.

Preparing Your Home for Your Pest Control Visit

1. Provide Adequate Access to Key Areas

Pests often hide in hard-to-reach places: behind furniture, under sinks, in cabinets, and around baseboards. To ensure the technician can treat all hotspots effectively:

• Clear access to walls and corners.
• Unlock gates, doors, and crawlspaces.
• Empty cabinets under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Pull appliances (like your stove and refrigerator) slightly away from the wall.

By doing this, you give the technician full access to apply treatments where they’re needed most.

2. Clean Your Home Thoroughly

You don’t need to deep clean, but a basic cleaning can make a big difference. Remove clutter, sweep floors, and wipe down surfaces. This helps eliminate food crumbs and other attractants that pests feed on.

Cleaning tips:

• Vacuum all carpets and rugs.
• Mop floors, especially in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Take out the trash and empty recycling bins.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.

3. Store Food and Kitchen Items Safely

Food should be sealed and stored away before treatment. Exposed food or cooking utensils can absorb chemicals if left out.

Here’s what to do:

• Place food in airtight containers.
• Store loose items (coffee makers, toasters, utensils) in cabinets or cover them.
• Empty pet food and water bowls, and store them in a safe place.

4. Move Furniture and Items Away from Walls

Your pest control technician needs space to apply treatments along baseboards and behind furniture—places where pests like to hide. Move larger items at least 6–12 inches away from the walls.

This applies to:

• Sofas and chairs
• Beds and cribs
• Bookshelves and desks
• Toy bins and storage containers

Don’t forget to declutter closets or storage rooms if pests have been found there.

5. Secure or Remove Pets

Pesticides, even eco-friendly ones, can be harmful to pets if not handled correctly. It’s essential to keep your pets safe before, during, and after treatment.

• Remove pets from the home if possible.
• Cover fish tanks and turn off pumps.
• Relocate pet cages or crates to a safe room that won’t be treated.
• Keep pet food and toys stored safely.

Ask your pest control provider how long you should keep pets away after the treatment is complete.

6. Communicate Any Special Concerns

If you’ve noticed pest activity in specific areas—like ants in the pantry or wasps near the attic—be sure to mention this to your technician. The more information they have, the more focused and effective their treatment can be.

Also let them know if:

• You or someone in your home has allergies or sensitivities.
• You have small children or infants at home.
• You’re concerned about certain areas being treated (like vegetable gardens or playrooms).

After the Treatment: What to Expect

Immediate Results Aren’t Always Instant

You might not see pests disappear overnight. Some products are designed to work slowly so pests can carry them back to nests, which is key for long-term results. It’s also normal to see more pest activity immediately after treatment—this means the pests are being flushed out of hiding.

Are Follow-Up Treatments Needed?

Depending on the type and severity of infestation, you may need one or more follow-up treatments. For example:

• Severe cockroach or ant infestations may require multiple visits.
• Termite treatments are often ongoing and include monitoring systems.
• Seasonal treatments help prevent pests from returning.

Your technician from Midwest Pest Control will provide a customized plan based on your specific needs.

Don’t Clean Too Soon

Resist the urge to mop or wipe down treated areas for at least a few days. Premature cleaning can remove the pesticides and reduce their effectiveness.

Follow all post-treatment instructions carefully, especially regarding ventilation and pet reentry.

Extra Tips to Keep Pests Away Long-Term

• Seal cracks and entry points around windows, doors, and the foundation.
• Keep gutters clean and ensure proper drainage around your home.
• Store firewood away from the house and trim bushes and branches that touch exterior walls.
• Regularly inspect and declutter storage areas like basements and attics.

Maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment will help maximize the benefits of your pest control treatment.

Schedule Your Pest Control Service Today

Ready to enjoy a pest-free home? Whether you’re dealing with ants in the kitchen, rodents in the attic, or spiders in the basement, Midwest Pest Control is here to help. Our licensed professionals offer effective and customized pest control solutions designed to protect your home and family. Schedule your pest control service and get the peace of mind you deserve. Contact us today to get started.