Move furniture a bit away from baseboards. Even 15–20 centimetres is usually enough. This gives the technician clear access to corners and cracks where unwanted visitors tend to hide. If you have heavy shelving or immovable items, don’t stress–just do what you reasonably can. Some clutter is normal.
Empty all cupboards and drawers in the kitchen and bathroom. Wipe surfaces, but avoid strong-smelling cleaners right before treatment. Leave cabinets open so nothing blocks interior spraying or gel placements. If there’s a food source, bugs will find it–so it’s better if there’s nothing left to lure them back in.
Store pet bowls, litter boxes, and toys away from treated areas. Fish tanks should be covered and filters turned off if the treatment is aerosol-based. Same with turtle habitats–anything water-related might absorb product. It sounds a bit overcautious, but the technician may even suggest temporary relocation of small pets like birds or rodents.
People often forget soft surfaces. Strip beds, tuck away cushions, and if possible, vacuum carpets before the service. Not only does this reduce debris that might shield insects, but it also allows treatments to settle directly on fibres. Leave vacuuming for later though–usually a couple of days after, depending on what’s applied.
Lastly, communicate. If you’ve noticed specific activity–say, ants near a dishwasher or silverfish in the basement–leave a note or mention it beforehand. The crew from The Pest Control Guy in Calgary appreciates being pointed in the right direction. Saves time, and the results tend to be better.
How to Safely Store Food, Utensils, and Kitchen Items Before Treatment
Start with dry goods. Anything in cardboard, plastic bags, or unsealed containers–rice, flour, cereal–needs to be packed away. Airtight bins with locking lids work well, or clear zip bags double-sealed and moved to a high cabinet or, better yet, a different room. Some people wrap the entire shelf in plastic wrap, but honestly, that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
For utensils, baking tools, cutting boards–anything that might touch your food later–either box them up and remove them from the kitchen, or seal them in thick plastic with tape. It’s tempting to just cover them with a towel, but that won’t stop aerosol residue from settling. Same rule applies to toasters, mixers, and countertop gadgets. Unplug them and stash them away in a bin or garbage bag with a twist tie. It looks a bit odd, sure, but it works.
Perishables in the fridge or freezer should be safe where they are, but double-check that the seals are tight. If your pest technician is fogging or spraying near the unit, a layer of cling film over the seals can add some peace of mind. Things left on top of the fridge–snack boxes, fruit bowls, tea tins–need to go.
Don’t forget your pet food. Bag it or move it. Same with water bowls–clean and store them upside-down. And if you’ve got a kitchen junk drawer with loose cutlery or those weird corn holders no one uses? Empty it. Everything needs to be either covered or out.
For more practical tips from someone with real local experience, see The Pest Control Guy on penzu.com.
What to Do With Pets, Plants, and Aquariums on the Day of Service
Move all pets – including cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and small mammals – out of the treatment area. Ideally, they should be taken offsite. Even if the technician says the products are “low toxicity,” animals groom themselves, sniff corners, and burrow into fabrics. You don’t want any residues ending up in their systems.
For birds, this matters even more. Their respiratory systems are sensitive, and fumes from even a mild spray could linger longer than expected. If transporting them isn’t possible, at least relocate them to a separate, sealed room with the windows slightly cracked and ventilation off. Cover the cage with a breathable cloth.
Fish tanks? Unplug filters and air pumps – yes, unplug them. Cover the tank tightly with plastic wrap, secure it with elastic, and ensure there’s a barrier between the water and the surrounding air. These units draw airborne particles directly into the water. You’d be surprised how quickly that can become dangerous. For a few hours of downtime, fish usually handle it fine – just don’t forget to restart everything.
Plants aren’t immune either. Move them outdoors or to a non-treated part of the home. Even indirect exposure can stress them out. Leaf spotting, dropping, or slow die-off is a common complaint when people skip this.
Don’t Rely on Verbal Assurances Alone
If the technician says it’s “pet-safe,” ask specifically: for how long? under what conditions? what about grooming habits? Read the label of the treatment product if you’re curious – or skeptical. More context is available here: How does pest control in Calgary work.
Extra Notes From Experience
Some clients I’ve talked to left their cat in a covered carrier in a nearby room, thinking it would be enough. It wasn’t. The fumes lingered longer, the cat vomited later that night, and they ended up calling the vet. Don’t guess.
More real-life examples and precautions shared by professionals are collected on justpaste.it about The Pest Control Guy. Worth a glance if you’ve got a house full of living things.
Which Areas of the Home Need Cleaning and Access for Pest Technicians
Clear access to baseboards is a must. Move furniture a few inches away from walls–especially beds, couches, and dressers. Technicians often need to treat crevices where pests tend to hide, and clutter blocks their reach. Don’t forget under sinks–kitchen and bathroom cabinets should be emptied if there’s been activity in those areas.
Vacuum around appliances like the fridge and stove. Crumbs and grease attract insects, and buildup behind these can complicate treatment. If it’s safe to pull them out, do it. Wipe up spills around trash bins, too. They’re hotspots.
Cabinets, Closets, and Corners
Open up access to lower cabinets, especially if droppings or chewed packaging have been found. Same with pantry floors–remove bulk items or containers stacked directly on the ground. Linen closets? If you’ve seen silverfish or similar, it’s worth clearing the floor space.
Attic hatches and crawlspaces, if accessible, should be unlocked. If storage is packed tight, shift things aside a bit. Full access isn’t always needed, but a technician can’t do much if everything’s blocked wall to wall.
Garage and Entry Points
Clear debris near garage walls, especially near the doors. Rodents and insects often squeeze through weather stripping. If there are stored boxes or bins piled against walls, even just nudging them back helps. Also, check windows and door frames–peeling caulk or torn screens are red flags. Make sure they’re visible.
And yeah, you might think the basement is fine untouched, but if it smells musty or you’ve spotted spiderwebs or centipedes, it probably needs a quick tidy. Nothing too extreme–just make sure someone can walk around freely without tripping over storage bins or laundry baskets.
Q&A:
Should I clean my home before the pest control visit?
Yes, vacuuming floors, wiping down counters, and removing clutter will improve treatment access and make it easier for the technician to identify problem areas. It also helps reduce food sources that may attract pests.
What should I do with food and kitchen items before the service?
Store all food in sealed containers or remove it from the treatment area. Cover or pack away kitchen utensils, dishes, and small appliances. If you’re unsure whether something should be left out, it’s safer to pack it up.
Do I need to move furniture away from the walls?
Yes, it’s recommended to shift furniture, especially large items like sofas, beds, or shelves, at least 2 feet away from the walls. This gives technicians better access to baseboards and common pest entry points.
How should I prepare my pets on the day of treatment?
Keep pets away from treated areas. If possible, arrange to have them out of the house during the service. Cover or temporarily move aquariums, and turn off air pumps to prevent chemical exposure through aeration systems.
Is it necessary to leave the house after the technician arrives?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the type of treatment, you may be advised to leave for several hours. The technician will inform you of the re-entry time based on the chemicals used and the size of your home.
Should I wash all my dishes before pest control treatment, or is covering them enough?
Covering dishes and utensils in tightly sealed containers or plastic wrap is usually acceptable if they’re clean and won’t be used during the treatment period. However, if there’s any chance that exposed items were left out or loosely covered, it’s best to wash them thoroughly after the service. Pay extra attention to drying racks, countertops, and cutlery trays—these areas are often overlooked and may retain residues if not cleaned beforehand.