Should You Empty the Cabinets for the Exterminator?
You’ve called in the experts to tackle that persistent pest problem. Now you’re probably asking yourself, “Should you empty the cabinets for the exterminator?” Let’s dive into the details to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Do You Need to Empty Your Kitchen Cupboards for Pest Control?
When dealing with pests in your home, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen for the exterminators. The steps you need to take can vary, so always check with your pest control experts beforehand. Here, we’ll guide you through the common preparations necessary for most extermination processes.
How to Prepare Your Kitchen for an Exterminator
1. Empty Your Cabinets: In most cases, you’ll need to empty your kitchen cupboards. This allows the exterminators easy access to all areas. Store your cupboard contents in another room, ensuring they are covered.
2. Clean Thoroughly: After emptying your cabinets, give them a thorough clean. This removes food traces that could distract pests from the baits. Remember, cleaning post-treatment can reduce the effectiveness of the extermination.
3. Remove Small Appliances and Knickknacks: While large items like microwaves and ovens can stay put, all smaller items should be cleared away.
4. Clean All Surfaces: Use soap and hot water to clean appliances, countertops, cabinets, drawers, and kitchen floors.
5. Secure Food Items: Clean out your refrigerator and pantry, and store all food items, including bread and fruit, securely.
6. Spider Infestations: If dealing with spiders, leave webs intact as per the specific instructions from your pest control experts. Live Science has a guide to types of spiders.
Preparing the Rest of Your Home
1. General Cleaning: Vacuum, dust, and tidy your home to give pest control experts easy access and enhance treatment effectiveness. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum bag afterward.
2. Seal Linens: Place all linens in plastic bags to protect them.
3. Clear Floor Spaces: Ensure all areas needing treatment are easily accessible by clearing the floor spaces.
4. Aquarium Precautions: If you have an aquarium that can’t be moved, seal it completely and turn off the pump. For longer treatments, find a way to filter air into the aquarium from outside.
5. Outdoor Preparations: If the exterior of your home is being treated, clear a space around your home for the exterminators to work.
Should I Clean Cabinets After Pest Control?
Post-Treatment Cleaning
1. Avoid Immediate Cleaning: Refrain from deep cleaning your cabinets right after treatment. Cleaning too soon can remove the pesticides applied.
2. Delay Mopping: Wait 1-2 days before mopping floors, and avoid mopping right up against baseboards.
3. Ventilation: Open windows and doors to ventilate your home.
4. Avoid Contact: Plan to be outside while the spray dries to minimize exposure to pesticides. Typically, it takes about 25 minutes for the spray to dry as it’s applied as a fine mist.
How long does it take for exterminator spray to dry?
Final Thoughts
Always consult with the pest control experts about any specific preparations needed. The actions required can vary depending on the type of extermination. Giving yourself ample time to prepare ensures a smoother process and less stress when the exterminators arrive.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be ready for your pest control appointment, ensuring both your home and your peace of mind are well taken care of.
Having a pest infestation in your home can be stressful, without adding to the worry of having to rush to ensure that everything is in place for when the exterminators arrive.