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Should You Empty the Cabinets for the Exterminator?

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You have called pest control experts to help and are wondering if you should you empty the cabinets for the exterminator? We have the answer.

Do you need to empty your kitchen cupboards if you are having pest control?

If you have a pest problem in your home and you have called pest control experts to help, you may be wondering what work you will need to carry out in your kitchen to prepare for the arrival of the exterminators.

It’s always best to check with the experts what action you need to take before the extermination occurs, as the process can vary. You can find out more about extermination processes. We will give you some tips about what preparations you will need to make for most exterminations.

pesticide worker in kitchen cabinets

 

 

How do I prepare my kitchen for an exterminator?

 
In the vast majority of cases, you will be expected to empty your kitchen cupboards before the arrival of the exterminators; this allows the experts to gain the access they require. You should store the contents of your cupboards in another part of your home, under a covering. After removing all items from your cabinets, you should clean them out.

Doing this helps to improve the effectiveness of any baits placed, as there are no traces of food items around to act as a distraction to pests. You will also be unable to clean the cupboards after the treatment, as if you do, the effectiveness of the treatment can be reduced.

Remove all small appliances and knicknacks. Large microwaves and ovens can remain where they are.

Clean all appliances, counter tops, cabinets, Drawers and kitchen floors with soap and hot water.

Don’t forget to clean out your refrigerator and pantry and put all food items away, including bread and fruit. 

If your home is being treated for a spider infestation (Live Science has a guide to types of spiders), the action you take may need to be a little different, as you will usually be asked to leave any webs intact.

exterminator in kitchen cabinets

What about the rest of your home?

To be effective, the pest control expert will need to access all home areas where pests may be lurking.
 
We recommend a vacuuming, dusting and tidying up your home to maximize the pest control treatment and give the expert easy access.
 
Remember to empty the vacuum bag afterwards.
 
Seal all linens in plastic bags.
 
When pest control experts arrive at your home, they will need unrestricted access to the areas requiring treatment. This means that you have to ensure that your floor spaces are clear.
 
If you have an aquarium in your home that cannot be removed, you must ensure that the fish are safe. To do this, you need to make sure that the aquarium is completely sealed and that the pump is switched off. If the extermination is likely to take a long time, you will need to find a way to filter air into the aquarium from outside your home. If the outside of your home is being treated, you also need to clear a space around your home so that the exterminators can spray.
 
exterminator spraying living room

Should I clean cabinets after pest control?

Since you cleaned them before the pest control, there’s no need to deep clean right after the pest control treatment. 
 
Cleaning your kitchen cabinets soon after the pest control will remove the solutions that exterminate the pests.
 
Avoid mopping for 1-2 days after the pest control treatment, then be mindful about where you’re mopping and avoid going right up against base boards.
 
It’s best to open windows and doors to allow ventiliation.
 
Plan to be outside while the spray dries to avoid contact with the pesticides.
exterminator spraying base boards in kitchen

How long does it take for exterminator spray to dry?

Typically it takes 25 minutes for pesticide to dry as they are applied as a fine mist and to the targeted surface areas only.

Final Thoughts

You should speak to the experts you have hired about any further preparation you need to undertake. The actions you need to take can vary, depending on the type of extermination taking place.

Once you have determined what type of preparations you need to make, you must give yourself enough time to complete them. Having a pest infestation in your home can be stressful, without you adding to the worry of having to rush to ensure that everything is in place for when the exterminators arrive.

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