Experiencing a pest infestation can be distressing, and it’s a situation many homeowners dread. Luckily, professional pest control services exist to rescue us from these unwelcomed guests. But a question that often lingers is: is it safe to be in the house after pest control?
This comprehensive guide will answer this question and provide valuable insights into what you can expect during and after a pest control treatment.
Understanding Modern Pest Control
To answer the question, is it safe to be in the house after pest control, it’s important to understand how modern pest control works. Unlike the past, where toxic chemicals were the norm, today’s pest control companies use eco-friendly and less harmful alternatives. These modern solutions are generally safe for indoor and outdoor use, so there’s usually no need to vacate your home during or after treatment.
However, it’s recommended that homeowners wait for about 15 minutes after treatment to allow the solution to dry properly. Although these solutions are safe, direct contact with the wet product should be avoided. If contact happens, simply wash the affected area thoroughly.
The Pest Control Process: What to Expect
When dealing with a pest problem, it’s advisable to reach out to a professional pest control service, such as Banner Pest Control. Their expertise ensures effective handling of the situation, leaving your home free from unwanted guests. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during a typical pest control service visit:
Upon arrival, the pest control experts should introduce themselves and be ready to answer any of your questions. They’ll then inspect your home inside and out, identifying the problem and potential access points for pests.
Inspection of Potential Entry Points
The pest control team will conduct a thorough inspection of all potential entry points, including windows, doors, pipes, crawlspaces, and attics. They’ll be on the lookout for cracks and gaps that could allow pests to enter your home.
Yard and Property Inspection
The inspection process extends to your yard and the rest of your property. This helps identify potential areas of concern and aids in preventing future pest problems.
Moisture Check
Pests are attracted to moist areas, so a moisture check forms an integral part of the inspection process. The pest control experts will use tools like flashlights and moisture meters to identify any wet areas that could attract pests.
Review, Report, and Discussion
The pest control team will document their findings and discuss them with you. They’ll explain their plan to resolve the current problem and prevent future issues. This is a great time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you might have.
Preparing Your Home for Pest Control Treatment
While professional exterminators offer a variety of pest control services, homeowners also have a part to play in ensuring the treatment is successful. Here are some tips to prepare your home for the pest control treatment.
Preparation Before Pest Control Treatment
- Ensure Access: Clear the corners of your home to give the technicians easy access. This allows them to reach the areas where pests thrive. It also protects your furniture and appliances from potential chemical spills during the treatment.
- Cleaning: A thorough cleaning before the treatment can increase the effectiveness of the pest control measures.
- Safeguard Clothes and Furniture: Wrap up clothes, toys, toiletries, bed sheets, covers, pillows, cushions, mattresses, paintings, and other items in plastic and store them inside the cabinets. Also, use plastic wrappings to cover chairs, tables, and sofas.
- Kitchen and Dining Area Precautions: Clear your countertops and store away plates, glasses, cups, utensils, cutlery, etc. in plastic storage containers. Also, wrap your water filter’s outlet with plastic to avoid contamination.
- Pets Safety: If possible, drop off your pets at a friend’s house during the pest control treatment. If you have an aquarium, ensure it is tightly covered and turn off the aquarium air pump to prevent it from sucking in airborne chemicals.
- Bathroom Safety: Empty your bathroom completely if it will be sprayed. Replace your toothbrush, floss, shaving razors, soaps, and detergents after the treatment.
What to Do After Pest Control Treatment
- Wait: The pest control operator will advise you to wait for a few minutes before reentering your home.
- Avoid Immediate Cleaning: It’s best not to clean immediately after the treatment to maintain its effectiveness. The technician will let you know when you can resume cleaning.
- Avoid Leaving Paper Around: Many pests feed on paper. So, to prevent potential re-infestation, dispose of wet paper, old newspapers, and magazines, and grocery bags immediately.
- Personal Protection: Wear a pair of disposable gloves when unwrapping objects. Although the pest control technician uses environmentally friendly pest control products, it’s still important to protect your skin from direct contact.
- Keep Checking for Pests: You’ll likely find dead pests around your home in the days following the treatment. Ensure to check for these remnants and clean them regularly to avoid attracting other pests.
Conclusion
So, is it safe to be in the house after pest control? Yes, it generally is, thanks to the eco-friendly and less harmful solutions used by modern pest control companies. However, it’s always crucial to follow the advice of the pest control operator regarding when you can reenter your home and when you can resume cleaning.
Remember, if you’re dealing with an ant infestation or any other pest problem, it’s important to reach out to a professional pest control service like Banner Pest Control. Their expertise ensures that the situation is handled effectively, leaving your home free from unwanted guests.
