What to Do Before a Pest Control Visit

If you’ve ever had a pest control service scheduled, you may have asked yourself, “How do I prepare my house for pest control?” Knowing what to do ahead of time can make the treatment more effective and may even help prevent future infestations.

The goal of any professional pest control visit is to target the areas where pests are most active. But to do that, the technician needs clear access to entry points and hiding spots. That means a little prep work before the visit can go a long way.

Start Outside: Remove Hiding Places
The first thing to do is check around the outside of your home. Pests like ants, spiders, roaches, and rodents are attracted to clutter, especially if it’s near your foundation.
- Clear away anything that could be acting as a hiding place. This includes:
- Firewood stacks
- Leaf piles
- Overgrown shrubs or vines
- Bags of mulch or compost

Keep these at least a few feet from the walls of your home. If you can see the ground around your foundation, your pest control technician can too.

Inside the House: Open Up Access
Indoors, focus on areas where pests are likely to enter or nest. That often means kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and utility areas. If the technician can’t reach a space, it’s harder to treat it properly.
Move furniture or storage bins away from the walls where possible, especially near windows and doors. If you have boxes or belongings stacked up in a garage, basement, or pantry, try to make a pathway so the technician can inspect and treat those areas.

Clean, But Don’t Go Overboard
It’s helpful to clean before your visit, especially wiping down countertops and vacuuming crumbs or pet hair. But you don’t need to deep-clean your home. In fact, leaving signs of pest activity, like droppings or damaged materials, can help the technician know where to focus.

Pet Safety Matters
Make sure pets are secured or removed from the area during the service. This includes fish tanks, bird cages, and pet bedding. Your pest control provider can tell you how long pets should stay out of treated rooms.

Let the Technician Know What You’ve Seen
If you’ve noticed specific pest activity—like seeing ants in the kitchen or hearing scratching in the walls—tell the technician before they start. Any clues you can provide help them zero in on problem areas.

After the Visit: Keep It Clear
Once treatment is complete, try to keep those areas clear for a while. Pesticides often need time to settle and take effect. Avoid mopping or scrubbing near baseboards for a few days unless the technician advises otherwise.

Regular maintenance and clear access can make every treatment more successful.

The more easily a pest control technician can reach problem areas, the more effective the service will be. With just a few simple steps before each visit, you can help protect your home more thoroughly and efficiently.