Do you live or own a property in Lee’s summit and are experiencing the menace and damage that comes with pests? If so then you are at the right place. Besides pests being carriers of diseases, some of which can be fatal, they have the effect of creeping the hell out of most of us.
The services offered by different Lee’s Summit pest control professionals include bed bugs, cockroaches, and termite controls. However, as much as the professionals will step in to rid you of your pest nightmare, there are some basic guidelines that lie squarely on your part.
This article will look at the parts that you will have to play both before and after pest control treatment to ensure a seamless and successful process. Let’s get right into it.
Things to do before pest control treatment
As you prepare for a pest control treatment exercise, these are some of the basics that you will need to undertake;
1. Cover all open items
The pest control treatment exercise may involve a lot of spraying of chemicals, some of which may blot and spoil your open items. As such, it is important to protect your items by covering them with plastic paper. This would protect against any damage that may be caused to your precious and valuable home items and any antics that are displayed.
2. Move all furniture away from your walls
Move your furniture and all appliances away from the walls and place them at the center of the room. This will allow the experts to reach every corner of your home during the treatment exercise. It is vital that the experts are able to access all the hard-to-reach areas as they are the spaces in which most pests tend to thrive in. This measure also means that your furniture is safe from any spills that may come as a result of the chemicals that are used during the treatment.
3. Seal clothes in clean bags
Ensure that all your clothes, make-up, and jewelry are all packed away. Use plastic wrapping to keep off the chemical sprays. Store your wrapped clothes inside cabinets and seal the gaps of the cabinet doors and drawers carefully with cello tape to prevent chemicals from penetrating through. Avoid sealing using masking tape as the paper is likely to absorb the chemicals used.
4. Open all curtains and close windows
Open all your curtains and close the windows to trap the insects inside the house and prevent them from escaping, as well as to allow the chemicals to work throughout your space. Spraying with windows open will mean wastage of chemicals as they are likely to be blown away by the wind.
5. Remove all food items from the kitchen and dining area
If possible, move all your kitchen appliances out. If not, ensure to unplug and cover them with plastic wrapping. Clear and store all utensils to avoid contact with the chemicals. Also, ensure to store all food in thick tight plastic containers that will not allow the pests to chew through. Spices and chips should be placed inside your fridge. Wipe clean your dining area as well as kitchen countertops and clear out your dustbin.
6. Protect your pets
The chemicals used during the pest treatment may be irritating or carry a foul smell. Pets are known to be very sensitive, thus it would be a good idea for you to drop them off at a friend’s place during the pest control exercise. Remove and store your pet’s toys and beddings carefully. If you own an aquarium, turn it off to prevent it from sucking in some of the chemicals that will be sprayed. Ensure to cover it with plastic that will be able to keep off the chemicals as well.
7. Remove or cover all paintings and flower pots
Some of the chemicals used in pest control treatment are reactive. As such, cover all your paintings carefully using plastic. Ideally, store your flower pots somewhere outside in the open, away from the chemicals.
8. Scrub all floors and carpets in the house
Scrub your floor and carpets to remove excess dust and dirt. Any dirt may hinder the effectiveness of the chemicals once sprayed. Clean clear floors and carpets will allow the chemicals to penetrate fully and reach all areas and spaces, thus exterminating all pests.
Things to do after pest control treatment
Once the treatment exercise is complete, it is important to follow some basic procedure;
Wait outside
Although the chemicals used may be kid and pet-friendly, it is advisable to allow your home a few hours to air out before heading indoors. This period depends on the chemical treatment used, however, 3 to 4 hours will prove sufficient.
An exercise such as Lee’s Summit termite control recommends waiting for approximately 5-7 days before cleaning your home. Sweeping and mopping immediately after the treatment may wipe off any treated surfaces, reducing the effectiveness of the whole process. Since these chemicals are usually customized based on your needs, you will be guided on when you can clean again and if there are any areas that you should not wash.
However, discard any food that you may have left laying around during the treatment in your outside trash bins. These foods may likely have been exposed to the chemicals, some of which may be harmful if ingested.
Final words
As pests encounter the treatment, you may notice an increase in their activity with pesky bugs and cockroaches fleeing from their hiding spots. When this happens, kill them as soon as you spot them and discard them in your outside dustbin.
This is a normal occurrence and the condition should reduce over several weeks if the pest control treatment exercise was carried out properly and you followed the guidelines as per the experts