How do I prepare for an exterminator?

How you prepare for an exterminator depends on the pest being treated, but there are general steps that help the technician inspect and treat effectively and keep your family and pets safe. For general pest control for ants, cockroaches, and spiders, prepare by cleaning lightly but not deeply sterilizing, so vacuum floors and crumbs to remove competing food sources so baits work better, wipe down kitchen counters, store food in sealed containers, take out trash, and pick up clutter to reduce hiding places. Pull furniture a few inches away from walls to allow access to baseboards, clear under kitchen and bathroom sinks, and provide access to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Make a list of where you have seen pests, droppings, or damage. Do not use over-the-counter sprays for a week before because they can contaminate professional baits. For bed bug treatments, preparation is more extensive, so wash all bedding, clothing, and linens in hot water and dry on high heat above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, bag clean items in sealed plastic bags, vacuum mattresses, box springs, and floors thoroughly, declutter, and move bed away from walls, following the company's specific checklist. For termite treatment, clear access to foundation walls and crawl spaces and move items away from walls. For rodent treatment, note where droppings are found and avoid disturbing nests. For all treatments, keep children and pets away from treated areas until dry, cover fish tanks and remove pet food, and ask the technician about re-entry times and post-treatment cleaning instructions.