Preparing for your pest control treatment is simple when you know what to expect. By following a few key steps, you’ll help ensure the treatment is as effective as possible while keeping your family, pets and belongings safe. These preparation guidelines apply to treatments involving residual insecticide spraying, ULV fogging, or a combination of both.
ULV fogging is sometimes referred to as fumigation, although the treatment methods are technically different. Your technician will advise you which treatment method will be used for your particular pest problem.
Please complete the steps below before your pest control appointment.
All occupants and pets will need to vacate the property during treatment and remain out for at least 2 hours after the treatment has been completed.
Step-by-Step Preparation Checklist
1. Arrange Temporary Leave
- Ensure all occupants, including pets, leave the property during the treatment.
- Remain out of the premises for at least 2 hours after completion.
❗ This includes cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, rodents, and fish.
2. Protect Food and Consumables
- Remove or seal all food, drinks, and medicines in airtight containers.
- Clear countertops of any unpackaged food, crockery, or utensils.
3. Provide Access to Technicians
- Unlock access points such as cupboards, lofts, garages, or basements.
- Move furniture away from walls if requested.
- Secure any valuables or sensitive items.
4. Prepare the Interior
- Keep floors, worktops, and other accessible surfaces clear of unnecessary items where possible.
- Move small items away from areas that may need to be treated to allow the technician clear access.
- Turn off air conditioners, fans, and other equipment that circulates air before treatment begins.
- There is no need to open cabinets, drawers, or cupboards, and electronic equipment does not need to be covered unless specifically advised by the technician.
5. Remove All Living Things
- Ensure all pets and other animals are removed from the property before treatment.
- This includes cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, rodents and other pets.
- Fish tanks, aquariums and other animal enclosures require specific preparation. Please tell us about these before treatment so your technician can advise you.
- Do not switch off aquarium pumps, filters or other life-support equipment unless specifically instructed by your technician.
6. Clean Up Beforehand
- We recommend cleaning and vacuuming floors before the treatment, as treated areas should not be cleaned, mopped or vacuumed for at least 7 days afterwards, unless advised otherwise by your technician.
- Empty rubbish bins, wash any dirty dishes and remove food debris or crumbs before treatment. This helps ensure the property is clean and ready before the treatment is applied.
7. Post-Treatment Re-entry
- Do not return to the property before the 2-hour clearance time.
- Upon re-entry, open windows and doors for ventilation if instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need to leave the property for 2 hours?
The treatment needs time to settle and dry before it is safe to re-enter the treated areas. All occupants and pets must remain out of the property during treatment and for at least 2 hours after the treatment has been completed. Your technician will advise you if a longer clearance period is required.
2. What should I do with food items and medicines?
Remove or securely seal exposed food, drinks and medicines before treatment. Crockery, utensils and food preparation items should also be cleared away or stored appropriately to prevent contamination.
3. Can I leave my pets in a separate room?
No. All pets must be removed from the property during treatment, even if they would normally remain in an untreated room.
Fish tanks, aquariums and other animal enclosures may require specific preparation. Please tell us about these before your appointment so your technician can advise you.
4. Do I need to cover my furniture?
Not usually. Furniture does not normally need to be covered for treatment.
If you have particularly delicate, valuable or sensitive items that you are concerned about, please let us know before treatment and your technician can advise you.
5. Will I need to clean up after the treatment?
No. We recommend cleaning and vacuuming before your appointment.
After treatment, avoid cleaning, mopping or vacuuming treated areas for at least 7 days, unless your technician advises otherwise. This allows residual insecticide deposits to remain in place and continue working against the target pest.
Food preparation surfaces and other surfaces that need to be used can be wiped down as necessary. Your technician will provide any treatment-specific aftercare instructions.
6. Can I leave my windows open during the treatment?
No. Windows and external doors should normally remain closed during ULV fogging so the treatment can disperse effectively throughout the treated area.
After the required clearance period, ventilate the property by opening windows and doors as advised by your technician.
7. What if I have specific medical needs or concerns?
Please let us know before your appointment if anyone at the property has a medical condition, respiratory sensitivity or other concern that may be relevant to the treatment.
We can then consider this when selecting the treatment method and provide appropriate advice before work begins.
Important Notes
Please follow the preparation instructions carefully to help avoid delays or rescheduling of your appointment.
If you’re unsure about any of the instructions, please contact us before your appointment.
Following the correct preparation and aftercare guidance helps us carry out your pest control treatment safely and effectively.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you have any questions, concerns or special requirements, please call or email us before your appointment and we’ll be happy to advise you.
Contact our team if you need any support.
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