DIY Pest Control Tips: What To Do After Pest Control

You’ve had your home treated by a pest control professional—what happens next? It’s a common question: what to do after pest control sprays have been applied? You’ve already taken the important first step of hiring an expert to handle the situation, but keeping your home pest-free requires more than just that initial treatment.

You’ve invested time and money into getting rid of those pesky intruders, so how do you make sure they don’t come back? While residential pest control services and treatments are highly effective, maintaining a clean and secure environment is key to extending their effectiveness.

The good news is, that with a few simple DIY pest control tips, you can reinforce the treatment and help keep your home pest-free.

In this blog, we’ll share some practical pest control tips that you can easily implement at home. These tips will serve as a supplement to the professional services you’ve already received. 

Essential Steps After Pest Control Treatment

Here are some simple but important actions you can take to make sure the treatment works as effectively as possible. Understanding which is the best method for pest control can also help you maintain a pest-free environment. 

Give It Time

The first step to maximizing pest control effectiveness is knowing what to do after pest control services. After your home has been treated, you may be tempted to get back to your usual routine right away. But it’s important to give the treatment time to do its job. 

Most pest control sprays need time to dry and settle in before they become fully effective. Follow these guidelines for the best results:

• Wait 2-4 hours before reentering the treated area.
• Keep pets and children away for a bit longer to ensure safety.
• Open windows for ventilation if you notice any lingering odors.

Patience during this period ensures that the treatment can work to its full potential, providing you with the best results.

Can You Clean After Pest Control?

A common question is whether you can clean after pest control services. While it might seem like a good idea to start scrubbing floors immediately, it’s best to hold off on cleaning the treated areas. But should I clean after pest control services at all? Here are some important tips:

• Avoid mopping or wiping down surfaces for at least a week. This allows the treatment to sink into cracks, crevices, and corners where pests hide.
• You can clean untouched areas like countertops or bathrooms.
• If there’s any visible residue or odor after the treatment, give it a couple of days to settle before considering cleaning.

This waiting period ensures that the pest control treatment remains effective and undisturbed.

Seal Entry Points to Prevent Reinfestation

One of the most important steps in what to do after pest control sprays is preventing pests from coming back. Even though pest control treatments are effective, they won’t last forever unless you take steps to block entry points. Here’s how you can stop them: 

• Check windows, doors, and vents for any gaps or cracks.
• Seal holes in walls or around plumbing fixtures.
• Install weather stripping on doors and window frames to keep insects out.

Sealing entry points helps keep pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents out of your home. This step complements professional pest control services and extends their effectiveness.

Remove Any Food Sources

Even with professional pest control services, pests can return if they find easily accessible food sources in your home. To help eliminate any temptations for pests:

• Store food in airtight containers. This includes pet food, which should also be stored in sealed bins and kept off the floor.
• Clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Even tiny bits of food can attract pests.
• Take out the trash regularly. It may seem obvious, but pests are opportunistic, and open trash bins are an easy target.

By taking away potential food sources, you’re making your home much less appealing to any pests thinking about returning.

Regular Maintenance

Preventing future infestations requires regular upkeep. This is where your efforts can shine and supplement the professional pest control services you’ve received. Knowing when is the best time to do pest control can also help you plan your maintenance activities more effectively.

• Keep your home clean and free from clutter. Pests love hiding in piles of papers, fabrics, and boxes.
• Vacuum regularly, especially in areas where crumbs or debris accumulate.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels, as pests are attracted to damp environments.

By incorporating these regular maintenance routines, you can further ensure the long-term success of your pest control treatments.

Outdoor Measures to Keep Pests Away

Pest control doesn’t stop at your front door. The outside of your home is just as important in keeping pests at bay. A few outdoor maintenance tasks can help create a barrier that pests are less likely to cross:

• Trim back any trees or bushes touching your home. These can serve as bridges for pests.
• Clean out gutters to prevent water buildup, which can attract mosquitoes and other insects.
• Store firewood and compost heap away from your house to avoid attracting termites or rodents.

Regular outdoor maintenance creates a barrier that pests are less likely to cross, keeping your home protected year-round.

Trust Pest Control Professionals

Keeping pests out of your home doesn’t end with a single pest control treatment. DIY pest control tips are an excellent way to extend the effectiveness of professional treatments, but they work best in combination with expert help. 

By following the tips in this guide, you can significantly extend the results of your pest control service. Plus, it’s always a good idea to stay ahead of the game by scheduling regular check-ups.

Remember if you ever notice new signs of an infestation or just want some peace of mind, don’t hesitate to consult with a pest control professional. It’s a small price to pay for a home that stays pest-free, safe, and comfortable for you and your family.

For those interested in ongoing support, contact TOPBEST for expert guidance and maintenance to keep your home pest-free, safe, and comfortable year-round.