How to prepare your apartment for pest control

Clear out the cupboards. All of them–especially under sinks, around the fridge, and anywhere food crumbs tend to collect. Technicians need direct access to baseboards, cracks, corners, and dark gaps, and clutter just gets in the way. If something’s in a drawer or cabinet near the floor, move it. Not sort of move it. Actually pull it out and leave it somewhere safe for a few hours.

Vacuum the baseboards and behind the appliances. It’s not about tidiness; it’s about removing crumbs, droppings, or egg casings that could interfere with the work. Don’t skip behind the stove or fridge–they’re magnets for activity, and skipping them means risking re-infestation. It’s annoying, sure, but worth it. I once ignored the back of the fridge and saw ants again within a week.

If you’ve got pets, arrange for them to stay elsewhere for the day. Birds and reptiles too. Even fish tanks need to be covered and the air pump unplugged. Some people forget that. I did once, and it turned into a bit of a scramble when I realized mid-visit. It’s easier to over-prepare than to deal with that stress while someone’s already spraying.

Finally, check if you need to vacate. Most treatments require leaving for at least four hours. Don’t assume–it depends on the product. Ask your technician the day before, not the morning of. Plans get messy when you’re rushing to figure it out last minute.

What to Remove or Cover in the Treated Areas

Clear out all food–anything edible, even if it’s sealed. Cabinets, countertops, pet bowls. It all needs to go or be double-bagged and stored far from the treated zone. Leave nothing out that could absorb chemical residue or attract insects post-treatment.

Remove bedding, pillows, and clothing from areas being sprayed. If you’re dealing with something like bed bugs, yes, even closet items should be sealed in plastic and placed elsewhere. Soft materials hold onto treatments longer than most expect.

Cover or relocate aquariums, and switch off air pumps. Fish are extremely sensitive to chemical changes in the air. Same with reptiles or birds–better to relocate them for the day if that’s an option.

• Take down wall art, posters, and decorative fabric hangings.
• Remove toys and children’s items–don’t just cover them. Washables should go into the laundry.
• Unplug electronics near baseboards, especially if technicians will be spraying cracks or corners.

For furniture too large to move, pull it slightly away from the wall to allow access. Then drape with a clean sheet or plastic cover. That’s usually enough to shield it from light spray or airborne residue, though it depends on the exact method used–ask if unsure.

One last thing: some services may recommend removing outlet covers or vent grilles ahead of time. It’s tedious, but it helps get into nesting spots. If that feels like overkill, check this honest review of local options: Are pest control in Calgary companies worth it.

How to Prepare Kitchen, Bathroom, and Living Spaces

Clear all food items from countertops, open shelves, and anywhere they’re exposed. That includes toasters, coffee makers, spice racks–anything that might have crumbs or food residue. Move smaller appliances into cupboards or out of the room altogether if possible. If there’s pet food, store it in a sealed bin and relocate it for the day. Leave the fridge and freezer alone unless otherwise instructed by the technician.

Empty under-sink cabinets in both the kitchen and bathroom. Clean them out, wipe surfaces if needed, and leave them open. Same goes for drawers that hold brushes, sponges, or anything absorbent. If there are leaky pipes, now’s the moment to fix them–damp spots attract more than just bugs.

In bathrooms, remove personal care products like toothbrushes, razors, and makeup from exposed surfaces. Tuck them away or cover tightly. Shower curtains can stay, but it’s better if you pull them back. Remove bath mats and hang towels elsewhere.

Living rooms get tricky. Upholstered furniture usually doesn’t need to be moved, but pull it away from the walls by at least 20 cm if you can. Vacuum floors thoroughly, especially around baseboards. If you’ve got clutter–boxes, magazines, electronics–either move them out or stack them neatly so they don’t block access to wall edges or corners. Floor vents should be uncovered.

One last thing: open closets. Even if you think they’re fine. Bugs love tight, dark places, and so do the sprays or traps being applied. Hang clothes in garment bags if you’re worried, but don’t seal the area off completely.

When and How to Re-enter After Pest Control

Always wait until the minimum re-entry period has passed, which is usually 4 to 6 hours after indoor insecticide use. For fumigation, it can stretch to 24 hours or more. This isn’t just about comfort–it’s about avoiding residual exposure that can irritate your lungs or skin, especially in children or pets. If you’re unsure, contact the technician directly or check the label on the treatment product used. They’ll typically leave behind a notice with the exact re-entry time.

Open windows when you return, if the weather allows, and keep them open for at least an hour. Air circulation helps clear out lingering vapours, even if you don’t smell anything. If you’re dealing with asthma or sensitivities, maybe wait a bit longer–some people say 8 hours is their personal safe zone, even when 4 is technically fine.

Don’t rush to clean everything immediately. Removing traces too soon can cancel out the work just done. If you’re wondering what’s safe to touch or clean, this guide might help: Can I Vacuum After Pest Control In Calgary. You’ll find tips on when and how to vacuum treated areas without messing up the treatment.

Some treatments work best when left undisturbed. Wiping counters is fine, but mopping floors or deep-cleaning baseboards–wait at least a few days unless the provider says otherwise. Each product works differently. If it’s a gel bait or residual spray, too much early scrubbing makes it pointless. You might also want to see what fliphtml5.com about The Pest Control Guy says–they’ve handled enough cases around Calgary to know what’s reasonable to expect in terms of lingering smell or residue.

And don’t forget the small stuff. Replace toothbrushes left out, rinse pet bowls, toss any uncovered food. These seem like tiny things, but they’re often overlooked. A little caution now prevents weird symptoms later that’ll have you wondering, “Was that from the spray?” Better not to guess.

Q&A:

Do I need to empty kitchen cabinets before pest treatment?

Yes, if the treatment targets cockroaches, ants, or other kitchen-invading insects, it’s recommended to completely empty all cabinets, drawers, and pantries. Remove food, dishes, and utensils so the exterminator can access hidden areas and apply the product directly where pests hide. Seal removed items in bags and store them away from the treatment zone.

Is it safe to leave electronics and appliances plugged in during treatment?

Most modern pest control products won’t damage electronics, but it’s still safer to unplug devices and move small appliances like toasters and coffee makers away from walls. This gives the technician better access to baseboards and corners without risking contact with delicate items.

Should I cover my furniture or move it?

Large furniture like sofas, beds, and cabinets should be moved at least 2 feet away from walls where possible. You don’t need to cover these items unless instructed. Technicians often spray along baseboards, so clearing the space makes the treatment more thorough and prevents stains or residue on fabric or wood.

What should I do with my pets during pest control treatment?

All pets, including cats, dogs, birds, and small mammals, should be removed from the apartment during the treatment and for several hours afterward, depending on the product used. Fish tanks must be sealed with plastic and the air pump turned off. Re-entry times should always follow the technician’s instructions.

Can I clean the apartment right before the pest control visit?

Yes, vacuuming and mopping beforehand is encouraged. It removes crumbs, pet hair, and other debris that could reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. However, avoid deep cleaning for at least a week after the application, especially near baseboards and corners, to allow the product to work over time.

Do I need to empty all cabinets in my kitchen before a pest control treatment?

If the treatment targets cockroaches, ants, or pantry pests, it’s recommended to clear out all kitchen cabinets, especially the lower ones. This allows the technician to treat corners, cracks, and hinges where insects often hide or breed. Place the contents in sealed containers or bags and keep them in another room. If the treatment is focused on rodents or general spraying in common areas, removing items from upper cabinets may not be necessary—check with the pest control provider for specific guidance based on the treatment type.