Cockroaches are gross. We really don’t want them in our houses and sometimes the infestations can get so bad we need
professional pest control services help to get rid of them. While phoning the roach busters might seem like an easy way to deal with the problem, not many people are aware that there is a little more work involved. While every exterminator should give you a list of things that need to be done before they come, here are a few things you can already start doing to ensure the exterminator can do their job effectively.
1. Inform the exterminator of any health issues
If anyone that lives in the house is sick, has asthma, is pregnant or is under the age of one, you need to inform the exterminator before they come. Also talk to your doctor about the upcoming extermination to ensure everyone’s safety.
2. Give your house a general clean
The exterminator will put out bait for the cockroaches. If there is a lot of clutter in your house, there are too many distractions for the cockroaches and the bait might prove ineffective.
3. Empty the kitchen cupboards
Remove everything from your kitchen cupboards, drawers and above and below the sink. Wash the cupboards and wipe out the drawers.
4. Clear your countertops
Cockroaches are mostly attracted to the kitchen so the exterminator will probably spend most of their time there. Put away any food that might be lying about, as well as small appliances like your kettle and toaster.
5. Wash surfaces with soap and water
Wash all countertops and floors to wash away any contamination left by cockroaches so they won’t attract any more friends.
6. Move heavy appliances away from the wall
The small spaces behind heavy appliances are fantastic breeding grounds for roaches. Move the appliances far enough away from the wall so the exterminator can fit behind them, and make sure you clean the floor.
7. Clear out the bathroom
Empty the bathroom cabinets and wash them. Wipe out any drawers, clean the sink and the tub, scrub inside and outside of your toilet and wash the floors.
8. Empty the bedroom closets
Place all clothes and shoes from the closet on your bed. Wipe down the shelves and move the furniture away from the wall so the exterminator can reach behind them.
9. Vacuum the house
The vacuum is an easy way to get rid of any eggs or exoskeletons left by cockroaches. Vacuum the carpets and behind those big kitchen appliances. Use the crevice attachment to get into hard to reach areas. Empty the vacuum in a trash bag outside and seal it properly. Dispose of it in the outside bin. Wipe down the vacuum itself with detergent.
10. Put away any pet’s or baby’s toys, as well as crib mattresses
You don’t want any toys, pet food and –dishes, or mattresses to be contaminated. Cover them with plastic or put them where the exterminator won’t go.
11. Take out the trash
Throw away any trash that might be in the house, this includes any paper or boxes. Trash is another source that can distract the roaches from the bait left by the exterminator.
12. Turn off smoke alarms
If you have smoke alarms in your house, you should switch them off before the exterminator comes.
13. Cover or remove fish tanks
If you have a fish tank in your home, either remove or cover the tank. If you’re leaving the tank covered in the home, switch off the air pump.
14. Leave the house for a few hours
You and your family (including the pets) will have to leave the house while the exterminator is busy, and you’ll have to wait a few hours afterwards to ensure the chemicals have dried and it’s safe for you to re-enter the home. Check with your exterminator how long the home needs to be unoccupied for.
15. Make sure the chemicals have dried before re-entering
Even though the exterminator may give a set amount of time that the house needs to be unoccupied, you should still make sure the chemicals have dried all the way before any pets, pregnant women, or people with breathing problems enter the house.
16. After care
It’s quite normal to see a few cockroaches after the service by the exterminator. Do not touch any of the cockroach bait and wash any surfaces that may have been in contact with the chemicals. The best way to keep your house cockroach free after the service is through regular cleaning.
Having an exterminator come to your house is quite a lot of work. Remember that cockroaches are attracted to the same things humans are: food, water and shelter. If you deny them those things, your house should be roach free and you won’t need to go through all the effort of having the exterminator around a second time.