So, you’ve decided to call in the professionals—perhaps after trying some DIY methods, or maybe because the flea problem has simply become too big. Whatever the reason, hiring a professional pest control service, like Wake Pest, is a solid step toward reclaiming your home from fleas. However, there’s a common misconception that once you schedule the appointment, your job is done. In reality, preparing your home beforehand can dramatically boost the effectiveness of the treatment.
Why Preparation Matters
When a home is adequately prepped, the treatment products can reach the places where fleas hide—such as behind furniture, under carpets, or in tight crevices. This is crucial for tackling the eggs, larvae, and pupae that are often overlooked in casual cleanings. Proper preparation ensures that our technicians can do their job thoroughly and safely, giving you the best chance at a long-lasting solution.
Step 1: Talk to Your Technician
Before we arrive, we usually provide specific instructions based on your home’s layout and your unique situation. Every flea infestation is different. If you have any special concerns—like pets with medical conditions or family members with allergies—let us know. Clear communication allows us to tailor our approach and suggest the safest, most effective treatments.
Step 2: Declutter Common Areas
Fleas love cluttered spaces because they offer countless hiding spots. Here’s what you can do:
- Pick Up Items Off the Floor: Clothing, toys, and other items should be placed on shelves or in sealed bins.
- Store Loose Papers: Fleas can hide in stacks of paper. Gather them up and store them securely.
- Clear Under Furniture: Move shoes, storage boxes, or anything else under beds and couches, so the technician can access these areas.
This step not only makes it easier for us to move around but also ensures that the treatment can reach every corner where fleas might be lurking.
Step 3: Thoroughly Vacuum
We encourage a good vacuuming session before our arrival, focusing on carpets, rugs, furniture, and tight corners. Vacuuming can remove a large number of adult fleas and some eggs, making the subsequent chemical treatment more effective. Remember to empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately afterward, preferably into an outdoor trash can.
Step 4: Wash or Remove Pet Bedding
If your pets have bedding, toys, or blankets they regularly use, these can harbor flea eggs and larvae. We recommend:
- Wash in Hot Water: Run them through a hot cycle in the washing machine, then dry thoroughly on high heat.
- Replace if Needed: If items are heavily infested or worn out, it might be time for new bedding.
- Temporarily Remove During Treatment: After washing, consider storing them in sealed plastic bags until the treatment is complete.
This ensures that fleas don’t just relocate to your pet’s belongings once the rest of the home is treated.
Step 5: Secure or Relocate Pets
On the day of treatment, your pets should be safely out of the house or in a designated area that won’t be treated. Chemical odors might stress them out, and we want to avoid direct contact with treated surfaces until they’re fully dry and safe. Here’s how:
- Board Your Pets: If possible, arrange for them to stay with a friend, family member, or a pet boarding facility.
- Use a Crate or a Room: If removing them from the home isn’t feasible, isolate them in a room that our technicians won’t treat initially. We can treat that space later if needed.
- Coordinate Timing: Ask your pest control company how long you’ll need to keep your pets away from treated areas.
Pets are part of the family, so we take every precaution to ensure they remain safe and comfortable throughout the process.
Step 6: Cover or Store Food Items
Flea treatments generally target floors, carpets, and furniture, but it’s still wise to store or cover any open food items to avoid accidental contamination. Place them in sealed containers or in the fridge until the treatment is done. For produce, use airtight bags or plastic wrap.
While many modern flea control products have low toxicity, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A few extra minutes to secure your food can save you peace of mind later.
Step 7: Make Arrangements for Family Members
Much like pets, some family members might be sensitive to the smells or chemicals used in pest control. If you have infants, elderly relatives, or anyone with respiratory issues, you might consider having them stay elsewhere during the treatment and for a few hours afterward. Most treatments dry or dissipate within a couple of hours, but each product’s requirements may vary.
Step 8: Clarify Post-Treatment Procedures
You’ll want to know what to expect after the technician finishes. At Wake Pest, we typically advise:
- Ventilation: Open windows and run fans to air out the home, especially if there’s any lingering odor.
- Floor Care: Avoid mopping or deep-cleaning floors for a set period. This allows the flea treatment to remain effective.
- Follow-Up Visits: In cases of severe infestation, multiple treatments might be needed. Mark your calendar for any recommended follow-up appointments.
We also provide guidelines on when it’s safe to let pets and children return to treated areas. This ensures everyone stays safe and healthy.
Step 9: Communicate Any Changes or Observations
If you notice fleas reappearing after the initial treatment or if any family member experiences unexpected symptoms (like increased itching or respiratory irritation), reach out to your pest control provider right away. Sometimes, fleas may continue to emerge as eggs hatch, but they should be killed by residual product if the treatment was done correctly. Communication helps us adjust our approach if something isn’t going as planned.
Final Words of Advice
By following these preparation steps, you’re setting the stage for a successful flea treatment. Think of it this way: the more accessible your home is, and the fewer obstacles fleas can use for shelter, the better the treatment will work. Plus, thorough preparation speeds up the process for everyone and helps you get back to a comfortable, flea-free environment sooner.
At Wake Pest, we believe that pest control is a partnership. Your efforts to prepare your home combine with our expertise, making the entire process smoother and more effective. If you have any questions about these steps or want additional tips tailored to your home’s layout, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re committed to ensuring that fleas get out—and stay out—of your living space. Here’s to a home where you can finally relax, itch-free!