What To Do After A Pest Control Treatment

What To Do After Your Pest Control Treatment

You’ve made a smart move by scheduling a professional pest control treatment—now let’s ensure you get the best possible results. Pest control doesn’t work overnight, but with a bit of patience and a few simple steps, you can keep those unwanted guests from making a comeback.

Give the treatment time to work

It’s important to understand that some pests may linger or even show increased activity immediately after your home has been treated. This is a normal part of the process and doesn’t indicate that the treatment isn’t working. Many pest control solutions are designed to flush pests out of their hiding spots before eliminating them. So, be patient and allow the treatment the time it needs to do its job effectively.

Hold off on deep cleaning

We know it’s tempting to scrub everything down, but resist the urge—at least for a couple of weeks, especially hard scrubbing the edges of treated rooms. Many pest control treatments leave behind a residual barrier that continues to work long after the initial application. Cleaning too soon could wipe away these treatments and reduce their effectiveness. Stick to light cleaning and hold off on deep cleaning.

Monitor pest activity

As mentioned earlier, you may see dead or sluggish pests around your home after treatment. This is actually a good sign—it means the treatment is doing its job! If you see increased activity, don’t panic. Some pests, like ants, spiders, and cockroaches, get stirred up as the treatment takes effect. Keep an eye on things, and if you’re still seeing pest activity after a couple of weeks, contact your pest control provider.

Seal up entry points

Your pest control treatment will eliminate the pests inside your home and around the exterior, but you’ll want to reinforce your defenses to prevent new invaders. Take some time to seal up any potential entry points:

• Inspect and repair any gaps around windows, doors, and vents.
• Replace missing shingles and repair holes.
• Fix torn screens and install door sweeps if needed.
• Seal cracks and holes in your foundation, siding, and around utility lines.

The more barriers you put in place, the less likely pests are to return.

Eliminate food & water sources

Ants, mice, and other pests always hunt for food, water, and shelter. To discourage them from sticking around, take the following steps:

• Store all food in airtight containers.
• Wipe up crumbs and spills promptly.
• Take out the trash regularly and use covered bins outside.
• Fix any leaky faucets or pipes that could provide a water source.

Remember, a clean, dry home is far less inviting to pests looking to settle in.

Maintain your yard & address outdoor moisture problems

Insects and rodents thrive outside and indoors, so yard maintenance is essential for long-term pest prevention. Consider these steps to make your yard less appealing:

• Trim back vegetation: Overgrown bushes often provide hiding spots for pests, and tree branches touching the roof and sides of the house can act as a bridge for opportunistic pests. Keep plants and trees trimmed away from the exterior of your home.
• Remove debris: Piles of leaves, sticks, stumps, and rotting wood can harbor pests like carpenter ants and rodents. Clear your yard of clutter regularly.
• Eliminate standing water: Stagnant water is a magnet for mosquitoes and other pests. Check for areas in your yard where water collects—fix any drainage issues, repair leaking spigots, and make sure gutters are clean and properly functioning.
• Use mulch wisely: While mulch can be great for your garden, it can also provide a moist, dark environment for pests. Don’t go overboard when using it; avoid piling it up against your home’s foundation.
  
  

Stay in touch with your pest control company

Call your pest control company if you have any concerns after treatment, whether lingering pests, unexpected activity, or new signs of infestation. Some pest problems require a follow-up treatment, and your provider can offer guidance on what’s normal and what’s not.

Need expert home pest control? We’ve got you covered!

Professional pest control is the key to lasting protection, whether you're dealing with an active infestation or looking to prevent future pest problems. Pine State Pest Solutions, a locally owned and operated pest control company, provides effective and ongoing home pest control services in Auburn, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, and elsewhere in our multi-county service area. Homeowners can count on our experienced team to deliver the best pest control solutions to keep your home pest-free. Check out our plans and pricing below, or simply contact us today for reliable services and long-term peace of mind!