Getting pest control treatment done in your home can help eliminate pest infestations and prevent future ones. However, it inevitably leaves behind some chemical residue. This leads many homeowners to wonder if they need to do any cleaning after the pest control technician leaves. Here’s what you need to know about cleaning your home after pest control treatment.
Should I clean before pest control?
Before getting into post-treatment cleaning, it’s worth noting that pre-treatment cleaning is highly recommended. Thoroughly cleaning your home in advance can help maximize the effectiveness of the pest control treatment. Here are some tips for pre-treatment cleaning:
- Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and drapes to remove eggs, droppings, hair, and other debris.
- Mop hard floor surfaces.
- Clean out cabinets, drawers, closets and storage areas.
- Remove clutter.
- Launder bedding, linens and clothing.
- Empty and thoroughly clean trash cans and recycling bins.
- Wash all dirty dishes and clear off kitchen counters.
- Clean pet feeding areas.
Proper pre-treatment cleaning opens up access for the pest control technician and also removes sources of food and shelter for pests. This helps the treatment work better.
Should I clean after pest control sprays?
Pest control technicians often do a spray treatment using liquid pesticides in various areas of the home. The chemicals applied during these treatments are designed to have residual effects that continue controlling pests over time. However, they do leave behind traces in the home. Here are some tips for cleaning after spray treatments:
- Ventilate the treated rooms well by opening windows. Let the spray dry and settle completely before cleaning, usually at least 3-4 hours.
- Wash any exposed food preparation surfaces in the kitchen using hot, soapy water.
- Wipe down counters, tabletops and floors with an all-purpose cleaner or soapy water.
- Clean any areas where food is stored like cabinets, pantries and refrigerators.
- Wash any dishes or utensils that were out during treatment.
- Launder any clothing or fabrics that may have been sprayed.
- Take care when cleaning children’s rooms and play areas.
Most pest control companies will advise you on any special cleaning instructions depending on the exact products used. But in general, light cleaning of surfaces and exposed foods is recommended after spray treatments.
Should I clean after pest control fogging?
Fogging, also known as misting, involves applying fine pesticide mists or aerosols throughout a room or entire home. It allows the pesticide to penetrate deep into cracks, crevices and hard-to-reach areas. Foggers and misters can help eliminate established pest infestations. Here are some tips for post-treatment cleaning after fogging:
- Leave the home 2-4 hours prior to allow mists to settle.
- When re-entering, ventilate well by opening windows and doors.
- Wash all exposed food surfaces and dishes.
- Wipe down countertops, tables, and other surfaces.
- Clean any areas where foggers were placed according to product instructions.
- Launder bedding, linens, clothing that was out during fogging.
- Take care when cleaning children’s rooms, toys and play areas.
The micro-residues from fogging tend to settle out of the air relatively quickly. But cleaning is still recommended out of an abundance of caution, especially anywhere food is handled.
Should I clean after pest control dusts?
Some pest control treatments involve applying dry dust formulations into cracks, crevices, wall voids, attics and other areas where pests may hide and nest. The dust particles have residual effects on pests that traverse through the treated areas. Here are some tips for post-treatment cleaning after dust applications:
- Do not disturb the applied dusts by vacuuming or sweeping for at least 2-3 weeks if possible.
- Wipe down countertops, tables, appliances and other surfaces in food prep areas.
- Rinse off any exposed food, dishes or utensils.
- Launder bedding, linens and clothing when needed.
- Wipe surfaces and mop floors only if needed before 2-3 weeks.
- After 2-3 weeks, can vacuum and wet mop areas to remove any dust residue if desired.
The key with post-dusting cleaning is to avoid disturbing the treatments for as long as possible to maintain residuals. But light surface cleaning is still a good idea.
Should I clean after pest control gels and baits?
Some pest control treatments involve placing baits, gels or bait stations around the home. The pests are drawn to these reservoirs and ingest the poisons back to their nesting areas. This method provides ongoing control. Here are some tips for cleaning after gel and bait treatments:
- Do not disturb any bait reservoirs or stations.
- Avoid wiping or cleaning near bait placement areas.
- If any bait drips or spills, wear gloves while wiping it up with a damp towel.
- Clean food prep surfaces and exposed foods well.
- Rinse dishes and utensils thoroughly after washing.
- Take care when cleaning around children’s areas.
The goal is to avoid spreading any gel or bait residues. But otherwise, just your normal cleaning is needed after these types of targeted treatments.
How soon can I clean after pest control?
Here is a quick timeline for post-pest control cleaning:
- Right after interior sprays: Ventilate the home well. Avoid cleaning for 3-4 hours.
- After fogging: Wait 2-4 hours before re-entering. Then ventilate and clean.
- After dust applications: Try to wait 2-3 weeks before vacuuming up dusts.
- After baits/gels placed: Clean normally but avoid disturbing baits.
Always check the product instructions and talk to your pest control technician. But in most cases, cleaning should wait for at least a few hours after liquid sprays. Foggers require a little more time to settle.
Can I clean as normal after pest control?
In general, normal cleaning routines can resume within a day after liquid spray treatments. It is best to avoid heavy-duty cleaning like vacuuming up dusts for around 2-3 weeks. And always take care around any bait placements. Otherwise, here are some good post-treatment cleaning tips:
- Ventilate the home to allow residues to settle.
- Use your usual all-purpose cleaners and disinfectants.
- Wash dishes, linens and clothing as normal.
- Clean food prep areas thoroughly as usual.
- Do routine sweeping, mopping and vacuuming (after 1-2 days for sprays).
- Take out trash and recycling as normal.
In most cases, you can get back to your regular cleaning routine fairly quickly after pest control. Just take some extra care around food prep areas at first.
What should I avoid when cleaning after pest control?
Here are some things to avoid when cleaning up after pest control treatments:
- Do not clean immediately after interior liquid sprays. Wait at least 2-4 hours.
- Avoid vacuuming up dusts for at least 2-3 weeks if possible.
- Do not rub, wipe or disturb any bait gels or stations.
- Avoid using very harsh or abrasive cleaners.
- Do not spray or disturb exposed residual dust treatments.
- Take care when cleaning children’s rooms, toys, play areas.
The key things to avoid are disturbing liquid spray residues before they dry, and vacuuming up dusts too soon. Otherwise, just take reasonable care around treatments.
Should I wash everything after pest control?
It is not necessary to thoroughly wash every surface after pest control. Treatment residues tend to dissipate fairly quickly. However, washing certain items is a good idea, including:
- Exposed food prep surfaces
- Dishes, cookware and utensils
- Refrigerators and appliances exteriors
- Tables and countertops
- Clothing, linens and bedding
Focus washing on areas that come in direct contact with food and people. And wash anything that was exposed during the actual treatment itself. But there is no need to scrub down every inch of the home.
Should I mop floors after pest control?
It is generally recommended to avoid mopping hard floors for a few days after liquid spray treatments. This allows the pesticide residues time to settle in and have maximum effect. However, light mopping is okay in high traffic areas and kitchens. Here are some tips for mopping after pest control:
- Wait 1-2 days before mopping after liquid sprays.
- Use a damp mop only. No need for heavy wet mopping.
- Focus mopping on kitchens, dining areas, and high traffic zones.
- Avoid heavily mopping along baseboards and walls.
- Wait 2+ weeks before thoroughly mopping if dusts were applied.
The goal is to avoid washing away spray residues right away. But light, as-needed mopping is perfectly fine. Just don’t over-mop floors right after treatment.
How should I clean the kitchen after pest control?
Kitchens require some extra cleaning care after pest control since they involve food prep. Here are some kitchen cleaning tips:
- Wait 3-4 hours after spraying before cleaning.
- Wash and disinfect all food prep surfaces.
- Rinse dishes, utensils, and cookware thoroughly.
- Clean refrigerator and appliance exteriors.
- Wipe down cabinets, drawers and pantry shelves.
- Avoid cleaning directly on top of bait placements.
- Mop only minimally along edges and high traffic routes.
Focus on cleaning and disinfecting anywhere food is handled, stored or prepared in kitchens. But avoid over-cleaning sprayed areas.
How should I clean the bathroom after pest control?
Bathrooms also require some extra cleaning attention after pest treatments. Here are some tips for cleaning bathrooms:
- Clean showers, bathtubs, sinks as normal.
- Disinfect all bathroom surfaces well, including floors.
- Launder used bath towels, curtains, floor mats.
- If fogged, rinse shower curtain and liner thoroughly.
- Check cabinets and drawers for any insect evidence and clean.
- Avoid cleaning directly on top of bait placements.
Focus on disinfecting bathroom surfaces and laundering used fabrics. But avoid over-scrubbing treated areas around baseboards and under sinks.
Should I laundered clothes after pest control?
It is a good idea to launder clothing and other fabrics that were exposed during the actual pest control treatment. This includes:
- Clothing and towels left out during spraying.
- Sheets, bedding and linens in treated bedrooms.
- Shower curtains and bathroom mats.
- Throws, pillows and furniture covers in treated rooms.
Wash these at the highest recommended water temperature and dry thoroughly. This will help remove any pesticide residues. Otherwise, just continue your normal laundry routines.
How long do I need to clean up after pest control?
Here is a general timeline for post-treatment cleaning:
- Right after treatment: Ventilate the home for 2-4 hours before cleaning.
- First 1-3 days: Clean surfaces and fabrics exposed during treatment.
- First week: Exercise caution around treated areas.
- After 2-3 weeks: Can thoroughly clean treated areas if needed.
The most intensive cleaning steps occur right after treatment and during the first few days. After a week, regular cleaning can generally resume. And after a few weeks, the residues dissipate allowing a deeper clean if desired.
Can pest control chemicals make you sick?
Modern pesticides used for household pest control are formulated to be low in toxicity for humans and pets when used as directed. However, some people may still experience symptoms like:
- Eye, nose, throat or skin irritation
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
Usually, symptoms are temporary and mild. But prolonged exposure through contact or breathing in mists can potentially cause more severe effects. Practicing good ventilation and cleaning after treatment helps minimize exposure.
How can I remove pesticide smells after pest control?
Pesticides can leave behind faint chemical smells after application. Here are some tips for removing odors after pest control treatment:
- Open windows and set up fans to ventilate.
- Set out bowls of white vinegar which can help absorb odors.
- Run appliances like air purifiers and air conditioners to circulate air.
- Simmer cinnamon, vanilla extract or citrus peels on the stove.
- Use zeolite bags or activated charcoal to absorb smells.
- Clean carpets and fabrics with baking soda.
- Consider fogging with odor neutralizers.
With proper ventilation and some odor absorbers, pesticide smells should dissipate within a few hours to days after treatment.
Conclusion
Cleaning after pest control treatment involves removing residues from surfaces and fabrics in living areas, and exercising caution around treated spaces. Focus on cleaning food prep and human contact surfaces first. Launder exposed fabrics. But avoid over-cleaning treated areas. Normal cleaning routines can generally resume within 1-2 days, and more thorough cleaning after 2-3 weeks when residuals dissipate. Taking proper post-treatment cleaning steps can help ensure you safely eliminate pests while minimizing chemical exposure in the home.