General Pest Treatment (Quarterly / Annual Programs)
Before the Technician Arrives
- Clear clutter from along baseboards and in corners — products must reach wall-floor junctions
- Move furniture a few inches away from walls in treated rooms to allow baseboard access
- Remove pet food and water dishes from floors; cover or remove fish tanks
- Vacate the home with children and pets during treatment and for the re-entry interval specified by the technician (typically 1–4 hours after interior spray dries)
- Tell the technician about specific problem areas, species observed, and where activity is concentrated
Cockroach Treatment (German Cockroach Bait Programs)
Critical Preparation Points
- Clear all items from under the kitchen sink and from lower cabinet shelves — technician needs to apply bait gel in cabinet corners and hinges
- Do not use any over-the-counter sprays for at least two weeks before professional treatment — repellent chemicals on surfaces prevent bait uptake and scatter the colony
- Clean grease and food residue from stove, under appliances, and cabinet surfaces — competing food sources reduce bait attractiveness
- Empty and wipe the inside of the refrigerator drip tray if accessible
Rodent Treatment (Trapping and Exclusion)
Before Exclusion or Trapping Service
- Clear access to crawlspace entry and around the foundation perimeter — technician needs to inspect and seal gaps
- Move stored items away from basement and garage walls to expose the wall-floor perimeter where traps will be placed
- Identify and tell the technician where you have seen mice, heard activity, or found droppings
- Secure or remove pet food that is stored in accessible containers — competing food reduces trap and bait efficacy
Bed Bug Treatment
Preparation Specific to Bed Bug Service
- Wash and machine-dry all bedding, clothing, and soft goods on high heat — bag in sealed bags after drying
- Vacuum mattresses, box springs, and bed frames; dispose of vacuum bag or contents in a sealed bag immediately outside
- Pull beds away from walls; remove items stored under beds
- Clear clutter from bedroom floors — bed bugs harbor in any undisturbed material
- Follow the complete written prep sheet from your provider — bed bug service has the most stringent preparation requirements of any residential pest treatment
D&D Pest Control provides treatment preparation guidance for all services in Franklin County and rural Missouri — visit ddpestcontrolmo.com.