How to prepare for a home extermination intervention

A well-prepared home extermination service optimizes the treatment. A clear, clean, and accessible environment facilitates the technician's work and increases the effectiveness of the products used. This also ensures your safety, the safety of your pets, and the protection of your belongings. Finally, properly preparing your home helps prevent future re-infestation by reducing hiding places and food sources for pests.

Before the visit, it's helpful to know what to expect. At  RD , every home extermination service begins with a thorough inspection of your property. The technician identifies high-risk areas such as cracks, entry points, and dark or damp corners, then determines the most appropriate treatment. Depending on the situation, the service may include:

• Targeted application of products in areas of activity.
• The safe trapping or capture of certain animals.
• Personalized recommendations to prevent a recurrence.

RD is committed to an eco-responsible, effective, and safe approach for your family, your pets, and the environment. You can therefore rest assured: everything is done in accordance with best practices in pest management.

Proper preparation of your space is key to a successful home extermination. Here are some essential steps to take before the technician arrives:

Clear the areas to be treated

Clear baseboards, corners, cabinets, and under sinks. These areas are often targeted during treatments because they serve as hiding places for insects and rodents.

Put away the food

Seal or store all food in airtight containers. This includes dry goods (pasta, flour, cereals) and pet food.

Protect personal belongings

Store toothbrushes, kitchen utensils, and children's toys in closed drawers. If surfaces are likely to be treated, cover them with a cloth or washable tablecloth.

Move the furniture if necessary

In some cases, it may be recommended to move the furniture a few centimeters away from the walls to allow for better access. Your technician will advise you beforehand if this is necessary.

Animals are sensitive to the products used during home extermination. It is therefore important to provide them with a safe space. Ideally, keep them outside or in another room during the treatment and for a few hours afterward .

If that's not possible, you can also have your pets looked after by a relative, neighbor, or at a boarding kennel during the procedure. For aquariums, cover the top with a towel and temporarily turn off the filtration system to prevent contamination.

This preparation ensures the safety of your animals while allowing the technician to work efficiently and without interruption.

When a RD technician is performing extermination at your home, it is best to remain outside the treated area. This not only allows the professional to work efficiently but also prevents any unnecessary exposure to the products.

The duration of the intervention varies depending on the type of pest and the size of the house. Generally, a visit lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

The technician will be able to inform you of the next steps and precautions to take before you return home. At RD, everything is done to ensure the treatment is quick, discreet, and hassle-free.

Once the extermination at home is complete, some simple actions can maximize the effectiveness of the treatment:

Wait before cleaning

Avoid vacuuming or washing the floors immediately after treatment. Wait the time recommended by the technician (often 24 to 48 hours) to allow the products to fully work.

Monitor the activity

It's normal to still see some pests in the days following the treatment: this means the treatment is working. If the problem persists after the specified period, a free follow-up call can be scheduled—a benefit included with RD services.

Follow the technician's advice

The personalized recommendations provided by the professional (crack repair, waste management, exterior maintenance) are essential to prevent re-infestation. Home extermination is only effective in the long term if this advice is followed.

How long should you stay outside after treatment?

It depends on the type of product used. Generally, it is recommended to wait 2 to 4 hours before re-entering the premises. Your technician will specify the exact timeframe.

Should we empty the cupboards?

Only those areas directly affected by the problem (e.g., kitchen for ants, bathroom for silverfish). The technician will guide you based on the type of pest being treated.

Is home extermination safe for children?

Yes. The products used by RD are approved by  Health Canada and applied in a targeted manner to minimize any exposure.

Properly preparing for  home extermination ensures a more effective treatment and lasting peace of mind. By taking a few simple steps before and after the RD technician's visit, you actively contribute to the success of the process.

This fall, don't wait for pests to invade your space: schedule your home extermination now  with RD. Our experts are here to help you regain a healthy, safe, and pest-free environment, no matter the season.