Because a lack of preparation could make a treatment unsafe or cause re-infestation of the entire home or building, Beucher & Son will not treat areas that are not prepared to specifications.
Preparation Steps
You can help your PCO rid your home of a flea problem by doing the following things:
Before Service
- Be prepared to leave your home or apartment during treatment and until insecticide is thoroughly dried. This will be approximately 3 to 5 hours, or the time advised by your pest control operator.
- Wash all pet bedding in hot water or destroy it.
- Vacuum all carpeting and mop wood and tile floors, including along walls and inside closets.
- Clean or vacuum furniture, especially between and under cushions.
- Dispose of vacuum cleaner bag in a trash container outside your home, close tightly. If using a vacuum with a re-usable bag, empty contents into container outside your home, close tightly, and discard. Wash reusable bag in hot water.
- Remove all pets and have them treated for fleas by a veterinarian. If you plan to treat the animal yourself, it is essential that all label directions be followed and that you use only products specified for the species of animal on which the product is to be used. It is critical, however, that pets be treated at the same time as the home, so that neither reinfests the other afterward.
- Cover fish tanks with wet towels and turn off pumps until reoccupying home.
- Pick up all toys and items off floor. This includes picking up items from floors inside closets and under beds.
- Strip all bed linens and wash in hot water.
- Remove all caged pets (birds, reptiles, hamsters) before service is rendered.
- Cover and store any open food products, dishes or utensils before service is rendered.
- If the yard also is to be treated, the same steps as directed for in the home must be followed – that is, wash all pet bedding in hot water or destroy it, pick up all toys and items from the lawn and areas to be treated.
After Service
- Remain out of home until insecticide has dried thoroughly (3 to 5 hours, or as advised by your PCO). It is essential to allow this time and ensure that the home is completely aired out before allowing sensitive individuals, such as small children, or vulnerable pets back into the home.
- To give the treatment time to work, do not clean carpet or floors for at least two weeks after treatment.
- Your PCO will most likely shut down the air system during service. This should be turned back on upon reoccupation.
- If your stove has a pilot light, the PCO will also likely turn off the pilot light during service. Relight pilot upon returning home.