Getting your home ready for pest control

Guide · Updated 29 October 2026 · by the Pest Control in Sydney team

A bit of preparation helps a pest treatment work better and makes the visit quicker. Always follow the specific instructions your technician gives you, but these steps cover most general pest, cockroach and bed bug treatments.

Before the technician arrives

• Clear access to skirting boards, under sinks, the roof manhole and subfloor entry.
• Kitchen: put away food, utensils and dishes, wipe benches, and clear the cupboards under the sink if asked.
• Pets: plan to keep pets out of treated areas. Cover fish tanks and turn off their air pumps if advised, and bring pet bowls and bedding inside or away from treated spots.
• Kids: put toys away from skirting boards and outdoor play areas that will be treated.
• Outside: move outdoor furniture, toys and washing away from walls, and let the technician know about veggie gardens.
• Tell them about health issues such as asthma, allergies or pregnancy in the household.

Extra prep for cockroaches

Give the kitchen a good clean the night before, and don't spray supermarket insecticide in the days beforehand. It can make cockroaches avoid the professional bait. See cockroach control.

Extra prep for bed bugs

Wash bedding and clothing from affected rooms on the hottest setting they can take and tumble dry on high, bag clean items, and declutter around beds. Don't move furniture to other rooms. See bed bug treatment.

After the treatment

• Stay out of treated areas for as long as the technician advises, and keep pets out too.
• Avoid mopping along skirting boards or washing treated exterior walls for the time recommended.
• Don't wipe off or spray over gel baits.
• Seeing a few more insects for a few days is normal as they're flushed out.
• Book any follow-up visit the technician recommends.

Frequently asked questions