What to Expect from Your First Exterminator Visit

If you’ve never had to call an exterminator before, you might not know what to expect when they arrive. Before you decide to hire an exterminator, there are a few things you should ask them. But how do you prepare yourself for your first exterminator visit? Here’s everything you can expect from your first exterminator visit.

Every pest control company has different protocols for how business is conducted. But there are a few things you can expect and ways to prepare for your first exterminator visit. 

Here, you’ll find how you should prepare yourself and your home for your first exterminator visit, and what to expect from your exterminator.  

Also Read: 7 Questions To Ask Your Exterminator Before You Hire Them

What You Should Do To Prepare for Your Exterminator

Before your exterminator comes to either consult or service your home, you should prepare for the visit. Your exterminator might call you beforehand to tell you what they need for you to do. Here are some general guidelines you should follow. 

Note exactly where you found your infestation

Whether you had one or multiple sightings, note everywhere you’ve seen pests. Ask everyone in your home if they’ve spotted pests in other areas too. If you have tenants on your property, ask them if they’ve had issues with an infestation as well. This helps your exterminator determine where the epicenter of the infestation is. 

See if you can trap one of the pests

This isn’t recommended for all infestations, especially if you think the infestation is aggressive, toxic, or dangerous. However, if you manage to capture smaller pests like a termite or a cockroach, trap it in a plastic container or a ziplock bag, then put it in the freezer. 

This helps your exterminator determine what kind of infestation you have. For things like ant and termite infestations as there are hundreds of different sub-species, which determines the method of control.

Ants and termites are also commonly mistaken for each other. Your sample can provide a little more insight as to where the infestation is coming from.

Also Read: Ant VS Termite: What’s The Difference? (With Pictures)

Clean your home

Like with most guests, you will want to tidy your home a little bit before your exterminator comes. This isn’t because your exterminator will judge you otherwise, it helps them see signs of infestation more clearly. Oftentimes, good household hygiene is also the best solution to prevent any kind of infestation. 

Start by vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping all your floors. You may even find a few pests hiding deep in your carpets! 

Next, wash all your linens and dirty clothes. While you’re washing away, be sure to look out for evidence of pests in your linens and clothes like:

• Dead pests
• Broken wings and body parts
• Feces
• Bite marks and chew marks
• Stains and greasy smears

Finally, take out all your trash and inspect any areas with waste for more signs of infestation.

These signs can change depending on what your infestation is, so be sure to check out our resource pages on types of infestations to learn more. 

Move your furniture and prepare your pets

To make this visit as seamless as possible, you’ll want to move all your furniture away from the walls. This will help your exterminator get quick access into all the nooks and crannies of your home. 

You’ll also want to either crate your pets, or take them outside. This is especially important if you have a flea or tick infestation, as your furry one is normally the source of the infestation.

Remember to discuss the effect of the pest control chemicals on your pet if you do have one with your exterminator. 

What Your Exterminator Will Do For Your First Visit

Every pest control company has different protocols for their employees, so some details might change. However, most exterminators will arrive and act similarly to any other service you may have called.

There are, of course, some warning signs and red flags you should look out for before you hire your exterminator if this is their first visit. 

They should arrive clean-looking and professional

Your exterminator should arrive dressed in uniform. Properly introduce yourselves to each other. There’s no need to be formal when discussing the infestation, just be honest and trust your exterminator.

Your exterminator will be coming in and out of your home, so you should feel like you can trust them. If you find you’re having some trust issues with your exterminator, now is the time to raise your concerns. 

Pro Tip: Many women feel uncomfortable with men coming into their home, ask your pest control company if they have women on their team that could work with you!

Also Read: What It’s Like To Be A Female Exterminator

Investigating the source of the infestation 

Tell your exterminator about all sightings throughout your home. Show them the points of entry and common hiding areas. Your exterminator may ask to further investigate your home to find more points of entry and the source of the infestation. 

This is why it’s important to trust your exterminator, as they will be examining both inside and outside your home for signs of infestation. They may want to investigate more places in your home where the infestation hasn’t occurred yet.

If you have anxiety about someone searching your home, get them to explain why they’re searching in certain areas. If you’re uncomfortable because it’s a more sensitive area of your home, like a child’s room, let them know.

Assessing the damage of your home

At this point, your exterminator might take a look at some of the physical damage done to your home. They should only do this to determine the extent of the infestation. They should not try to sell you on other home repair services- this is a big red flag.

Ask them to explain they know that the damage is from the infestation, and how badly damaged your home is. They may point out things such as:

• Chew marks
• Moisture build-up 
• Grease stains or smears
• Tunnels in wooden structure
• Nests and hiding spots
• Points of entry  

If an exterminator tries to pressure you or use scare tactics to sell you on something quickly, that’s a big red flag.

Your exterminator will be honest with you, but they also want to handle the situation correctly and not hastily. Even if the damage to your home is extensive, a good exterminator will never try to force you to do something. 

Reporting and reviewing the infestation

Next, your exterminator will review everything they’ve found. They’ll report to you all the damage as well as the extent of the infestation. 

At this point, they’ll begin to discuss some possible solutions to take care of the infestation. They may give you several quotes on the different services they offer and recommend their best course of action. You’ll want to ask your exterminator questions about the infestation, and what you need to do to prepare. 

Want to find quality pest control services in your area? Pest Brigade only works with the best partners who are both qualified and experienced in pest control. To speak to an exterminator today, call us using the number at the top of the page. 

Also Read: 10 Pest Control Tips All New Homeowners Should Know