Before Your Appointment
Tell the service team about babies, children, pregnant or breastfeeding household members, and anyone with asthma, allergies, or a health condition requiring additional precautions. Also identify any pets, aquariums, and bird cages.
To prepare:
Put away exposed food and move cookware, dishes, and utensils away from treatment areas.
Remove children’s toys, pacifiers, feeding bottles, and pet supplies from application areas.
Provide access to the areas the technician needs to treat, as agreed before the visit.
Tell the technician about any other pesticides used before or after the service.
Ask for the product name and instructions for leaving, returning, ventilation, and cleaning.
During Treatment
Keep children, pets, and anyone not involved in the service away from application areas. If the treatment requires everyone to leave the property, moving to another room is not an adequate alternative.
Do not touch pesticides, equipment, or treated areas, and do not move baits or rodent stations. Follow the treatment-specific instructions for food, windows, air conditioning, and ventilation.
When Can You Return After Pesticide Treatment?
There is no universal waiting time. Re-entry depends on the product label, application method, required waiting period, and any additional conditions, such as drying and ventilation.
Do not return before the specified period has ended. Dry surfaces alone do not permit re-entry if the instructions require a longer wait. The absence of an odour does not establish that an area is ready for re-entry.
Arrange somewhere else to stay if necessary, and clarify the return requirements before treatment begins.
Children and Babies
Keep children away for the full restricted period. Once they may return, prevent access to baits, rodent stations, and any treated areas where contact must still be avoided.
Return toys and feeding supplies only when their storage and use surfaces are clean. If an item has been exposed to pesticide, obtain cleaning instructions before using it again.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Minimise pesticide exposure during pregnancy and tell the team about pregnancy or breastfeeding before treatment is planned. Pregnant household members should remain outside application areas and follow all re-entry requirements.
If there are medical concerns or additional precautions are needed, share the product name and label with the treating clinician for advice suited to the individual.
Pets Animal Precautions
| Animal | Precautions |
| Cats and dogs | Keep them away during application and remove food, water, toys, and bedding. Prevent licking of treated surfaces and access to baits. Follow the applicable return requirements. |
| Birds | Notify the team beforehand and arrange a location away from treatment and spray exposure, as required by the label. Do not rely on covering the cage alone. |
| Fish | Identify the aquarium and aeration system before the visit so suitable protection or relocation can be planned. Do not assume a cover is sufficient or switch off aeration without advice. |
Cleaning After Pest Control
A blanket rule such as “do not clean for 24 hours” does not suit every treatment. Ask which surfaces can be cleaned immediately, which must be left undisturbed, and for how long.
Clean food preparation surfaces and utensils before use, following the product and service instructions.
Do not wipe application sites or remove baits unless instructed.
Never mix pesticides with bleach, cleaning products, or other substances.
Do not apply additional pesticide sprays yourself.
Accidental Exposure
Move away from the source and seek medical or veterinary advice as appropriate. Keep the product name and label available. Follow the label’s first-aid instructions and do not induce vomiting unless directed by a qualified professional.
Seek emergency assistance immediately for breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, or other severe symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pesticide treatments completely risk-free for children and pets?
No pesticide should be described as risk-free. Reducing exposure and following the label, application requirements, and re-entry instructions are essential.
Does every treatment require leaving the home?
No. Requirements depend on the product, application method, and treatment location. Confirm them before work begins.
Can I return when the smell has gone?
No. Odour is not a reliable re-entry indicator. Follow the specified waiting period and conditions.
Does this guide cover fumigation, disinfection, and ozone treatment?
This is general pest control guidance. Fumigation, disinfection, and ozone treatments require their own instructions for evacuation, ventilation, and re-entry.