Follow the Exterminator’s Instructions

First and foremost, listen to the advice your pest control professional gives you. They may provide specific post-treatment guidelines based on the type of insecticide used & the severity of your infestation.

These instructions might include…

• How long to wait before re-entering treated areas

• When it’s safe to clean

• What not to touch or move for a few days

Stay Out of Treated Areas (If Advised)

Some treatments require you to stay out of the home or certain rooms for a few hours to let the spray settle and dry. This ensures…

• The chemicals are fully effective

• No one is exposed to wet pesticide

• Roaches are more likely to encounter the treatment undisturbed

Don’t Clean Immediately

It may be tempting to start cleaning, but doing so too soon can wipe away the residual insecticide that kills roaches over time.

Wait at least 5 – 10 days to…

• Mop floors

• Wipe down baseboards

• Deep clean behind appliances

You can clean high-traffic surfaces like countertops and dining tables with mild soap and water if they were not treated.

Expect to See More Roaches (At First)

Yes, really. After spraying, you might see more roaches than before. This doesn’t mean the treatment failed, it often means it’s working.

Roaches hiding deep in walls & crevices are being flushed out by the chemicals. Over the next week or two, you should see their numbers drop significantly.

Don’t Use Other Insecticides or Cleaners Near Bait or Spray Areas

Using additional sprays or harsh cleaning products in treated zones can interfere with the professional-grade chemicals. It may also deter roaches from taking bait, which is critical for eliminating the entire colony.

Let the professional treatment do its job uninterrupted.

Remove Dead Roaches & Keep Monitoring

Over the next few days or weeks, you’ll likely find dead roaches in treated areas. Be sure to…

• Sweep or vacuum them up

• Monitor for new activity

• Let your exterminator know if you’re still seeing signs after a few weeks

Maintain a Clean Environment

To keep roaches from returning…

• Store food in sealed containers

• Clean up crumbs and spills promptly

• Take out the trash daily

• Fix leaks and eliminate moisture

• Declutter dark, hidden areas where roaches might hide

Good hygiene practices are essential for long-term success, especially after a treatment.

Schedule Follow-Up Visits if Needed

Some infestations require multiple treatments to fully eliminate all roaches, especially if eggs hatch after the initial spray. Follow-up visits help ensure…

• Roaches are completely gone

• Remaining pests are targeted

• Prevention methods are reinforced