Getting your home ready before flea and tick treatment makes all the difference in results. A few hours of preparation can mean the difference between good results and excellent results that protect your family year-round.
Our technicians have helped thousands of homeowners eliminate fleas and ticks. We've created this comprehensive prep guide based on what works best—so your treatment is as effective as possible.
This guide includes:
- Step-by-step preparation checklist
- What to do after treatment
- Timeline for results
- Important safety information
Why Preparation Matters
Better Results Start Before Service Day
Proper preparation isn't just helpful—it's essential for maximum effectiveness. Here's why:
Removes Hiding Spots: Fleas and ticks hide in carpets, furniture, and pet bedding. Thorough vacuuming and decluttering removes places for them to hide, making our treatment more effective.
Allows Full Coverage: Moving furniture away from walls and lifting items off floors gives our technician access to baseboards, floor corners, and entry points where pests hide.
Treats Pets Alongside Your Home: Fleas and ticks on your pets can reinfect your home. Treating pets on service day breaks the cycle and prevents reinfestation.
Maximizes Product Effectiveness: Our EPA-approved treatments work best on clean surfaces without obstacles. A prepared home means better contact with pest populations.
Protects Your Family: Clearing clutter and removing pets ensures everyone's safety during treatment and faster return to normal activities.
Flea & Tick Treatment Prep Checklist
BEFORE TREATMENT - PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Treat Your Pets
☐ Have your pets treated for fleas on the same day as your home treatment. This can include a visit to your veterinarian for a flea dip or application of a topical flea treatment.
☐ Remove all pet bedding, toys, and carriers from treatment areas. Wash them in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting.
Remove All Pets
☐ All pets must be removed from your home during treatment and for 4 hours afterward. This includes dogs, cats, birds, and other animals.
☐ If you have fish tanks, cover them and turn off air pumps during treatment.
Thoroughly Vacuum Your Home
☐ Vacuum all carpets, rugs, furniture (including under cushions), and pet sleeping areas thoroughly.
☐ Pay extra attention to areas where pets spend the most time.
☐ Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or canister contents in a sealed plastic bag outside your home.
Wash All Bedding & Linens
☐ Wash all bedding, sheets, pillowcases, and pet bedding in hot water. Dry on the highest heat setting.
☐ Wash all clothing and fabrics that may have contacted pets in hot water and dry on high heat.
Clear Clutter
☐ Pick up and store loose items from floors, including clothing, toys, shoes, and other belongings.
☐ This allows our technician better access and more comprehensive treatment coverage.
Move Furniture
☐ Move furniture away from walls—approximately 8 inches away—to allow access to baseboards and other key treatment areas.
☐ Lift items off the floor, including under-bed storage, to ensure access to all floor surfaces.
Leave Your Home
☐ All residents and pets must vacate the home during treatment and for 4 hours afterward.
☐ Plan to be away from your home during this time—our technician will lock up if needed.
AFTER TREATMENT - WHAT TO EXPECT
Clean Food Contact Surfaces
Once treatment is complete, wash all food contact surfaces (countertops, tables, etc.) with soapy water to remove any residual chemicals.
Allow 10-14 Days for Full Effectiveness
It's normal to see an increase in pest activity immediately after treatment. This is a positive sign—it means the product is working to eliminate fleas and ticks.
The treatment will reach full effectiveness within 10-14 days.
During this period:
- ✓ Avoid cleaning treated areas (baseboards, entry points, floor corners)
- ✓ Continue vacuuming every 2-3 days for the next 2 weeks
- ✓ Keep pets treated with flea prevention throughout this period
- ✓ Allow the treatment to work without interruption
Common Questions about Flea & Tick Treatment
Q: What if I can't complete all the preparation tasks?
A: Contact us before your appointment. We understand life gets busy. Our team can prioritize the most important preparation steps and adjust our approach if needed. Call 800-886-7327 to discuss your situation.
Q: Can I stay home during treatment?
A: All residents and pets must leave during treatment for 4 hours. This ensures safety and allows the product to work effectively without interruption. Most customers run errands, visit a friend, or grab a meal while we work.
Q: How long until I see results?
A: You may see an increase in pest activity immediately after treatment—this is actually a good sign that the product is working. Full effectiveness takes 10-14 days. Continue vacuuming every 2-3 days during this period to remove dead fleas and ticks.
Q: What if fleas or ticks come back during the 10-14 day period?
A: This is normal as remaining pests are flushed out by the treatment. Our Worry-Free Pest-Free Guarantee covers this—call us and we'll return at no charge. Call 800-886-7327 anytime.
Q: Do I need to wash everything before treatment?
A: Washing bedding and pet items in hot water is essential—this removes flea eggs and larvae. Washing other fabrics that contacted pets is strongly recommended. Your preparation directly impacts effectiveness.
Q: Is the treatment safe for my kids and pets?
A: Yes. We use EPA-approved products safe for families and pets once dried (typically 30-60 minutes). All pets must be away during treatment, but our products are designed for residential use around families and pets.
Ready to Eliminate Fleas & Ticks?
Step 1: Print or save this prep guide
Step 2: Prep your home using our checklist
Step 3: Call us to schedule treatment
Your treatment appointment team:
Call: 800-886-7327
Email: [email protected]
Fleas and ticks don't have to control your home. With proper preparation and our proven treatment process, your family can enjoy a pest-free home for good. We've got this—let's get you protected.
