Pest control is a crucial service for homeowners and businesses. It protects homes, offices, and commercial areas from pests like ants, bed bugs, flies, mice, and rats. If you are a homeowner, tenant, or landlord then you must know about pest control services. Professional pest control services can give you a hygienic and safe environment. This is a Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control Services – The following are answers to some of the commonly asked questions about pest control services. These include DIY pest control, safety concerns, and after-treatment tips.
Guide to Pest Control Services: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common pest control questions (FAQs) in our Guide to Pest Control in Canada. Learn about methods, costs, safety, and more for a pest-free home!
Can I Do Pest Control Myself?
Yes, you can try to control pests in your home yourself. It is easy to get rid of some minor pests such as ants or flies at home. You can also use some pest control products at home for this purpose, such as traps, baits and sprays. But these products alone won’t do the trick. Pest infestations keep coming back rendering the DIYs ineffective. In that case, you might need professional help from experts.
Effective solutions offered by experts provide long-term relief. In addition, pest control professionals are trained to deal with extreme or widespread infestations.
Is Pest Control an Essential Service in Canada?
Yes, pest control is an essential service in Canada. Pests pose health risks and cause structural damage to buildings. Rats, mice, and cockroaches carry diseases. These diseases are then transmitted to humans.
When all businesses were shut down during COVID-19, pest control was operational. Pest control helps in maintaining cleanliness and safety in homes and commercial areas.
How Long After Pest Control Can I Go Inside?
In this Guide to Pest Control, we recommend you that after pest control treatment, the time you should wait before re-entering your home depends on the type of chemicals used. For most common treatments, pest control professionals recommend waiting between 2 to 4 hours to ensure that the sprayed substances dry and settle properly. This precaution minimizes the risk of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Always consult the pest control company for specific instructions about your situation, as some treatments may require a longer waiting period.

Are Tenants or Landlords Responsible for Pest Control in Canada BC?
Pest control responsibilities vary in Canada British Columbia depending on the bases of the lease agreement. Typically landlords take care of repairs including pest control in most cases. Sometimes pests emerge due to structural issues on the property. In this case, the landlord is responsible for hiring pest control services.
However, sometimes tenants are responsible for infestations due to their own actions. Such actions include incorrect trash disposal or bad sanitation. In such a case, the tenant is liable for hiring pest control services. Tenants should review rental agreements for pest control provisions. If there are concerns, then negotiate them with the landlord.
Are Pest Control Chemicals Harmful to Humans?
Most chemicals for pest control are not harmful to humans when used correctly. Nevertheless, they can be dangerous when swallowed or inhaled in large quantities. Most pest control companies now use environmentally friendly or low-toxicity chemicals. It reduces risks to humans, pets, and the environment.
However, some chemicals can still irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. Particularly for individuals who have allergies or asthma. Therefore always follow the guidelines provided by pest control professionals, such as avoiding treated areas for the recommended period and keeping children and pets away from treated surfaces.
Is Pest Control Safe for Pregnant Women?
The majority of pest control treatments are harmless to pregnant women, but it is always better to be careful. Pregnant women may be more vulnerable to chemicals. Pesticide exposure at high levels could be hazardous to the health of pregnant women.
It is better to inform the pest control service if there is a pregnant person in the house. They may opt to utilize safer treatments or instruct you to stay away from the treated areas for a longer period. As a precaution, it’s better for pregnant women to avoid direct exposure to chemicals. Furthermore, pregnant women are required to leave the premises during and immediately after the treatment.
Can I Cook After Pest Control?
You should not start cooking right after the pest control treatment. You should let the chemicals settle and dry first. After that you can resume your normal routine like cooking meals in the kitchen area. Make sure that all kitchen surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and free of any pesticide residue. If the treatment was limited to a few areas of your house or apartment you may still be able to cook in other parts of your house. Always consult the pest control service provider for instructions about food preparation and cooking after treatment.
Can I Mop the Floor After Pest Control?
Make sure not to mop or clean any surfaces that have been treated for pest control for at least a day. Chemicals might not work effectively against pests if you clean them off too soon. You should wait for the recommended time. After that, mop the floor but be cautious around areas with pesticide residue. They are meant to keep working overtime.
Make sure to talk to the pest control service provider, for guidelines on cleaning after the treatment is done.
Can I Sleep in My House After Pest Control?
You can sleep in your house again after waiting for the recommended time (2-4 hours). Or you can sleep in the rooms that were not treated.
If you still notice any lingering odors or feel uneasy in the area after cleaning up or rearranging things, give it some time to air out naturally. You might want to consider vacating the room, perhaps finding another place to sleep for the night if needed to ensure your own comfort.

Can I Vacuum After Pest Control?
Vacuuming is safe after pest control treatment. However, it should be postponed for a few days to allow the treatment to fully work. Vacuuming too soon, especially where bed bugs or fleas have been treated, will remove insecticides from the surfaces. As a result, the insecticides will not get a chance to kill the pests.
If baits or traps are part of the pest control treatment, do not vacuum near them. You might disturb them. Always ask your pest control service provider about the suitable time vacuuming.
Can Pest Control Get Rid of Ants?
Yes, professional pest control can get rid of ant infestations. Pest control professionals use professional baits and pesticides to target the ant colonies and kill the queen, which must be done in order to prevent re-infestation. Pest control professionals can also identify the root cause of the infestation, such as food sources or entry points. They eliminate them for long-term relief.
Can Pest Control Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
Yes, professional pest control is an effective method to get rid of bed bugs. DIY treatments are not enough for the severe pests. Pest control companies use a combination of heat treatments, chemical sprays, and thorough inspections to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
It is very difficult to get rid of bed bugs. Mostly multiple treatments may be required. It’s very important to follow all post-treatment instructions to avoid re-infestation.
Can Pest Control Get Rid of Flies?
Yes, pest control services can get rid of fly infestations. Flies thrive in unsanitary conditions. Pest control professionals target the adult flies as well as the breeding sites. They use sprays, traps, or baiting systems to get rid of the infestation. After the treatment you should implement better sanitation practices, such as proper waste disposal, to prevent problems in the future.
Can Pest Control Get Rid of Mice?
Yes, professional pest control services can get rid of mice. Pest control professionals use different methods, including traps, baits, and exclusion methods. They seal potential entry points to prevent mice from coming back to the home.
Can Pest Control Get Rid of Rats?
Yes, pest control can get rid of rat infestations by using traps, baits, and exclusion techniques. Rats are bigger and more destructive than mice. Therefore, only professional services can eliminate the problem. Pest control professionals will also check the property for entry points, food sources, and nesting places. After inspection they can provide a comprehensive solution to the infestation.
This guide to Pest Control in Canada provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pest control services in Canada. However, always consult with pest control professionals for better advice based on your specific situation.