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How to prepare for your upcoming Rentokil pest service

Rentokil doesn't just treat pests. We find the cause and reduce the risk of them returning. Get your home ready so our experts can target the source effectively.

A Trusted Service

Trusted by Australian homeowners for more than 60 years

Nationwide coverage

Over 700 technicians across 15 branches nationally

Triple ISO Certified

Quality, Safety, Environment (ISO 9001, 45001 and 14001)

Quick takeaways: preparing for your pest service

Follow these essential preparation steps to ensure a safe, efficient, and highly effective professional pest control service:.

  • Clear the way: Complete general housekeeping before the technician arrives. Clear bench tops, floors, and accessible areas of loose items, and ensure there is unobstructed access to cupboards, storage rooms, and roof voids.
  • Focus on the source: Our licensed technicians will always diagnose the pest, its source, and its behaviour before applying any treatment.
  • Protect pets and family: For the safety of our Technicians and your pets please ensure all animals are securely restrained or kept in a separate, enclosed area away from the service location before our Technician arrives and throughout the service.
    Keep pets away from the service area during treatment and ensure fish tanks are securely covered. You can safely re-enter treated areas once the application has completely dried, which typically takes about 2 hours.
  • Patience post-treatment: It is completely normal to still see pests for up to 2 weeks as the products take full effect. To avoid washing away the protective barrier, do not clean or hose down exterior paths for at least 1-2 days following the service.

Ant control

  • Thoroughly wipe up food spills, clear crumbs, and store all food items in airtight, secure containers
  • Inspect and repair visible cracks or gaps around door frames and window sills to block pest access

Rodent control

  • Technician may require access to roof voids, cupboards, and subfloors
  • Power may need to be turned off when entering roof spaces

Cockroach control

  • Thoroughly wipe up food spills, clear crumbs, and store all food items in airtight, secure containers
  • Inspect and repair visible cracks or gaps around door frames and window sills to block pest access

Bed bug control

  • Remove and hot wash all bedding, linen and clothing
  • Declutter floors and dismantle beds if possible
  • Vacate premises during treatment; do not vacuum for 10 - 14 days post-treatment

Bee & wasp control

  • Technician may require access to roof voids, cupboards, and subfloors
  • Power may need to be turned off when entering roof spaces

Spider control

  • Leave webbing in place for treatment
  • Remove webbing 3-4 days after treatment
  • Close windows/doors before treatment

Termite control

  • Inspection and proposal required before treatment (no phone quotes)
  • Ensure access to internal/external areas and remove obstructions around slab edges
  • Technician may require access to roof voids, cupboards, and subfloors
  • Power may need to be turned off when entering roof spaces

Flea & tick control

  • Vacuum all carpets and dispose of vacuum bags
  • Immediately empty contents of vacuum into a plastic bag, seal it and dispose of it right away
  • Pets must be treated at the same time as the premises
  • Consult with your vet for advice on treatment options
  • Wash pet bedding in hot water
  • Mow and water lawn before treatment

Stored product insect control

  • Empty pantry/cupboards, dispose of infested food
  • Wash interior surfaces with warm soapy water

Textile pests control

  • Empty cupboards, drawers, bookshelves, remove loose floor items
  • Hot wash clothing and linen before treatment

Frequently asked questions

Low-impact products: Most products we apply are low-toxicity and generally odourless. You can remain on-site during the service, provided you stay out of the immediate application area.

Safe re-entry: You can safely re-enter treated areas once the spray has completely dried. This
typically takes about 2 hours, though it may be faster on warm days or take longer in cool weather.

Pet protection: Keep all pets (including dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs) away from the treated zones until surfaces are fully dry, and ensure fish tanks are fully covered during the application.

  • Normal pest activity: It is completely normal to still see pests for up to 2 weeks. The products used are highly effective but can be slow-acting. If ants were targeted, you may see a few "scouts" inside, which will soon succumb to the treatment.
  • Cleaning guidelines: Avoid cleaning treated indoor surfaces until the specific timeframe advised by your technician has passed. For external treatments, do not wash patios or paths for 1-2 days, and leave spider webs intact for 5-7 days.
  • Documentation: Your qualified technician will provide a full treatment report alongside tailored recommendations for prevention and future maintenance.
  • Shared properties: If your home is in a unit block, your treatment may be impacted by infestations in adjoining, untreated premises.

  • Seal entry points: Block pest access by filling gaps in walls, under doors, and around pipes, drains, and common walls shared with neighbouring properties.
  • Eliminate food and water: Store food in sealed containers or plastic bags. Clean spills, garbage, and used dishes immediately. Remove food debris from under refrigerators and ovens. Do not leave liquids in sinks, buckets, pet bowls, or litter trays overnight.
  • Reduce shelter: Vacuum regularly and keep garbage or compost in tightly sealed bins. Remove any sheltering sites, such as firewood or compost piles, from the immediate exterior of your home.

Contact us

Thank you for choosing us as your pest control provider. Please reach out if you have any questions, and we look forward to safeguarding your home in the future.

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