Pest Control Pre-Treatment Instructions
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The following are instructions for the preparation work you are required to perform before your unit’s inspection/treatment day. Instructions are given per area to be treated. Please be sure to follow the instructions based on which areas of your unit are experiencing pest problems. Areas of the unit not properly prepped will not be treated.
Below is an outline indicating the areas that need to be prepped for each common pest service. Detailed prep instructions per area are given in page two. Based on pest infestation listed below, the areas indicated are all required to be prepped in order to perform treatment.
| Ants & General Pests | |
|---|---|
| Areas to Prep | Kitchen & Bathroom, Floor |
| Additional Instructions | Prep all areas that are affected as detailed in next page. |
| *Vacancy period | 2 hours |
| Fleas & Carpet Beetles | |
| Areas to Prep | Floor, Pet Linens |
| Additional Instructions | Have your pet flea dipped on day of service. Vacuum 3 days after treatment and then as often as possible thereafter for the next 2 weeks. Always discard vacuum bags in outside trash areas. Do not steam clean for 2 weeks after service. |
| *Vacancy period | 3 hours |
| Pantry Pests | |
| Areas to Prep | Kitchen |
| Additional Instructions | Inspect all of your pantry stored food for pests. All food items containing any amount of pests should be discarded in outside trash. |
| *Vacancy period | 2 hours |
| German/Brown Branded Roaches | |
|---|---|
| Areas to Prep | Kitchen Bathroom, Floor, Faceplates Wall Décor |
| Additional Instructions | All instructions must be completed prior to inspection and treatment |
| *Vacancy period | 4 hours |
| Bed Bugs | |
| Areas to Prep | ALL AREAS: Kitchen and Bathroom, Floor, Bedding, Pet Linens, Closets, Faceplates & Wall Décor |
| Additional Instructions | All instructions must be completed prior to inspection and treatment. Preparation for bed bug service is always the same regardless of how many prior services have been performed at each unit. |
| *Vacancy period | 4 hours |
| UNIT AREA | REQUIRED PREP |
|---|---|
| Kitchen & Bathroom | Empty cabinets fully and remove items from all counter spaces and leave counter spaces clear for service and clean empty cabinets |
| Place contents from cabinets and counters in the middle of the floor in a large open room, or on top of a large table | |
| Wash grease off stove, behind stove, and kitchen surfaces | |
| Clean dirty dishes and remove from kitchen | |
| Store uncovered food in refrigerator | |
| Floor | Remove all loose items from the floor including pet food and dishes, children/pet toys, clothing, pillows, etc. |
| Sweep and/or vacuum and dispose of vacuum bag in outside trash | |
| Bedding | Remove all bedding from your beds including sheets, blankets, mattress covers, pillowcases, etc., and place bedding in a plastic bag immediately upon stripping them from your bed |
| Wash and dry linens as hot as possible while avoiding damage to your linens; discard plastic bag in outside trash | |
| After washing, place linens in a new/clean plastic bag—do not put them back on the bed until after pest control service | |
| Take apart bed completely including framing and lean mattress and box spring on wall (required for bed bugs) | |
| Empty dresser drawers, nightstands, and furniture—linens must be washed as instructed above | |
| Plush toys and draperies in infested rooms must be laundered with bedding | |
| Stored luggage must be emptied | |
| If possible, steam clean areas with high pet traffic | |
| Closets | Empty closets and bookshelves and place items in the middle of a big open room |
| Faceplates & Wall Décor | Remove faceplates from all outlets, switches, and phone jacks and place in the center of the room |
| Clean grease off walls | |
| Remove pictures and mirrors from walls and place in the center of the room for treatment |
FOR ALL TREATMENTS: Remove baby bottles and pacifiers from areas being treated, Cover fish tanks with thick towels and turn off filters—Accurate assumes no responsibility for any fish that may die directly or indirectly from the service performed, move furniture 3 feet away from walls towards room center. Toddlers ages 0-24 months, pregnant females, and people with respiratory problems are required to vacate for an additional 2 hours from the general vacancy time of their given service.
AFTER TREATMENT: Do not liquid clean areas treated after treatment is done for at least two weeks after treatment. Avoid the use of damp cloths, wet wipes, etc. and use only dry towels to wipe down and clean areas that were treated. Do not vacuum or clean any applied dusts, gels, foams or other products on baseboards or in cracks and crevices of the unit. Do not tamper with installed devices such as pest monitors, baits, traps etc.
Statement Regarding Approved APVMA Pesticides Usage
We strictly use pesticides that are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. These products meet the highest safety and efficacy standards established by regulatory authorities, our treatments are designed to be effective while prioritizing the health and safety.
Post-Treatment Advice for Pest Control Services
Issued in Compliance with Australian Pest Management Regulations
1. Re-Entry and Safety Precautions
- Vacancy Period: Follow the recommended time before re-entry.
- Vulnerable Individuals: Pregnant women, infants (0-24 months), and individuals with respiratory
issues should stay away for an extra 2 hours. - Ventilation: Open windows and doors for at least 30 minutes upon re-entry.
2. Cleaning & Hygiene Guidelines
- Avoid mopping, wiping, or washing treated areas for two weeks.
- Dry clean only: Use a dry cloth for dusting.
- Do not tamper with baits, gel applications, or monitoring devices.
3. Pest Activity Expectations
- Increased activity may be seen for 7-14 days.
- Dead pests should be disposed of safely with gloves and a sealed bag.
- Cockroach & ant treatments may take up to 6 weeks for full effect.
- Do not disturb rodent bait stations.
4. Food & Personal Items
- Wipe food preparation areas before use.
- Wash pet bowls, bedding, and toys before returning them.
- Wash treated fabrics separately in hot water.
5. Follow-Up Treatments & Warranty Conditions
- Some treatments require multiple applications for full effect.
- Contact our office if pests persist beyond the expected timeframe.
- Warranty is subject to adherence to post-treatment instructions.
6. Legal Compliance & Environmental Responsibility
- All pesticides comply with APVMA guidelines.
- Notify your landlord/property manager if applicable.
- Emergency & Contact Information
- Poisons Information Centre: 13/11/26 (24/7)
General Prep (For All Services)
- Vacate: All people and pets must leave the property for the duration of the treatment and the recommended vacancy period after.
- Furniture: Move all furniture 0.5 meters away from the walls.
- Floors: Clear all floors of toys, clothes, and other items.
- Food & Dishes: Store all food, utensils, and pet bowls in sealed containers or the refrigerator. Clean all dirty dishes.
- Pets: Cover fish tanks with a towel and turn off the air pump. Remove bird cages and other small pet enclosures.
- Special Care: Pregnant women, infants (0-24 months), and individuals with respiratory issues must vacate for an extra 2 hours beyond the standard re-entry time.
For Ants, Spiders & General Pests
- Vacancy Time: 2 Hours
- Kitchen & Bathroom: Empty all lower kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Wipe surfaces clean.
- Counters: Clear all countertops for easy access.
For Cockroaches
- Vacancy Time: 4 Hours
- Follow ALL “General Prep” steps.
- Empty all cupboards, drawers, and shelves in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Remove the faceplates from light switches and power points.
For Bed Bugs
- Vacancy Time: 4 Hours
- This requires the most preparation.
- Strip All Bedding: Remove all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Place them directly into plastic bags and wash them in hot water. Do not put them back on the bed.
- Disassemble Beds: Take apart the bed frame. Stand the mattress and base against the wall.
- Empty Furniture: Empty all drawers from dressers and nightstands.
- Clear Closets: Empty bedroom closets and place items in the center of the room.
For Fleas
- Vacancy Time: 3 Hours
- Follow ALL “General Prep” steps.
- Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and floors thoroughly just before we arrive. Throw the vacuum bag/dust container into an outside bin immediately after.
- zWash all pet bedding in hot water.
After Treatment: What NOT to Do
To ensure the treatment works, please avoid the following for at least 2 weeks:
- Do NOT mop, steam clean, or wet-wipe treated floors, skirting boards, or surfaces.
- Do NOT vacuum areas where powders or dusts were applied (we will tell you if this applies).
- Do NOT wash or remove bait stations, gels, or traps we have placed.
Thank you for your cooperation! Following these steps helps us guarantee a pest-free home for you.
Need to reschedule or have questions? Call us at +(61)466 929 533
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to stay out of the house after the treatment?
For most liquid and spray treatments, we recommend you and your pets vacate the property for a minimum of 2-4 hours to allow the product to dry completely. For extensive treatments like bed bugs or heavy cockroach infestations, this may be longer. Your technician will provide specific advice on the day.
What about the safety of my children and pets?
The products we use are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and are safe when used correctly and allowed to dry. Once the treated surfaces are dry (usually after 2-4 hours), the risk is significantly reduced. We recommend a precautionary wipe-down of food preparation surfaces after the re-entry period.
I have a fish tank. What should I do?
Cover the fish tank securely with a towel or blanket and TURN OFF THE AIR PUMP during the treatment and for at least 2 hours afterwards. This prevents any airborne particles from entering the water.
What if I can't move heavy furniture?
No problem! Our TIM Pest Control technicians are trained and happy to assist with moving heavy furniture. Please inform us in advance if you require this service.
Do I need to clean after the treatment?
Avoid cleaning the treated areas for as long as possible. We recommend not washing skirting boards, floors, or inside cupboards for at least 7-14 days after the treatment. This allows the product to remain active. You can clean countertops as normal after the re-entry period.
The weather forecast is for rain. Will my treatment be rescheduled?
As Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, we monitor conditions closely. If your treatment involves significant exterior work and heavy rain is forecast, we may contact you to reschedule to ensure the treatment’s effectiveness. Light drizzle typically does not affect the schedule.
What if I fail to prepare my home properly?
Incomplete preparation severely limits the effectiveness of the treatment. Pests will remain in their hiding spots, and our technician will not be able to apply products where they are most needed. If a home is not prepared, we may need to reschedule your appointment, and a re-service fee may apply.