Pest Control Preparation and Aftercare Sheets for Vancouver, BC

Name: Phantom Pest Control
Price range: $$

Phantom Pest Control's 14 prep sheets for Vancouver, BC: the preparation each treatment or inspection needs, how long to stay out, and the aftercare that follows.

Questions about your sheet? Call or text 604-771-0404, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Stay out6 to 8 hours on most sheetsThe ant and beetle preparation sheets say at least 6; your preparation sheet has the exact time.
24 hoursChildren under 2, nursing mothers, people with breathing conditions, and petsNamed on all 10 home insect, bed bug and flea preparation sheets online; some sheets add more.
No cleaningWithin 6 inches of baseboards and treated surfacesFor 4 weeks on the 10 home insect, bed bug and flea sheets, 2 weeks on the kitchen sheet.

Preparation and Aftercare Sheets by Treatment

Bed bugs & fleas

K9 Bed Bug Detection Checklist

The K9 bed bug detection checklist gets your home ready for our scent detection dog, so it can search as accurately as possible with no distractions. The dog and its handler inspect on their own, with no pets in the unit. The checklist asks for no household cleaners or disinfectants for at least 24 hours before the inspection, while food and crumbs still get cleaned up.

Don't approach or greet the dog
Keep pets out of the unit during the inspection
Put away pet food, water and toys, and clean up food and crumbs
Turn off fans and blowers in the search areas
Clear as much clutter as you can

During The dog and its handler search alone, with no pets in the unit.
Before No household cleaners or disinfectants for at least 24 hours, and no cooking for 2 hours, before the inspection.
Also Clean up any pesticides you've applied, and food and crumbs in every room.

Open the K9 sheet (PDF, 1 page)K9 bed bug detection and prices

Bed Bug Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

The bed bug preparation sheet covers every room, because bed bugs hide in mattresses, bed frames, furniture seams, bookshelves and even electrical outlets. Before we arrive it asks for hot laundry, mattresses stood against the wall and furniture 2 feet from the walls; afterwards, keep sleeping in your usual bed so bed bugs cross the treated areas.

Wash bedding in hot water and dry it on high heat for at least 60 minutes
Bag clean clothes and linens, and keep them out of treated rooms
Stand mattresses upright against the wall
Move furniture at least 2 feet from the walls
Take off outlet covers, switch plates and other wall fixturesSwitch the circuit off first.

Stay out At least 6 to 8 hours after treatment, and 24 hours for infants under 2, pregnant or nursing mothers, people with respiratory issues or compromised immune systems, and pets, as this preparation sheet asks.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of baseboards and treated surfaces for at least 4 weeks, and no store-bought pesticides or cleaners there.
After Some activity for up to 3 to 4 weeks is normal while eggs hatch; keep sleeping in your usual bed.

Open the bed bug sheet (PDF, 4 pages)Bed bug treatment and prices

Flea Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

The flea preparation sheet starts with your pets: cats and dogs should get a flea treatment from your veterinarian. Fleas hide in bedding, under baseboards and in wall seams, so the sheet asks for bed-bug-style prep: laundry on high heat, furniture 2 feet from the walls, and floors vacuumed with the bag taken out of the home.

Have cats and dogs treated by your veterinarian
Vacuum carpets and baseboards, then take the bag out of the home
Wash clothes and fabrics and dry them on high heat for at least 60 minutes
Move furniture at least 2 feet from the walls
Empty pet dishes and clear the floors

Stay out At least 6 to 8 hours after treatment, and 24 hours for infants under 2, pregnant or nursing mothers, people with respiratory issues or compromised immune systems, and pets, as this preparation sheet asks.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of baseboards and treated surfaces for at least 4 weeks.
After Flea activity for up to 3 to 4 weeks is normal as eggs hatch; wash bedding on high heat for the next 7 to 10 days.

Open the flea sheet (PDF, 4 pages)Flea treatment and prices How to tell bed bugs and fleas apart

Rodents

Rodent Program Preparation and Service Terms

The rodent program sheet is also the program's service terms. Before the first visit it asks you to declutter and clean the affected spaces, removing old droppings so new activity shows. For rats, the technician needs access to the attic opening. The program is three visits within 90 days, and we seal gaps up to the size of a toonie.

Declutter, and vacuum up old droppings so new activity shows
Clean behind kitchen appliances, couches and chairs, and under the sinks
For rats: clear the way to the attic opening and the closet space near it
Give access on a weekday between 9 AM and 5 PM

If the prep isn't done A $78 visit and inspection fee applies when the treatment can't go ahead.
Program 3 visits within 90 days; we seal gaps up to the size of a toonie, and larger openings go to exclusion work.
Access Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM

Open the rodent program sheet (PDF, 4 pages)Rodent control and prices Exclusion work for larger openings

Pantry & fabric pests

Indian Meal Moth and Pantry Moth Preparation

The pantry moth preparation sheet is about food storage. Empty every cabinet, pantry, drawer and countertop, throw out opened or suspect food, check even unopened bags for damaged seals, and keep what's left in airtight containers. Clean the shelves and the containers too, since eggs and larvae hide in cracks, corners and lids.

Empty the cabinets, pantries, drawers and countertops
Throw out opened, infested or suspect food
Check the seals of unopened bags
Seal what's left in airtight containers
Clean the shelves, corners and food containers

Stay out At least 6 to 8 hours after the job is done, and 24 hours for children under 2, pregnant and nursing mothers, people with respiratory conditions, and pets, as this preparation sheet asks.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of treated surfaces for at least 4 weeks.
After A significant drop in activity within 72 hours; the residual keeps working for up to 3 months.

Open the pantry moth sheet (PDF, 2 pages)Pantry pest control

Carpet Beetle Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

The carpet beetle preparation sheet is about fabrics, because the larvae, not the adults, feed on wool, silk, leather and some foods. Launder clothing and bedding, ideally at 60°C or higher, before treatment and bag it, vacuum the carpets and rugs, empty the lower cabinets and pantries, and move furniture 12 inches from the walls.

Launder clothing and bedding, ideally at 60°C or higher, then bag it
Vacuum floors, carpets and rugs, and throw the bag out
Empty the lower cabinets and pantries
Move furniture and plants at least 12 inches from the walls

Stay out At least 6 to 8 hours after treatment, and 24 hours for infants under 2, expectant or nursing mothers, people with respiratory conditions or sensitivities, and pets, reptiles and birds, as this preparation sheet asks.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of treated baseboards or surfaces for at least 4 weeks.
After Open the windows for 15 to 30 minutes when you're back; store natural fibres in sealed containers.

Open the carpet beetle sheet (PDF, 3 pages)How carpet beetles differ from bed bugs

Clothing Moth Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

The clothing moth preparation and aftercare sheet isn't online yet, so ask the office for a copy: call or text 604-771-0404, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Our moth control page has our moth treatments and prices, and the pantry moth sheet above covers moths in stored food.

Moth control and prices

Insects

Cockroach Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

The cockroach preparation sheet asks you to empty the kitchen and bathroom cupboards, upper cabinets included, and to pull furniture a foot from the walls. The day before, vacuum and mop behind the stove and fridge so the treatment can stick and settle. Afterwards, keep food in covered containers and take the garbage out daily.

Empty the lower kitchen and bathroom cupboards and the upper cabinets
Pull furniture and plants at least a foot from the walls
Pick toys, clothes and books up off the floors and closet floors
The day before: vacuum and mop behind the stove and fridge
Unplug the fish tank's air pump and lay a wet towel over it

Stay out At least 6 to 8 hours after treatment, and 24 hours for pets and people with respiratory complications, nursing mothers and children under 2, as this preparation sheet asks.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of baseboards and treated surfaces for at least 4 weeks; no store-bought pesticides or cleaners on top.
After A significant knockdown in 4 to 7 days; some cockroaches may wander for up to 2 to 3 weeks.

Open the cockroach sheet (PDF, 2 pages)Cockroach control and prices

Ant Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

The ant preparation sheet asks you to empty the lower cupboards in the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms, clear the closet floors and pull furniture a foot from the walls. When you're back, open the windows, keep food in covered containers, and use non-adhesive liners instead of wiping the treated shelves.

Empty the lower cupboards in the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms
Pull furniture and plants at least a foot from the walls
Clear all closet floors
Unplug the fish tank's air pump and lay a wet towel over it

Stay out At least 6 hours after the job is done; this preparation sheet recommends 24 hours for children under 2, expecting and nursing mothers, people with a respiratory ailment, and pets.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of baseboards and treated surfaces for at least 4 weeks.
After A significant knockdown in 4 to 7 days; some ants may wander for up to 3 to 4 weeks.

Open the ant sheet (PDF, 2 pages)Ant control and prices

Spider Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

The spider preparation sheet asks for the same room prep as most insect treatments: lower kitchen and bathroom cupboards emptied, closet floors cleared and furniture a foot from the walls. It warns that a second cycle of spiders may appear as they grow, and says the treatment's residual will reach them if the aftercare is followed.

Empty the lower kitchen and bathroom cupboards
Pull furniture and plants at least a foot from the walls
Clear all closet floors
Unplug the fish tank's air pump and lay a wet towel over it

Stay out At least 6 to 8 hours after the job is done; this preparation sheet recommends 24 hours for children under 2, expecting and nursing mothers, people with respiratory ailments, and pets.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of baseboards and treated surfaces for at least 4 weeks.
After A significant knockdown in 72 hours; the residual keeps working for up to 3 months.

Open the spider sheet (PDF, 2 pages)Spider control and prices

Silverfish Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

The silverfish preparation sheet focuses on the warm, damp places silverfish like: kitchen and bathroom cabinets, under the sinks, closets and baseboards. Empty the lower cabinets and drawers, move furniture 12 inches from the walls, and clear the closet floors. When you're back, open the windows for 15 to 30 minutes.

Empty the lower kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers, and under the sinks
Move furniture and plants at least 12 inches from the walls
Clear all closet floors
Turn off the aquarium's air pump and cover it with a damp towel

Stay out At least 6 to 8 hours after treatment, and 24 hours for infants under 2, expectant or nursing mothers, people with respiratory conditions or sensitivities, and pets, reptiles and birds, as this preparation sheet asks.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of treated baseboards or surfaces for at least 4 weeks; avoid adhesive shelf liners.
After Open the windows for 15 to 30 minutes when you're back; the residual keeps working for up to 3 months.

Open the silverfish sheet (PDF, 2 pages)Silverfish control and prices

Beetle Treatment Preparation and Aftercare

The beetle preparation sheet starts with cleaning: vacuum the carpets and sweep every room. Then empty the lower kitchen and bathroom cupboards and any pet dishes, clear the closet floors, and pull furniture a foot from the walls. Expect a significant knockdown in 72 hours, and a second cycle that the residual treatment also reaches.

Vacuum carpets and sweep all floors
Empty the lower kitchen and bathroom cupboards and any pet dishes
Pull furniture and plants at least a foot from the walls
Clear all closet floors

Stay out At least 6 hours after the job is done; this preparation sheet recommends 24 hours for children under 2, expecting and nursing mothers, people with respiratory ailments, and pets.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of baseboards and treated surfaces for at least 4 weeks.
After A significant knockdown in 72 hours; some beetles may wander for up to 3 to 4 weeks.

Open the beetle sheet (PDF, 2 pages)Beetle control and prices

Crawling and Flying Insect Preparation and Aftercare

The crawling and flying insect preparation sheet is for general insect treatments. Seal infested items in plastic bags and throw them out, empty the lower cupboards and drawers, and move furniture and appliances a foot from the walls. Leave the windows slightly open as you go, and count the time away from the start of the treatment.

Seal infested items in plastic bags and throw them out
Empty the lower cupboards and drawers
Move furniture, plants and appliances at least a foot from the walls
Leave the windows slightly open before you go

Stay out At least 6 to 8 hours from the start of the treatment, and 24 hours for pets, people with respiratory complications, nursing mothers and children under 2, as this preparation sheet asks.
No cleaning Treated areas, especially within 6 inches of baseboards, for at least 4 weeks.
After Air the home for 30 minutes to an hour when you're back; activity should drop within 72 hours.

Open the crawling and flying insect sheet (PDF, 3 pages)Crawling insect control and prices

Businesses

Kitchen After-Hours Preparation for Flying and Crawling Insects

The kitchen after-hours sheet is for restaurants and other food businesses. Finish the prep a couple of hours before we arrive, so every surface is dry: food into coolers, fryers and utensils covered, pilot lights off, dispensers emptied and lockers open. After the service, sanitize counters and equipment and flush the drink and coffee machines.

Move food from holding areas into coolers
Cover fryer tanks, pots, pans and utensils with plastic
Turn off the pilot lights on gas equipment
Empty the trash and the ice dispensers, and open lockers and offices
Keep the floors dry: don't mop before the treatment

Area empty 6 to 8 hours after the treatment is complete, as this preparation sheet asks, and ventilate the area for 2 hours after the service.
No cleaning Within 6 inches of baseboards and treated surfaces for at least 2 weeks.
After Wandering insects for up to 7 to 10 days is normal; a second treatment may be needed 14 to 21 days later.

Open the kitchen after-hours sheet (PDF, 3 pages)Flying insect control

How to Get Your Home Ready for a Treatment

Insect treatments

Insect treatments: a kitchen, bathroom and living room ready for treatment, with furniture a foot from the walls. Letters match the list.

Lower cupboards emptied
The lower kitchen and bathroom cupboards, on the ant, beetle, cockroach, crawling insect, silverfish and spider sheets. The cockroach sheet adds the upper cabinets and the silverfish sheet the space under the sinks; the carpet beetle sheet asks for the lower cabinets and pantries, the pantry moth sheet for all food in the cabinets and pantry.
Furniture a foot from the walls
Movable furniture, plants and anything against a wall, so the baseboards can be reached: at least 1 foot on the ant, beetle, cockroach, crawling insect and spider sheets (near food storage on the pantry moth sheet), and 12 inches on the silverfish and carpet beetle sheets.
Floors and closet floors clear
Toys, clothes and books picked up off the floor and closet floors cleared, on the ant, beetle, cockroach, crawling insect, silverfish and spider sheets. The carpet beetle sheet also asks you to empty closets, drawers and storage bins and bag the items after laundering.
Fish tank covered
Air pump off or unplugged, with a wet towel over the tank, on the ant, beetle, carpet beetle, cockroach, crawling insect, silverfish and spider sheets. The bed bug and flea sheets ask the same.
The 6-inch border
After treatment, no vacuuming, mopping, sweeping or cleaning within 6 inches of the baseboards and treated surfaces for at least 4 weeks, on the bed bug, flea and all eight home insect sheets. Store-bought pesticides, cleaners and other chemicals in treated areas can interfere with the residual treatment, the bed bug and flea sheets explain.
Windows open when you're back
To air the rooms: 15 to 30 minutes on the silverfish and carpet beetle sheets, 30 minutes to an hour on the crawling insect sheet; the other insect sheets ask you to open the windows.

Pets leave with you; your preparation sheet says for how long. The beetle sheet also asks you to empty pets' food and water dishes.

Bed bugs and fleas

Bed bugs and fleas: a bedroom and living room ready for treatment under the bed bug and flea preparation sheets, with the furniture 2 feet from the walls. Letters match the list.

Laundry washed, dried and bagged
Clothes and fabrics washed or dry-cleaned, dried on high heat for at least 60 minutes, then sealed in bags or bins and kept outside the treated rooms, on both sheets; the bed bug sheet adds all bedding.
Mattress on its edge
Off the bed frame and upright against the wall, on both sheets; the bed bug sheet also asks you to take the frame apart if possible.
Furniture 2 feet from the walls
Sofas, dressers and nightstands at least 2 feet out, sofa cushions stacked in the middle of the room and the sofa turned upside down, on both sheets.
Outlet covers off
The bed bug and flea sheets ask you to take off outlet covers, switch plates and other wall fixtures; switch the circuit off first.
Curtains down, blinds up
Curtains taken down and washed, steamed or dry-cleaned, and blinds pulled up so the window sills and walls can be reached, on both sheets.

The 6-inch border (E) applies on both sheets too, and both ask you to open the windows for 15 to 30 minutes when you're back.

How Long to Stay Out After Treatment, and What to Expect

Before the visit

The day beforeVacuum and mop behind the stove and fridgeCockroach preparation sheet; before the treatment
24 hours beforeNo household cleaners or disinfectantsK9 checklist; before the inspection
2 hours beforeNo cooking, and none during the inspectionK9 checklist; before the inspection
A couple of hours beforeFinish the kitchen prep so every surface is dryKitchen after-hours sheet; before the treatment

After treatment, from four of the sheets

Bed bug preparation sheetcounted from the treatment

Stay outThe bed bug preparation sheet asks everyone to stay out for at least 6 to 8 hours after treatment.
24 hoursThe bed bug preparation sheet asks 24 hours for infants under 2, pregnant or nursing mothers, people with respiratory issues or compromised immune systems, and pets.
BaseboardsNo vacuuming, mopping or cleaning within 6 inches of baseboards for at least 4 weeks.
LaundryKeep washing and drying bedding on high heat for the next 7 to 10 days.
ActivitySome bed bug activity for up to 3 to 4 weeks is normal as eggs hatch.
Keeps workingThe residual treatment keeps working for up to 3 months.

Cockroach preparation sheetcounted from the treatment

Stay outThe cockroach preparation sheet asks everyone to stay out for at least 6 to 8 hours; the time can vary with age and health.
24 hoursThe cockroach preparation sheet asks 24 hours for pets and people with respiratory complications, nursing mothers and children under 2.
BaseboardsNo vacuuming, mopping or cleaning within 6 inches of treated baseboards for at least 4 weeks.
KnockdownThe cockroach preparation sheet says to expect a significant knockdown in 4 to 7 days.
WanderingSome cockroaches may wander for up to 2 to 3 weeks.

Ant preparation sheetcounted from the end of the job

Stay outThe ant preparation sheet asks everyone to stay out for at least 6 hours after the job is done.
24 hoursThe ant preparation sheet recommends 24 hours for children under 2, expecting and nursing mothers, people with a respiratory ailment, and pets.
BaseboardsNo vacuuming, mopping or cleaning within 6 inches of treated baseboards for at least 4 weeks.
KnockdownThe ant preparation sheet says to expect a significant knockdown in 4 to 7 days.
WanderingSome ants may wander for up to 3 to 4 weeks.
Keeps workingThe residual barrier keeps working for up to 3 months.

Kitchen after-hours preparation sheetcounted from the end of the treatment

Area emptyThe kitchen preparation sheet asks for the area to be vacated for 6 to 8 hours after treatment.
VentilateVentilate the area for 2 hours after the service.
BaseboardsNo mopping or cleaning within 6 inches of treated baseboards and surfaces for at least 2 weeks.
WanderingSome wandering insects for up to 7 to 10 days is normal.
Second treatmentAnother treatment may be needed 14 to 21 days later.

Every other sheet lists its own times in its row: see the sheets above.

Preparing in a Rental, Strata Building or Restaurant

Renting
In B.C., unless you agree to the entry, your landlord must give you written notice at least 24 hours ahead, for a time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.; that includes anyone entering for them. More on our condo and apartment pest control page.
Source: Residential Tenancy Act, section 29 (gov.bc.ca)
Strata buildings
Under the standard bylaws, a strata corporation can enter a suite on 48 hours' written notice to inspect or maintain the parts it's responsible for. How we treat whole buildings: strata and apartment building pest control.
Source: Strata Property Act, Standard Bylaw 7
Landlords and property managers
Fraser Health says landlords can't apply pesticides in their own rental suites and must hire a licensed pest control operator, and Vancouver Coastal Health suggests a plan, or help, for tenants who can't prepare their units. See property management pest control.
Source: Fraser Health; Vancouver Coastal Health
Restaurants and food businesses
The kitchen sheet is for after-hours treatments booked ahead: our service is open 24/7 for pre-arranged commercial services. Before and after a kitchen treatment: restaurant pest control.
Source: Kitchen after-hours sheet
Throwing out infested furniture
The bed bug preparation sheet asks you to throw out infested items if your technician recommends it. Vancouver Coastal Health: seal them in bags, don't drag them through hallways, and mark them “bed bug infested” or make them unusable.
Source: Vancouver Coastal Health bed bug guide

Questions About Getting Ready for Pest Control

604-771-0404

Can I sleep in my bed after a bed bug treatment?

Yes, once the re-entry time on your preparation sheet has passed. The bed bug preparation sheet asks you to keep sleeping in your usual bed: bed bugs are drawn to body heat and carbon dioxide, so they cross the treated areas to reach you. If you keep your mattress in an encasement, Health Canada calls keeping it enclosed for a full year a good practice.

When can I put my things back after a bed bug treatment?

After the treatment, once the re-entry time on your preparation sheet has passed. Until then the bed bug preparation sheet asks you to keep washed and dried items sealed in bags or bins outside the treated rooms. Keep washing and drying bedding on high heat for at least 60 minutes for the next 7 to 10 days. After insect treatments, the ant, beetle, cockroach, crawling insect and spider sheets say kitchen items can go back in the cupboards when you re-enter.

When can children and pets come home after pest control?

Your preparation sheet sets the time. All 10 home insect, bed bug and flea preparation sheets online ask children under 2, nursing mothers, people with breathing conditions and pets to stay out for 24 hours. Most add pregnant mothers, the bed bug and flea sheets add anyone with a weakened immune system, and several name birds and reptiles. Everyone else waits for the re-entry time on the sheet.

Why am I seeing more bugs after the treatment?

Because the treatment is reaching them. As eggs hatch and insects leave their hiding places, they cross treated surfaces and wander into view, sometimes in unusual places; the bed bug preparation sheet calls this a sign the treatment is working. Your sheet says how long that can last. If you still see activity after that, call or text 604-771-0404, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Will I need a second treatment?

Sometimes. The bed bug preparation sheet says a follow-up treatment may be needed, depending on the level of infestation and the activity after treatment, and that a K9 bed bug detection or a follow-up may be needed to clear an infestation completely. The kitchen after-hours sheet says another treatment may be needed 14 to 21 days later. Vancouver Coastal Health also tells residents with bed bugs to be prepared for more than one treatment.

Talk to the Office Before Your Visit

Questions about a sheet, or not sure your home is ready? Call or text 604-771-0404, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, or email info@phantompestcontrol.ca.

Our service is open 24/7 for pre-arranged commercial services.

The office is at 777 Hornby Street, Suite 600, Vancouver, by appointment only. Get directions

We treat homes and businesses from Squamish to Abbotsford, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and Surrey: see all service areas.

Call or Text 604-771-0404 Get a free estimate