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Preparation Sheets

Review the checklist for your treatment type so your home is ready before our technician arrives — and you know exactly what to expect afterward. Each checklist is also available as a printable PDF.

Before and after treatment: please clear access to all areas being treated before your technician arrives, and avoid cleaning treated surfaces for at least 24 hours afterward so the products have time to take effect.

German Roach

Proper preparation is required for German roach treatment to be effective.

Before your service

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Kitchen & Food Areas

  • Remove all items from kitchen and bathroom cabinets, pantries, and under sinks.
  • Place dishes, food, and small appliances in sealed bags or containers away from treatment areas.
  • Clean countertops, stovetops, and sinks thoroughly (remove grease, food crumbs, and spills).
  • Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.

Home & Furniture

  • Reduce clutter throughout the home — roaches hide in stacks of newspapers, boxes, and bags.
  • Empty trash cans and remove garbage from the home.
  • Move furniture 12–18 inches away from walls for technician access.

Floors & Cleaning

  • Vacuum and mop floors before service.
  • Sweep behind appliances (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher) if possible.
  • Dispose of vacuum bags/canister contents in sealed trash bags outdoors.

Pets & People

  • Remove all pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.) during treatment.
  • Remove or securely cover aquariums and turn off air pumps.
  • Cover or store any exposed food, dishes, and utensils.
  • All people and pets must vacate the home for 1–4 hours (or as instructed).
Download pre-service checklist (PDF)

After your service

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There is no separate post-service PDF for German roach — these reminders are included on the preparation checklist above.

After Treatment (Initial Reminders)

  • Do not clean treated areas for at least 2 weeks unless instructed.
  • Expect to see some roach activity for several days as they come into contact with the treatment.
  • Keep food sealed, surfaces clean, and clutter reduced to prevent reinfestation.
  • 2 week follow-up treatment may be scheduled upon customer request.
  • 2 week follow-up treatment typically priced at 50% of original treatment price.

Bed Bugs

Incomplete preparation may delay treatment or reduce effectiveness.

Before your service

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Sleeping & Resting Areas

  • Remove sheets, blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals from beds. Discard any mattresses that have holes in them, or encase them in plastic covers.
  • Wash & dry all bedding on high heat (30+ minutes).
  • Store clean bedding in sealed plastic bags or keep out of home until after treatment.

Clothing & Fabrics

  • Collect clothes from closets, dressers, hampers, and floors.
  • Wash & dry on hottest settings possible.
  • Place clean clothing in sealed bags/containers or keep out of home until after treatment.
  • Run non-washable fabrics in hot dryer for 30 minutes (if safe).

Furniture & Belongings

  • Empty nightstands, dressers, and bookshelves near beds.
  • Bag items and keep them sealed.
  • Move furniture 12–18 inches from walls.
  • Remove clutter (clothes, papers, boxes, bags). Store in air tight containers if keeping.

Floors & Carpets

  • Vacuum carpets, rugs, floors, and any cracks/crevices thoroughly.
  • Immediately discard vacuum bag/canister contents in sealed trash bag outdoors.

Special Items

  • Remove or cover pet beds, aquariums, food/water bowls.
  • Turn off fish tank air pumps & cover tanks securely if not removed.
  • Clean and bag infant items (crib bedding, toys, car seats).
  • Leave electronics (TVs, computers, consoles) in place for inspection/treatment.

Day of Treatment

  • All people and pets leave the home during treatment.
  • Do not re-enter until the technician gives the go ahead. Usually 2–3 hours.
  • Follow technician's after-care instructions.
Download pre-service checklist (PDF)

After your service

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Re-Entry

  • Do not enter the home until the technician says it is safe (usually 4–6 hours after treatment).
  • Allow treated areas to dry completely before replacing bedding or sitting on furniture.

Beds & Furniture

  • Do not put mattress or box spring encasements back on until your technician advises.
  • Avoid moving beds, couches, and other treated furniture for at least 48 hours.
  • Leave beds pulled slightly away from the walls to reduce hiding places.
  • Do not buy new furniture right away. If you get rid of furniture, throw it away rather than sell it.

Cleaning & Laundry

  • You may resume washing bedding, clothing, and other personal items as needed.
  • Items already cleaned before treatment should remain sealed in plastic bags until your technician confirms it's safe to reopen.
  • Vacuum floors, baseboards, and upholstered furniture after 48 hours, then continue vacuuming daily. Avoid vacuuming any dust along baseboards or bed frames.
  • Immediately discard vacuum contents in a sealed bag outside.
  • Do not shampoo carpets or mop floors along baseboards for at least 2 weeks unless instructed.

What to Expect

  • Bed bug activity may be seen for 7–14 days after treatment. This is normal.
  • You may notice bites during this period — they should decrease as the treatment takes effect.

Follow-Up Service

  • A follow-up inspection/treatment is usually scheduled 2–3 weeks after the initial visit.
  • Be sure to maintain preparation steps (reduced clutter, bagging items, etc.) until your technician confirms the problem is resolved.
Download post-treatment guide (PDF)

General Pest

What to expect following your first professional general pest control treatment.

Timeline & expectations

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Within the First 24 Hours

  • Initial activity: it is possible to see an increase in pest activity. The treatment agitates pests, flushing them out of their hiding spots.
  • Pest mortality: you may see dying or dead pests in treated areas. However, the treatment does not kill all pests immediately.
  • Smell or residue: there may be a slight odor or visible residue from the treatment products. These are safe and will dissipate quickly. Please stay off treated areas for at least 30 minutes until dry.

After 3 Days

  • Reduced activity: you should notice a gradual decline in pest activity as the treatment takes full effect.
  • Trapped or dying pests: some pests, especially slower-moving ones, may still be visible as they come into contact with treated areas.
  • No need to retreat: continued sightings during this time do not indicate treatment failure. Avoid using other sprays or DIY products, as they may interfere with the professional treatment.

After 1 Week

  • Significant improvement: by this time, most pest activity should be substantially reduced or eliminated, depending on the type and severity of the infestation.
  • Ongoing prevention: keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and following any recommendations provided will help prevent future infestations.

Important Notes

  • Re-treatment policy: one time services do not come with a guarantee of total elimination. Pest management takes time and is best monitored with quarterly services. A 50% discount is given for a retreatment within the first month. Quarterly pest control services come with a guarantee and can be re-treated in between services at no charge if necessary, as long as you do not skip any services. We ask that you wait at least 1 week after treatment before scheduling a follow-up, to allow sufficient time for the product to be effective.
  • Safety first: keep children and pets away from treated areas until dry (typically 30 minutes).
  • Product longevity: our treatments are designed to provide long-lasting protection, continuing to work for up to 90 days after application.
  • Targeted pests include: spiders, ants, wood roaches, oriental roaches, American roaches, earwigs, mice, and other insects.
  • Does not include: mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas, carpenter ants, termites, and German roach infestations.
Download timeline & expectations (PDF)

Fleas

Incomplete preparation may delay treatment or reduce effectiveness.

Before your service

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Pets

  • Treat all pets with a veterinarian-approved flea product prior to service.
  • Remove all pets from the home during treatment.
  • Remove or securely cover aquariums and turn off air pumps.
  • Wash all pet bedding in hot water and dry on high heat.

Inside the Home

  • Vacuum all carpets, rugs, furniture, and floors thoroughly (especially where pets rest).
  • Dispose of vacuum bags/canister contents in sealed trash bags outside.
  • Mop hard-surface floors.
  • Remove items from floors (toys, shoes, storage bins, pet food dishes).
  • Wash bedding, throw rugs, and small fabric items in hot water/high heat.
  • Declutter rooms for maximum treatment coverage.

Day of Treatment

  • Everyone (including pets) must vacate the home for 4–6 hours (or as instructed).
  • Cover or store any exposed food, dishes, and utensils.
  • Do not clean floors, carpets, or upholstered furniture for at least 2 weeks after treatment (vacuuming is allowed after 24 hours).
  • Expect to see some fleas for up to 2–3 weeks as eggs continue to hatch.
Download pre-service checklist (PDF)

After your service

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Re-Entry

  • Do not enter the home until the technician says it is safe (usually 4–6 hours after treatment).
  • Allow treated areas to dry completely before people or pets return.

Cleaning & Vacuuming

  • Wait 48 hours before vacuuming.
  • Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture daily for 2–3 weeks. This helps remove flea eggs, larvae, and pupae as they hatch. Avoid vacuuming any dust along baseboards.
  • Dispose of vacuum bags or empty the canister into a sealed trash bag and discard outdoors.
  • Do not mop or shampoo carpets for at least 2 weeks, as this may remove the treatment.
  • Do not purchase new furniture right away. If you get rid of furniture, throw it out rather than sell it.

Pets

  • All pets must be treated with a veterinarian-approved flea product (collar, topical, or oral) to prevent reinfestation.
  • Wash pet bedding in hot water and dry on high heat at least once a week.

What to Expect

  • Fleas may still be seen for 2–3 weeks after treatment. This is normal — eggs and pupae continue to hatch, but they will be exposed to the treatment and die.
  • Consistent vacuuming and pet care are essential for complete elimination.

Follow-Up Service

  • Technicians will determine if a follow-up is necessary at the time of service.
  • If fleas are still active after 3 weeks, contact us for a follow-up.
Download post-treatment guide (PDF)

Terms & Conditions

Scheduling or receiving service from Markley's Pest Elimination Services means you agree to our general terms — payment, scheduling, guarantees, and client responsibilities.

Download General Terms & Conditions (PDF)

Not sure which sheet you need?

We're happy to walk you through prep steps over the phone — or schedule a free inspection.

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