Why do exterminators only spray baseboards?

Author: Prof. Lucinda Willms DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

It is perceived value. The industry sprayed baseboards to supposedly kill all the bugs that ran along the baseboard. Of course very few bugs actually ran along the baseboard. The real reason that baseboards were sprayed was to kill time in the customer's home to make it look like they were getting their money's worth.

Why does pest control spray baseboards?

Because of food supplies, pests such as ants, cockroaches, and pantry moths are frequently encountered in these places. Pest control professionals will spray along baseboards, worktops, under sinks, and inside cabinets to eliminate existing pests and prevent new infestations.

When pest control comes, where do they spray?

Pest control starts by spraying across entrances at doors and windows. This discourages pests from trying to cross inside your house over the thresholds and frames.

Where all do exterminators spray?

If you request inside pest control service, they will spray the following areas:
  • The entrances.
  • Cracks and crevices.
  • Spaces between the wall and cabinets, appliances and furniture.

Do bugs come out after exterminator sprays?

Hence, seeing more pests after pest control service is normal as they come out and die. This can happen for a period of time after service, depending on how often you have service and how heavy the bug pressure is around your home and yard.

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What not to do after pest control sprays?

We always encourage our clients to avoid disturbing any of the treated areas. You can still clean, vacuum or even hose down certain areas of the outside of your property, but just avoid mopping right up to the edges of internal walls for the first couple of weeks.

How to know if pest control is working?

It's common to see pests after treatment, which is usually a sign that the treatment is working. Often, bugs will come out of hiding once they are sprayed with a liquid solution because they are attempting to escape the source and will soon die.

Does rain wash away exterminator spray?

Many of the pesticides used for pest control are insoluble and will not be washed away by rain. However, rain that lasts for several days in a row is another story. If the weather only worsens instead of improving, you may need to reschedule your pest control appointment.

How often should an exterminator spray for bugs?

When it comes to regularly scheduled pest control, we suggest having your home treated once a quarter or every two to three months.

How much does it cost to have an exterminator spray?

Pest control costs run about $171 on average, though the service can range between $50 and $500 depending on factors like the type of pest you're dealing with and the extent of the infestation.

Can I sleep in my house after pest control?

The products can target and eliminate pest infestations without putting your family or pets at risk. This means that in most cases, you can sleep and reside in your home during and immediately after the treatments.

Do you have to leave the house for pest control?

All-in-all, it's pretty safe to say that you can stay in the house after pest control services. If you're looking for safe and effective pest control treatment in Central Valley, CA, turn to our experts for help!

Should I clean the house after pest control?

Key Takeaways. Indoor surfaces should not be cleaned for at least 24 hours after treatment to let the products work. Outdoor cleaning may be done sooner, depending on the pest control treatment and pest type. Treated areas and entry points should not be cleaned immediately to avoid disturbing the pest control process.

What kind of bugs live under baseboards?

Basement
  • Basement.
  • A basement provides two things insects crave: darkness and dampness. ...
  • Attic.
  • Despite temperature extremes, attics offer insects shelter from the elements. ...
  • Baseboards.
  • Insects that hide behind baseboards include:Boxelder Bugs, Carpet Beetles, Clothes Moths, Book Lice, Cockroaches, Ants, Crickets.
  • Wall Voids.

Do roaches come from baseboards?

Houses and apartments have all sorts of cracks and crevices that can make excellent cockroach hiding places. These can include your baseboards and trim, the backs of picture frames and corners where you've let the recycling pile up.

Do baseboards keep bugs out?

Bugs love to sneak in through baseboards. It's not a good idea to spray a lot of insecticide inside the home, but if you see crickets in the house, spray around the baseboards.

Are bug exterminators worth it?

Better Effectiveness. For one, investing in professional pest control services is going to give you more effective results than trying to keep pests out on your own. Homeowners often turn to DIY pest control products to try and save some money. But these products do not typically yield the best results.

How many times does Orkin spray for bed bugs?

Answer: The local branch office can tell you what insecticides are used. The number of treatments needed to get control is (national average) 3 to 4 treatments.

How long does it take for exterminator spray to work?

When pesticides are applied, they will have a limited effect right away. A flea infestation, for example, can take more than a week for total control. However, a cockroach infestation, if it's an outdoor one, could take anywhere from seven to ten days.

Is exterminator spray safe after it dries?

Let it dry.

Insecticides have the highest risk for animals while they are still wet and lower risk once dried. To keep your pets safe, it is best to keep them away from the treated area until the insecticide has dried completely.

What is the best time to spray pesticides?

Apply pesticides during the cooler part of the day, such as the early morning or evening. Treatments made in the early morning allow foliage to dry before temperatures reach 85–90°F. Take special precautions when using pesticides containing oil.

Do you have to wash bug spray off?

“You should wash the bug repellent off when you get home. There are probably other things on your skin like pollen and possibly even ticks that you would want to remove, too,” says Chon.

Do exterminators spray inside cabinets?

Many professional exterminators like myself spray all around baseboards and cabinets in the kitchen (especially when dealing with severe infestations). The trick to using pesticide for roaches in the kitchen is to be very careful and make sure you don't get it on surfaces used for preparing and storing food, or eating.

Why do I see more bugs after spraying?

Pest control treatments often target specific pests, disrupting their nests and colonies. In response to the disturbance, insects may scatter, seeking new hiding spots within the home. This migration can lead to a temporary increase in pest visibility as they adjust to the altered environment.

How long do exterminators take?

For a regular visit, it might take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. During this time, the exterminator will go through your home, apply treatment in needed areas, and maybe even set traps if you have rodents. The type of treatment can also affect how long the visit takes.

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