How Long Should You Stay Out After Pest Control, and Is the Smell Normal?

For bait treatments, no. Gel is placed in small dots inside hinges, cracks and behind appliances, and bait stations are sealed. You only need to keep out of the way while the technician works.

For spray treatments, such as some bed bug, flying-insect or outdoor perimeter jobs, you'll be asked to keep everyone out of the treated area until it's dry and aired. You can wait in an untreated room or go out for a while. Ask before the visit so you can plan, especially with babies, pregnant family members, elderly relatives, birds or fish at home.

A light chemical or solvent smell after spraying is normal and fades as the room is aired. Gel baits have little or no smell. Open windows, run the AC on fresh air if it has that setting, and use the exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.

A different smell a few days later can mean something else: a musty, rotten smell may come from a dead rodent in a wall or ceiling after rodent control. Tell us and we'll help locate it.

• Air the treated rooms well before using them. • Wipe kitchen worktops and dining tables before preparing food, and wash pet bowls before refilling them. • Don't wipe away gel bait spots or mop treated skirting and cracks until your technician says it's fine. • Expect to see more insects for a few days as they come out to feed on the bait. That's a sign it's working. • Keep the written report you're given.

• A strong smell is still there after the room has been aired well. • Anyone at home, or a pet, feels unwell; also contact a doctor or vet. • A rotten smell appears days after rodent control. • Activity hasn't dropped within the time your technician mentioned.

Friends uses municipality-approved products, tells you which rooms to avoid and for how long before leaving, and every treatment comes with a written report and a service guarantee. Call 050 112 7654.