Most home visits wrap up within 30 to 90 minutes. That’s for a standard one-time treatment targeting ants, wasps, or similar types of infestation. Bigger problems – say, a full-blown cockroach colony behind the fridge – may need closer to two hours. Sometimes longer. It really depends on the species, the size of the affected area, and whether furniture or clutter needs to be moved.

If you’re booking a full-house barrier application, including garage, basement, and outdoor perimeter, you might want to set aside half your morning. Especially if the tech needs to apply different products for different zones – some areas need dusts, others gels or sprays. Each material has its own prep, dry time, and method.

Follow-up appointments usually take less time. A quick reassessment, touch-up in high-traffic spots, and you’re good. That could be just 15 to 30 minutes, assuming no surprises. But if re-entry signs show up – fresh droppings, new tunnels, bite marks – the whole process resets.

Fumigation or heat treatment? That’s a different story. You’re looking at several hours minimum, and in some cases, the property might need to be vacated for 24 to 72 hours. That’s rare, though. Most Calgary homeowners never deal with that level of issue unless it’s something like bed bugs gone completely unchecked.

So, if you’re planning your day around a technician’s visit, don’t just ask how quick it is. Ask what kind of problem you’re dealing with. The answer to that question shapes everything else.

Typical Timeframes for Different Types of Pest Control Treatments

For a basic ant or spider spray, most technicians wrap up within 30 to 60 minutes. That’s assuming it’s a standard home without unusual access issues or high infestation levels. Light preventive work on the exterior might even take less–closer to 20 minutes–if you’re just maintaining a barrier.

Rodent baiting or trapping setups can be faster to install but require ongoing checks. The initial visit might last 45 minutes, but real resolution often spans over several days or weeks, depending on activity and how quickly bait is taken. Reinspections are key here. One visit rarely fixes everything.

For bed bugs, it’s another story. Heat treatments, which are common in Calgary, usually take 6 to 8 hours per unit, sometimes more if there are multiple rooms or dense furniture. Chemical approaches stretch out even further: two to three visits, spaced 10 to 14 days apart. Prep time alone–laundering, decluttering, sealing items–adds several hours before the team even arrives.

Cockroach interventions land somewhere in between. A light German roach issue might need just one gel baiting session, under 90 minutes. But a heavy infestation–especially in multi-unit buildings–can stretch to multiple treatments over a month. Kitchens with deep harborage zones always take longer.

Wasp nest removals are typically quick. If the nest is visible and accessible, treatment and removal can be under 30 minutes. But if it’s tucked into a wall void or roofline, expect more time and possibly a second visit.

For anyone moving into a new place, it’s smart to schedule treatments before unpacking. It’s faster and more thorough without furniture in the way. There’s a helpful breakdown on this in our article: should you do pest control before moving in.

There’s no fixed rule, honestly. It depends on the species, the severity, and the layout of the space. But if someone’s in and out in ten minutes for a full-service job… you might want to ask questions.

How much time is usually needed to handle ants, cockroaches, and spiders

For ants, the average visit lasts around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the infestation and whether they’ve nested indoors or just foraging. Surface treatments and bait placements usually show results in a few hours, but full eradication can take several days–especially if satellite colonies are hidden behind walls or under flooring.

Dealing with cockroaches tends to take longer. A thorough treatment typically runs 60 to 90 minutes, but follow-ups are nearly always required. You might see live roaches for up to two weeks after service, which doesn’t necessarily mean failure–it’s often just a delayed reaction to the residual treatment doing its job. If you’re dealing with German roaches in particular, expect multiple return visits.

As for spiders, it’s usually a quicker process–about 30 to 45 minutes–mainly involving targeted sprays in corners, under furniture, and around window frames. The trickier part is that many treatments don’t reach egg sacs, so it’s common to see more hatchlings about a week later. Spot touch-ups are usually enough to finish the job.

Of course, each species behaves a bit differently, and environmental conditions play a big role too. Some spiders, for example, hide deep in cracks or ceiling voids, which stretches the process out. If centipedes have also made an appearance, here’s what to expect: can pest control get rid of centipedes.

Time required for inspection preparation treatment and post-treatment steps

Expect around 30 to 60 minutes for a full-site assessment in an average-sized home. Technicians check baseboards, kitchen voids, attic access points, and crawlspaces. If the situation involves multiple infestation points or less accessible zones–say, a cluttered basement or wall voids–the inspection alone might stretch past an hour. Larger properties or commercial units often take longer.

Pre-visit prep

Set aside 15 to 45 minutes to prep your space. That includes clearing under sinks, moving furniture slightly away from walls, vacuuming floors, and storing exposed food. It’s a bit tedious, sure–but skipping this can slow everything down on-site. Some treatments won’t be applied properly if areas are blocked or dusty. If pets are around, especially birds or reptiles, extra arrangements may be needed. That part alone can take longer than you’d expect.

Active application

The actual procedure varies: light spot-treatments for spiders or silverfish may be wrapped in under 20 minutes. For something broader–like cockroach gel baiting plus insect growth regulator–it’s more like 45 to 90 minutes. A full perimeter barrier spray might add another 30. Indoor and outdoor applications combined typically span 60 to 120 minutes, depending on layout complexity and treatment type. Thermal fogging or structural fumigation? You’re looking at multiple hours or even days, but those are rare.

Timing also shifts depending on whether the technician needs to explain precautions mid-process. Sometimes, residents ask about re-entry times or cross-contamination concerns. Those chats–while important–can stretch the visit. Not a bad thing, just something to factor in.

Post-treatment steps don’t eat much time: airing out the home (20–30 minutes), wiping surfaces if advised, and following re-entry instructions. But longer-term efforts–monitoring bait stations, scheduling follow-ups–might not be obvious right away. For lingering issues, or if you’re wondering whether a similar issue like centipedes might show up later, that’s something to revisit with your technician during the walk-through wrap-up.

What affects pest service duration in apartments, houses, and commercial spaces

For condos and small residential units, treatment usually wraps up faster–sometimes in under 30 minutes–mainly due to limited square footage and fewer hiding spots. But in single-family homes, especially older ones with basements or cluttered storage, it might stretch past an hour. If you’re dealing with something like a cockroach infestation, expect extra time for bait placement and monitoring.

In commercial settings, timing becomes more unpredictable. A small retail store might only need 45 minutes, but restaurants, warehouses, or office buildings with multiple units often require multi-hour visits. Access to all rooms, locked areas, and cooperation from staff can slow things down significantly. Some businesses even split service across multiple days to avoid disruptions.

Property condition matters more than size

Square footage alone doesn’t set the pace. A clean, minimally furnished house can be treated faster than a cluttered apartment of the same size. The number of cracks, wall voids, or unsealed utility lines also affects how thorough the technician needs to be. Spotting and sealing those access points might take longer than the actual application of product.

Infestation type and severity change everything

If it’s just a few ants along a windowsill, that’s a quick fix. But if you’re looking at an active spider problem in multiple corners–or worse, a full-blown cockroach colony–plan for longer prep and application times. Follow-up visits are often needed, too. If you’re wondering how long after pest control do bugs die, that depends on species and method used. Some insects drop within hours; others take days or require multiple rounds.

In short, the timeline depends on a mix of unit type, access, layout, and insect behaviour. It’s rarely as straightforward as checking the clock.

Q&A:

How long does a standard pest control visit usually take?

The average duration of a pest control visit for a typical residential property ranges from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Smaller homes with minor infestations tend to require less time, while larger properties or those with widespread activity may take longer. The technician will assess the situation, apply treatments, and give aftercare instructions within this timeframe.

Does treatment time vary depending on the type of pest?

Yes, different pests require different treatment approaches, which affects the duration. For example, ant or spider treatments may take under an hour, while cockroach or bed bug services can take several hours due to the need for more intensive methods. Fumigation for termites or extensive rodent control in commercial spaces may take multiple visits across several days.

Can I stay home during the pest control treatment?

It depends on the type of treatment and the chemicals used. For most general insect control procedures, staying home is allowed, but you may be asked to avoid treated areas until they dry—usually within 1–2 hours. For treatments involving strong aerosols or fumigation, you’ll need to leave the property for several hours or even overnight.

How much time should I plan for preparation before the pest control technician arrives?

Preparation usually takes anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. It might involve moving furniture away from walls, clearing out cupboards, vacuuming, and covering or removing food and pet items. The company should provide specific instructions based on the type of treatment scheduled.

How soon after treatment will I see fewer bugs?

Results can be noticeable within a few hours, but full results often take several days to a few weeks. Some insects, especially cockroaches and bed bugs, may appear more frequently for a short period as they’re driven out of hiding. For details about this process, visit: how long after pest control do bugs die.