Pest Control Checklist for Moving to a New Home

Are you preparing to move into a new home? Make sure to adhere to this comprehensive checklist to guarantee your future residence is free from pesky pests. By doing so, you’ll be equipped to address any pest problems efficiently, ensuring a seamless and worry-free transition to your new abode.

Pre-move Inspection: Check for Pests

Before packing up and moving to a new home, it is important to check for pests that can be accidentally carried from your old residence. Check for signs of the following pests and determine if the presence of these pests makes it necessary to initiate a pest control program:

• Rodents: Rodents such as mice, rats, and squirrels often enter attic spaces through small entrances. Look for evidence of rodent nests or droppings around windows, doors, or pipes leading in or out of your home.
• Insects: Take a close look at all corners of your home’s interior where insects may be living. Watch closely for ants on counters or walls; spiders in dark corners or webs; flies hovering around windows or near trash; or beetles under floorboards or behind cupboards. These insects should not follow you to your new home!
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are difficult to detect with the naked eye but they leave telltale signs like blood spots on mattresses and bedding after they have fed. Carefully inspect all mattresses, box springs, and fabrics around beds for these signs before packing them up. Taking preventative steps like washing all sheets and clothes can help lower the likelihood of an infestation in your new space.

Seal Potential Entry Points of Pests

Pests can gain access to your home by squeezing through cracks as small as 1/16th of an inch. To prevent pests from entering your new home, you should inspect the entire exterior and seal any openings. Take a look around the base of the house and window frames, doors, utility pipes, ducts, vents, and cable lines. Pay close attention to any voids in brick or siding and fill them with caulking material. Additionally, you may want to consider using mesh or stainless steel wool for extra protection against rodents.

Finally, check your garage area to ensure that pests don’t have easy access through weather stripping on automatic door openers or from outside trash cans or other containers placed too close to the garage opening. By sealing potential entry points of pests, you can help protect yourself from unwanted visitors in your new home.

Clean the New Home Thoroughly

Before you move in, prepare your new home by removing any remaining evidence of pests. Depending on the situation, this might include:

• Vacuuming the carpet and rugs to remove larval stages of pests like fleas and ticks.
• Scrubbing walls to remove cobwebs or dead/shed body parts left behind by spiders or other crawling insects.
• Sealing cracks and crevices through which creatures could get in.

You should also empty closets or pantries that could be invaded by rodents or cockroaches. If possible, it is good to store items like food away from floors or baseboards in the future.

Additionally, if you know that the previous owners had a pest problem before moving out, do an extensive pest control treatment throughout the house before you move in.

Storing Items in Plastic Containers

Storing personal items in plastic containers is an important part of pest control when moving to a new home. When you place your items inside plastic containers, you are creating an impenetrable barrier that prevents pests from gaining access to your belongings. This can help reduce the chances of them damaging or eating through your items while they’re in storage. Additionally, it seals off any potential entry points and reduces the chance of infestation.

Using hard, airtight containers are essential for protecting your belongings from pests. Items like books and papers should be stored in sealable plastic bins or boxes that have double lids with large rubber bands or convoluted fasteners for extra protection. Clothing and other soft goods should be stored in tightly sealed plastic bags with zippers or snaps for added protection against moths, beetles, silverfish, and other insects.

To properly store items for pest control purposes, follow these steps:

• Decide on the best airtight container for each purpose (e.g.: sealable boxes with double lids)
• Place all items inside the container (use packing peanuts to fill any space that would allow pests to squeeze through)
• Close the lids securely; be sure to use tape on awkward-fit lids if needed
• Label each container clearly so you know what it contains
• Store all containers in a cool dry area away from potential sources of infestation (e.g.: wood piles)

Set Up Pest Control Devices

Once you’ve settled into your new home, it’s important to identify and set up pest control devices to ensure that you are living in a safe environment. Several devices can help you control the pests in your home and yard, including chemical sprays, traps, and ultrasonic devices.

• Chemical Sprays: These products can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home or specific areas to keep certain pests away. Some are formulated to provide long-term protection and some are for immediate results. Be sure to read labels carefully before using chemical sprays as some chemicals should not be used near gardens or plants.
• Traps: Traps help catch small pests that find their way into your houses such as ants and cockroaches. There are sticky traps, poison bait traps, or electric fly swatters available for different types of insects depending on the type of pest problem you have.
• Ultrasonic Devices: These create sound waves that repel rodents which can help keep them out of hard-to-reach places in your home like attics or crawl spaces where they may hide food or nesting materials.

Schedule Regular Pest Control Inspections

To protect your new home from potential pest problems, it is important to consider scheduling regular professional pest control treatments. This will help you detect any early-warning signs of infestation, as well as provide you with necessary treatment and preventive measures to preserve the integrity of the structure and the health of those living in it.

When selecting a professional pest control company, be sure to research reviews and ratings in your area to ensure that you are getting quality services from a trusted provider. The technicians should be knowledgeable about the specific needs of your home, the local environment, and any local pests that may be an issue. All treatments should be conducted in accordance with industry safety standards, including the use of protective gear and equipment when necessary. If a problem occurs after treatment is completed, look into what recourse you have with your chosen provider.

Conclusion

It is essential to take preventative pest control measures when moving into a new home. Taking the time to review and inspect for pests and signs of pests can save you from dealing with a costly infestation later on.

Start by addressing any exterior openings around your home, paying close attention to door and window frames, siding, and soffits. Monitor for common indoor signs of pests, such as droppings or gnaw marks in furniture or packaging.

Then identify possible breeding grounds such as standing water or cluttered areas like garages or basements. Finally, set up an integrated pest management plan that includes regular inspections, sanitation measures, repairs, and preventative sealing to keep future pest issues at bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a pest control checklist when moving to a new home?

Moving to a new home is an exciting time, but it’s also important to ensure that you don’t bring pests into your new space. A pest control checklist can help you identify any potential problem areas and take steps to prevent infestations.

What should be included in a pest control checklist for moving?

A pest control checklist for moving should include a thorough inspection of the new home before moving in, sealing any cracks and crevices, keeping the home clean and clutter-free, avoiding moisture buildup, and having a professional pest control service perform a preventative treatment.

When should I start preparing for pest control when moving to a new home?

It’s best to start preparing for pest control as soon as possible when moving to a new home. This gives you plenty of time to make any necessary repairs or adjustments to the space before moving in.

Can I perform pest control myself, or should I hire a professional?

While there are some steps you can take to prevent pest infestations, such as sealing cracks and crevices and keeping your home clean, hiring a professional pest control service is typically the best way to ensure that your home is properly protected.

Should I have a pest control service treat the old home before moving?

Yes, it’s important to have a pest control service that treats your old home before moving to prevent any pests from hitchhiking a ride to your new home.

How often should I have my new home inspected for pests?

It’s a good idea to have your new home inspected for pests at least once a year. If you notice any signs of pest activity, such as droppings or chewed wires, it’s important to schedule an inspection right away.