6 Crucial Tips for Pest Control Before Moving In

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Moving into your first house is an exciting milestone for newlywed couples. However, you may want to wait a while before creating new memories. First, you must go through some steps to better prepare your home and prevent issues, like pests, from moving in with you.

When you go for pest control before moving in, you can guarantee a seamless moving-in transition. Keep reading below for the crucial pest control practices you must follow before moving into your new home.

6 essential pest control practices to follow before moving into your new house

“Should I fumigate my house before moving in?” is a common question many homeowners ask themselves when preparing to move into a new house. Pest control before moving in is crucial for creating a comfortable and safe living environment.

Below, we have discussed some essential pest control practices before moving into your new house.

1. Deep clean the house

Deep cleaning is ideal for making your house pest-free before moving in. Ask the seller for a cleaning service as part of the closing deal if possible. 

Otherwise, you have to gather your cleaning supplies and do the task yourself or, if you don’t have the time, hire a professional to do it for you. 

Doing the process yourself is actually a good thing. It allows you to do a once-over and look at the property up close, allowing you to identify any issues you must address early. 

When going over the whole house, there are various areas you must prioritize to prevent pests from entering and breeding. For instance, cockroaches like to hide in tight spaces. 

So, you must check the backs and sides of all fixtures on the property, from cabinets to drawers, and clean them individually. After that, give every surface and corner a good cleaning.

2. Seal all cracks and openings

As mentioned above, deep cleaning before moving in will allow you to inspect your house up close, which can help with pest control in the new house. Doing so will help you locate cracks or holes that could act as openings for pests in your home. 

Inspect various areas of your new property, including your foundation, windows, pipes, and other spaces with these openings. Start with the basement because these rooms often attract pests because they have low traffic and the most clutter in the house. 

Once you detect these damages, seal them immediately. The good news is that you can address some of these issues using caulk or a water-tight sealant. If the damage requires more than a seal, calling a professional is best to cover these openings.

3. Clean up the yard

Outdoor pests are attracted to an untidy yard. So, if your new property has a disorganized lawn, it’s best to include it in your deep cleaning to make pest control before moving in successful. Start by cutting down excess branches and trimming shrubs in your yard. 

Clear all garbage, debris, or obstructions around the area because they may attract pests like spiders and squirrels. After cleaning, mow your lawn to give it a fresh look before moving in.

4. Prevent excess moisture 

Damp areas create the ideal environment for pests, like termites, rats, and spiders, to thrive. Before moving in, you must always inspect the property for issues that may cause excess moisture and address them immediately. 

That means you must repair all leaks, clean out gutters, and ensure your house has proper drainage. This step is quite crucial for your pest control checklist.

Also, when planning pest control before moving in, you must look for standing water in your yard. For instance, there may be containers or holes that are typically collecting rainwater. 

After moving in, proper moisture management is crucial to prevent pests from invading. It’s also helpful for limiting the growth of harmful molds. 

One of the best ways to do this is to use proper ventilation in the attics, crawlspaces, and bathrooms to control humidity levels. Investing in a powerful dehumidifier can also help manage moisture in your home.

5. Secure your food

Leaving food out in the open attracts different pests like cockroaches and rats. These critters could contaminate your food and expose your family to various diseases. 

One of the crucial parts of pest control before moving in is never to leave your food exposed on tables or countertops. Secure them with a heavy-duty plastic container and store them in your cupboards or refrigerator. 

When doing so, ensure that the container is airtight and properly sealed. If you have pets at home, you must do the same for their food to avoid attracting rodents and insects. 

Additionally, you must remove crumbs from every surface. Crumbs and food droppings also attract pests. That’s why, after eating, you must collect and throw them away. If you have food waste, you must dispose of it immediately when a collector comes.

Watch John Olson, CEO of Turf Badger, which is a professional pest control company, as he answers your question about whether pest control is safe for your family and pets:

6. Plan a cleaning schedule

The tips above about pest control before moving in indicate that nothing attracts pests more than dirt and untidiness. That’s why you must always clean your house regularly after moving in. 

The best way to approach this step is to create a cleaning plan that covers all spaces in your home, inside and out. Following this plan will help you maintain a clean house and prevent pests from coming in. 

You must also allot time to walk around the property and check your home for cracks and dirt that may attract pests. If you find any signs of infestation in your home, call the professionals immediately to address your problem.

Prevent all unwanted guests

Doing all the preventive measures above about pest control before moving in is crucial to helping you fully enjoy your new home. Some do all these steps after moving in. However, organizing your things might preoccupy you too much from doing all of them entirely.

Always ensure cleanliness in your new property. Make it a habit to check and clean every part to avoid inviting unwanted critters. With that, enjoy and make new memories in your brand-new house.