It is thrilling to move into a new place. But after moving in, some homeowners find unwelcome visitors hiding in corners, cupboards, and crawl spaces. These unwanted guests can soon turn your dream house into a nightmare.
One of the most common challenges that new homeowners experience is with pest control. Previous occupants could have left unsuspected infestations behind that were unseen during home tours. For example, empty homes that sit on the market can become a draw for pests.
On the bright side, you can avoid a small pest issue quickly turning into a larger infestation by starting now. Knowing these typical pest problems new homeowners face can help them recognize the warning signs sooner rather than later. Easy steps to take today can save you thousands of dollars in property damage and health issues in the future.
While there are a ton of ways to treat pests on your own, sometimes you need a professional to make sure the problem is completely gone and does not return! Learn more with our guide and get rid of pests today.
Common Pest Problems When You Just Moved In
1. Bed-bugs from Previous Tenants
Previous residents might have been combating long-term pest problems, but never eliminated them completely. Wall voids, underneath appliances, and inside basement spaces are just some places where cockroaches, ants, and termites can hide. These pre-existing colonies tend to come up once you start unpacking and making noise around the house.
Mice and rats create scent trails that lure in new generations long after the original population is gone. Their droppings in attics, basements, and behind kitchen appliances reveal active or recent infestation.
2. Insects that Love an Empty or Vacant Home
Homes that were vacant before you bought them often attract all sorts of pests. Unoccupied homes are 3 times more likely to have a severe infestation of pests than occupied homes. Spiders, silverfish, and beetles all do well in undisturbed habitats.
Vacant home moisture problems create an ideal breeding site for many insects. Mold feeds on leaks and insufficient ventilation, thus, they are attractive to undesirable visitors looking for dinner.
Effective Solutions and Tips to Control Pests
1. Seal Entry Points and Cracks
Begin your pest-proofing regime outside your home, looking for areas where pests could gain access. Take a walk around the foundation and inspect for cracks, gaps around pipes, and under doors. Even tiny cracks or gaps can let insects and rodents into your house.
Seal cracks around windows, doors, and utility penetrations with caulk. Put door sweeps in and fix damaged window screens. Pay particular attention to the joints between building materials, because these are often areas where gaps develop.
2. Get Rid of Food and Water
Clear your new home of any habits that would attract pests here. Put pantry items in airtight containers and wipe up crumbs after meals. Pet food should be kept in sealed containers, and feeding stations should be kept clean.
Deal with water issues immediately – water is a magnet for many common home invaders. Repair leaky faucets, increase ventilation in bathrooms, and use dehumidifiers in damp basements.
3. Maintain Clean Living Spaces
Vacuum often, especially in places where you have seen rodent activity. Empty vacuum cleaner bags or canisters after use, as there are bugs can survive in them.
Pay particular attention to kitchens, behind appliances, and inside cabinets. Wipe surfaces with suitable cleaning agents, and sweep floors every day, during the first couple of weeks in your new home.
Taking Action for Long-Term Pest Prevention
Keeping your new home free from bugs is a lot of work, but you need to do it because just one pest living in your walls could cost a couple of thousand dollars to remove. What you do in your first month of occupancy lays the groundwork for long-term pest control. Routine care and timely action can stop minor problems from turning into costly infestations.
Additionally, keep in mind that some pest problems are best left to the experts, as they require professional-grade treatments and specific expertise for resolution. Severe termite infestations, large rat infestations, and persistent insect problems frequently require a professional inspection and targeted treatments.
