Your Ultimate New Home Pest Control Checklist

Moving into a new home can be such an exciting time for you and your family. But the last thing you want to see is pests that have already moved in. You deserve a clean, pest-free home. But how can you ensure no unwanted guests are living in your cabinets or walls? We’ll walk you through our new home pest control checklist so you can move in without the stress of pests!

6 Steps for New Home Pest Control

When you move to a new home, you already have a lot on your plate. Hopefully, we can make that process a bit easier by providing you with our step-by-step checklist for pest control.

Whether you’re inspecting the home before moving in or are already packed and ready to go, these six steps will help protect you and your family from unseen infestations.

1. Inspect the Home

The first step in pest control for a new home is a walk-through. Often, pests can be sneaky, but if there’s obvious pest activity, you can often get the seller to pay for pest control before you move in—especially for damaging pests like termites. But for more hidden signs, you may have to deal with it yourself. The things you’re looking for include:

• Holes and cracks in the windows, doors, and walls
• Discarded wings
• Cobwebs
• Frass (a woody dust) and droppings (can range in size, but anything that looks like coffee grounds or black rice)
• Tiny holes or chew marks in fabric or furniture
• Eggs (may vary in appearance, but usually tiny, white, and round)
• Skittering noises in walls, ceilings, or dark, moist places
• Odd or bad odors

2. Seal Cracks & Openings

If your inspection uncovers any cracks and openings, you’ll want to take the necessary steps to seal them. Openings in your windows, doors, or walls are common entry points for pests and wildlife, and sealing them is one of the best ways to bug-proof your home in the long term.

From adding mesh wire to your window to adding barriers along your door, simply blocking possible openings can keep your new home pest-free.

3. Check the Crawl Space

Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t apply to pests. If your new home comes with a crawl space, you’ll want to make sure it isn’t a hotspot for unwanted guests. One of the best ways to make your crawl space pest-proof is by encapsulating it if it’s not already.

Encapsulation not only reduces moisture, saving energy costs, but it also keeps any underground pests and wildlife from finding a way into your home. Want professional help with your home’s crawl space? Our team is happy to help with your crawl space and make your home safe and efficient!

4. Clean Up the Yard

While your yard is bound to have some pests, you want to make sure it’s not inviting them into your home. Overgrown plants, wooden against the frame of your home, untreated pools, and even your neighbor’s yard can bring pests to your home.

By cleaning up any wooden debris, removing or treating still bodies of water, and investing in eco-friendly pest control, you can protect your home from pests while not hurting native pollinators or wildlife.

5. Call in a Professional

If you noticed signs of pests during your initial inspection or you just want guaranteed peace of mind, you’ll want to call in a professional for an in-depth inspection and treatment. In just 2021, over 14 million homeowners reported dealing with pests, but many more may live with pests unknowingly.

You don’t have to be one of them—a professional will be able to identify the pests, find the root cause, and create a treatment plan that protects you, your family, and your new home.

6. Invest in Long-Term Prevention

With your home sealed and treated, it’s time to make sure the pests don’t come back. While there are preventative measures you can take, such as sealing food and cleaning regularly, the best way to avoid pests is through professional recurring pest control.

Regular treatments create a barrier around your home, keeping pests out and eliminating any that might have slipped in. This is an important step for pest control for new construction homes as well—while brand new builds may not have issues such as cracks or an overgrown yard, preventative pest control ensures the pests stay out as you move in.

The best part? These treatments are safe for your family and pets while being effective in preventing future infestations.

Enjoy Your New Home in Peace with Clint Miller Exterminating

While we can’t help you move in, we can make the pests move out. At Clint Miller Exterminating, we offer residential pest control services for the most common pests found in the greater Charlotte area of North Carolina. From one-time treatments to recurring prevention, we can do it all. Explore our recurring pest control plans to find the best option for your new home!