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New Home, No Pests! Must-Do Pest Control Steps Before You Move In

Moving into a fresh space? Make sure it’s pest-free before you unpack. This blog shares expert-backed pest prevention tips and recommends professional services to ensure your new home starts clean and stays safe.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a new home—the fresh paint, the empty rooms, the promise of a clean slate. But one thing you don’t want in your new space? Uninvited guests with six legs and antennae.

Pests like cockroaches, ants, mice, and even bed bugs can linger in the walls, crawlspaces, or even furniture left behind by previous occupants. The last thing you want is to unpack your belongings into a space that already has some residents.

Before you move in and settle down, take these smart pest prevention steps to make sure your new home is truly yours—and yours alone.

1 - Why Pest Control Should Be Part of Every Move

Even if the home looks spotless, pests can be hiding where you least expect:

• Inside wall voids and behind baseboards

• In attic insulation or crawlspaces

• Beneath appliances and under sinks

• In garages or storage sheds

• Along cracks in the foundation or around windows

Pests are not just gross—they’re a health hazard and can cause structural damage. A pre-move pest control check isn’t just smart—it’s peace of mind.

2 - DIY Steps to Prepare Your Home Before the Move

Here’s how you can reduce the risk of moving into a pest-infested space—even before the pros arrive:

✅ Do a Walk-Through with Pest Awareness
During your final home walkthrough, bring a flashlight and inspect:

• Baseboards, windowsills, and behind toilets

• Pantry corners and kitchen cabinets

• Garage and attic entry points

• Signs of droppings, webs, shed skins, or unusual odors

✅ Seal Entry Points
Look for small cracks, gaps under doors, and holes around pipes. Seal them with caulk, steel wool, or weather-stripping to block pests’ paths.

✅ Clean and Vacuum Thoroughly
Even if the house seems clean, vacuum carpets and mop hard floors to remove hidden food crumbs or insect eggs. Pay close attention to corners, closets, and cabinet interiors.

✅ Eliminate Moisture
Fix any leaks under sinks or in the basement. Pests love moisture-rich environments. Install dehumidifiers in damp areas to make your home less welcoming to them.

✅ Trim Back Landscaping
If you’re moving into a single-family home, make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed back from the house. Branches can act as bridges for rodents and insects.

3 - Why You Should Book Professional Pest Control Before Move-In

Some things are better left to the experts—and pest prevention is one of them.

Hiring a professional pest control company before you move in gives you:

✔️ A Thorough Inspection
Trained pros know how to spot signs of pest activity that the average person might miss—like termite tunnels, rodent runways, or bed bug indicators.

✔️ Preventive Treatments
Pre-move treatments (such as perimeter sprays, bait traps, or eco-friendly barrier solutions) can create a protective shield around your home.

✔️ Peace of Mind Before Unpacking
It’s much easier—and more effective—to apply treatments when furniture and personal items aren’t in the way.

✔️ Professional Documentation
If your new home is part of a rental or HOA, you may need proof of inspection or treatment—another reason to go pro.

4 - Types of Pests to Look Out For (and How Pros Handle Them)

Here are the most common household pests—and what a pro will do to keep them out:

Cockroaches

• Look for droppings, musty odors, and egg casings.

• Pros use gel baits, wall void dusting, and exclusion methods to wipe them out.

Ants

• Often enter through cracks and go straight to the kitchen.

• Experts apply targeted baiting and seal entry points.

Rodents

• Look for gnaw marks, droppings, or noises in the walls.

• Professionals set traps, seal holes, and may use bait stations around the exterior.

Bed Bugs

• Harder to detect, especially in multi-family units.

• Pros inspect mattresses, baseboards, and wall seams—and apply thermal or chemical treatments as needed.

Spiders & Other Crawlers

• Hide in attics, basements, and garages.

• Treated with perimeter sprays and vacuuming of webs and egg sacs.

5 - Bonus Tips for a Pest-Free Move-In

✅ Inspect Boxes and Furniture Before Bringing Them In
Pests can hitch a ride in cardboard boxes, furniture, and luggage. Check everything—especially if it came from storage or someone else’s home.

✅ Schedule Pest Control Treatment 2–3 Days Before Move-In
This gives the treatment time to dry and settle—and keeps your move-in day smooth and safe.

✅ Keep Food Sealed During and After Your Move
Don’t give pests a reason to stay. Use airtight containers and avoid leaving food out, especially in the first few weeks.

✅ Use Pest-Repellent Materials for Packing
Lavender sachets, cedar chips, or even dryer sheets can deter insects from nesting in your boxes while in transit.

6 - Need a Professional You Can Trust?

If you’re relocating and want to protect your investment from day one, don’t wait until pests show up. Prevent them from ever getting in.

At Helplisted.com, we connect you with trusted, local pest control professionals who offer:

• Move-in ready pest inspections

• One-time or preventive treatments

• Customized solutions for your home’s size and layout

• Fast booking so your move stays on track

Conclusion

Moving into a new home is exciting—but don’t let pests ruin the fresh start. With a few proactive steps and the help of a reliable pest control partner, you can move into a home that’s truly clean, safe, and ready for a new chapter.

🛠️ Ready to pest-proof your move?

Visit Helplisted.com today to book a pre-move pest inspection or treatment with a local expert you can trust. Because starting fresh shouldn’t come with unwanted company.