Congratulations on your new home! As you prepare to settle in, it’s crucial to ensure your property is pest-free. During the home-buying process – often lasting 3 months or more – the house may remain vacant and unmonitored, allowing pests to establish themselves. To help you protect your investment, here’s a comprehensive checklist to inspect your new home for signs of unwanted guests.
Check for Gaps and Cracks
Pests can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Conduct a thorough examination of the exterior of your home, focusing on:
- Foundation Cracks: Even tiny fissures can serve as entry points for ants, spiders, and termites. Seal any visible cracks with caulk or an appropriate sealant.
- Window and Door Frames: Inspect gaps around doors and windows. Installing weather stripping on doors and caulking window gaps can provide effective barriers.
- Roofline and Eaves: Birds, bats, and rodents may find refuge in eaves or gaps in the roofline. Ensure that all openings are securely sealed.
Inspect Attic and Basement Spaces
Attics and basements are prime areas for pests like rodents, spiders, and termites, especially in vacant homes. Look for:
- Rodent Droppings or Nests: Check dark corners and insulation in the attic for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings or nests.
- Signs of Termite Damage: Inspect wood beams for hollowed-out wood or mud tubes, which indicate termite activity. Early detection is key to preventing serious structural damage.
Examine the Lawn and Landscaping
Your yard can reveal potential pest problems. Watch for:
- Standing Water: Pests breed in standing water, so ensure proper drainage in low-lying areas.
- Ant Hills or Mole Tunnels: With professional pest control, ant hills are easy to treat. However, watch out for mole tunnels, as these can indicate a potential rodent issue.
Check for Signs of Termite Activity
Termites are among the most destructive pests, and their presence is often subtle. During your inspection, look for:
- Mud Tubes: These small, dirt-filled tubes are built by termites to travel from the soil to wood in your home. They’re commonly found along foundations or walls.
- Hollow Wood: Tap on wooden structures; hollow sounds may indicate internal termite damage.
- Frass: Termite droppings, known as frass, resemble tiny wood shavings or sawdust and are often found near entry points or damaged wood.
Inspect Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms provide easy access to food and moisture, making them attractive to pests. Here’s what to check:
- Plumbing: Look for leaks under sinks and around appliances. Even minor drips can attract moisture-loving pests.
- Cockroach Droppings: These resemble tiny black specks, often found in dark corners or under appliances, indicating potential infestations.
- Food Residue: Inspect kitchen cabinets for crumbs or old food that may attract pests.
Look at Outdoor Structures
Sheds, garages, or other outdoor spaces can serve as entry points for pests. During your inspection:
- Rodent Holes: Mice and rats can gnaw through various materials. Look for gnaw marks or small holes in walls or along floorboards.
- Wasps and Bees: Check for nests in corners, roof overhangs, or storage areas. If you find any, remove them carefully or consult a professional.
Check the Roof and Chimney
Birds, bats, and squirrels often nest in chimneys or enter through roof openings. To avoid infestations:
- Broken Shingles or Tiles: Inspect gaps in the roof that can invite pests. Replace any damaged or missing shingles promptly.
- Chimney Caps or Vents: Ensure your chimney has a cap to prevent nesting and check that all vents are screened properly.
Examine the Garage
Garages are often overlooked but can harbor pests like rodents and spiders. Look for:
- Cracks in the Garage Door: Ensure the garage door closes tightly to eliminate spaces for pests to enter.
- Storage Areas: Check boxes and old papers for droppings or nests that pests may have created.
Hire a Professional Pest Inspection
Even with a thorough inspection, some signs of pest activity may be hidden or too subtle for the untrained eye. A professional pest control service can provide peace of mind with a comprehensive inspection and treatment for any identified issues. At Greenhouse Termite and Pest Control, we offer expert inspections to help protect your new home from unwanted guests.
Pest-Free Home
Buying a new home is a significant investment, and the last thing you want is a pest infestation. By following this checklist and conducting a thorough inspection before moving in, you can keep your home pest-free from day one. If you discover any pest issues, don’t hesitate to contact professionals like Greenhouse Termite and Pest Control for prompt and effective solutions.
With a little diligence, you can ensure that your new home remains protected, comfortable, and pest-free!
