New Homeowner's Pest Prevention Checklist

Congratulations on your new home! Before you get too comfortable, take these essential pest prevention steps. It's far easier (and cheaper) to prevent pest problems than to fix them.

Before You Move In

Professional Inspection

Schedule a comprehensive pest inspection before closing if possible:
- Termite inspection (often required by lenders)
- General pest inspection
- Rodent entry point assessment
- Wood-destroying insect evaluation

Document Everything

- Take photos of all rooms, especially problem areas
- Note any signs of past pest issues
- Check previous pest control records if available
- Understand what the seller treated (if anything)

Moving Day Precautions

Inspect All Items

Don't bring pests with you:
- Check furniture for bed bugs (seams, crevices)
- Inspect boxes from storage for roaches or rodents
- Examine plants for insects before bringing indoors
- Unpack outdoor items outside first

Clean Before Unpacking

- Deep clean all rooms
- Vacuum thoroughly (including baseboards)
- Wipe down cabinets and drawers
- Clean appliances inside and out

First Week Tasks

Seal Entry Points

Walk your home's perimeter and interior:
- Caulk gaps around windows and doors
- Seal pipe penetrations under sinks
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors
- Repair screens on windows and vents
- Check garage door seal

Address Moisture Issues

Pests need water:
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes
- Repair running toilets
- Improve drainage around foundation
- Install/repair gutters
- Add dehumidifiers to damp areas

Yard Preparation

- Trim trees and shrubs away from house
- Remove debris piles (wood, leaves, etc.)
- Create 18-inch clearance around foundation
- Locate and mark water shutoffs and access points

First Month Priorities

Kitchen and Bathrooms

- Install or replace sink strainers
- Seal countertop gaps with caulk
- Organize pantry with airtight containers
- Check under sinks for leaks
- Replace old garbage disposal if needed

Storage Areas

- Organize garage with sealed bins
- Don't stack boxes against walls
- Elevate items off floor
- Install shelving for better organization

Landscape

- Consider perimeter pest treatment
- Install outdoor lighting on timers
- Remove standing water sources
- Add pest-repelling plants near entry points

Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

Spring

- Termite inspection
- Ant prevention treatment
- Check for winter damage
- Clean gutters

Summer

- Mosquito control
- Check air conditioning drainage
- Monitor for increased insect activity
- Trim vegetation

Fall

- Rodent exclusion
- Seal cracks before winter
- Remove leaf litter
- Store outdoor items properly

Winter

- Monitor for indoor activity
- Check insulation for damage
- Maintain interior treatments
- Plan for spring prevention

Establish Professional Partnership

Don't wait for a problem. Start with:
- Initial comprehensive treatment
- Quarterly maintenance plan minimum
- Seasonal adjustments
- Free re-treatments between services

The First-Year Investment

Pest prevention in your first year establishes protection for years to come. Consider it an investment in:
- Home value (pest damage is expensive)
- Health (pests carry disease)
- Peace of mind (sleep better knowing your home is protected)
- Lower costs (prevention costs less than extermination)

Special Considerations

Older Homes

- More entry points
- Aging plumbing (leaks)
- Settled foundation (cracks)
- Need more frequent inspections

New Construction

- Don't assume "new = pest-free"
- Construction attracts pests
- Still need preventive treatment
- Pre-treat before landscaping

Previously Infested Homes

- Ask seller for treatment records
- Consider professional inspection even if recent treatment
- May need aggressive initial treatment
- Monitor closely first year

Welcome home! Start your homeownership journey right with comprehensive pest prevention.

Schedule your new homeowner pest inspection and protect your investment from day one.