When you buy a new home, the last thing you want to deal with is pests. From bugs to rodents, an unexpected pest infestation can make your first days as a homeowner less than enjoyable. Spending time on a few simple tasks and investing in professional pest control treatments before you move in can ensure your new home is free of any unwanted critters. 

How New Homeowners Can Control Pests

1. Conduct an Inspection

Before bringing your belongings into your new home, conduct a thorough inspection to look for signs of an infestation. Droppings are a telltale sign of rodents, but insects can also leave them behind.

There are other signs of infestation, including evidence of nesting, chew marks or holes in the walls or floors, and greasy trails along walls. Look in cabinets, drawers, and along the edges of the carpet or wallpaper seams for signs of trouble. 

2. Deep Clean the Carpets 

If your new home has carpet that you intend to keep, have it professionally cleaned before moving in. This will remove odors and stains as well as fleas, dust mites, and other insects that can live in the fibers.

Be sure to schedule steam cleaning after any pest control treatments. This ensures residue and the carcasses of insects aren’t left behind. 

3. Clean Up Outside

Cleaning up the yard improves your home’s curb appeal and reduces the chance of infestation. To help keep bugs and rodents outside where they belong, clear away tall grass and weeds near your home, trim back tree branches so they aren’t near the roof, and make sure there isn't any vegetation near the foundation.

If you have a woodpile, move it away from the house so spiders and other bugs don’t find their way indoors. While you’re outside, check for cracks and crevices around vents, doors, and windows, and fix or fill those holes to keep pests out and improve the effectiveness of pest control treatments. 

4. Check Your Belongings Before Unpacking

Before you unpack boxes and start putting things away, check for pests that hitched a ride from your old home. This is especially important if you have taken items out of storage from a basement or attic. Open boxes outdoors and inspect items before bringing them inside to avoid inadvertently starting an infestation in your new home. 

When you move into your new home, you don’t want the hassle of dealing with pests. Eliminate any bugs and rodents by scheduling regular pest control treatments. In Dothan, AL, turn to the skilled exterminators at Pest-Ex Exterminating Company LLC to prevent and handle pest problems. These dependable exterminators can handle anything from cockroaches to rats and create tailor-made solutions for every client. To schedule services, contact them online or call (334) 794-5903 to request an estimate.