Transitioning to a new abode can be an exhilarating experience, yet it is essential to remember the importance of pest inspection before moving in.
From preparing for the initial visit to understanding how best to keep your home pest-free after you move in; this guide will provide everything you need to know about the importance of having, a thorough pre-move-in inspection done by an experienced exterminator.
Learn why these inspections are essential, what steps you should take beforehand, and tips on keeping your house safe from unwelcome visitors long after you've settled in.
What Is a Pest Inspection?
A pest inspection is a process of identifying and evaluating the presence of pests in a home or other structure. An expert, such as an exterminator, will investigate the building for indications of pest colonization, including droppings, nests, and harm to woodwork.
The inspector will also look for signs that indicate an environment conducive to pest activity, such as standing water or moisture buildup. Pest inspections are used to detect existing infestations and potential problems before they become serious issues. They involve inspecting all areas inside and outside the home where pests may be present, including attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages, decks/patios/porches, and landscaping around the house. During a pest inspection, the inspector looks for any visible signs of current or past infestations from common household pests like ants, cockroaches, rodents (mice and rats), termites, and bed bugs.
Benefits of a Pest Inspection
A thorough pest inspection before moving into a new home can save you time and money by helping identify potential problems early on. Not only does this help protect your health by preventing exposure to dangerous chemicals used in extermination processes, but it can also prevent costly repairs due to structural damage caused by certain types of insect infestation.
Additionally, having documentation from regular inspections can provide peace of mind when selling your home since buyers often require proof that there have been no recent issues with unwanted guests.
Why Is It Important to Have a Pest Inspection Before Moving In?
Before relocating, it is critical to carry out a pest inspection to protect your family's well-being. Pests can cause severe property damage, create hazardous living conditions, and even lead to costly repairs. Understanding the risks associated with pests is essential to make an informed decision about whether you should purchase a new home.
Prevent Health Issues
Pests can present a risk of contagion, transmitting hazardous maladies through their bites or excretions. Rats and mice, known as vectors of maladies such as salmonella, hantavirus, and leptospirosis, can cause grave repercussions if their illnesses go untreated.
Cockroaches also pose a risk as they are known carriers of E-coli, which can cause food
poisoning if ingested. Moreover, fleas and ticks may be the source of Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever—potentially life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Avoid Property Damage
Many pests, such as termites, carpenter ants, rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs, and more, will feed on wood materials within your home, causing structural damage over time if left unchecked. This damage is often expensive due to the labor involved in replacing damaged wood beams or other components within walls or floors that these pests have compromised over time.
Save Money
Pests can incur expenses in the form of repairs due to destruction caused over time. This includes direct costs, such as extermination services, and indirect costs, like lost wages from taking off work while exterminators work onsite during treatment hours.
Furthermore, many insurance companies will require proof that regular pest inspections have been conducted before issuing coverage for any damages related to infestations found after move-in day.
How to Make Sure Your Home Stays Pest-Free After the
Inspection?
Regular maintenance and cleaning habits are essential for keeping pests away from your home. Cleaning your home regularly will help significantly reduce the number of food particles and other debris that can attract pests. Vacuuming carpets, sweeping floors, wiping down countertops, and washing dishes immediately after use can all help keep pests at bay. Additionally, always empty trash cans frequently and store them in sealed containers outside if possible. Also, ensure that nothing you bring to your new home contains pests, including moving boxes, old clothes, furniture, etc.
Sealing cracks and gaps around your home's windows and doors are also an effective way to prevent unwanted critters from entering your home. Look for any openings or holes in walls or foundations where insects can enter, and check the weather stripping on doors and windows for signs of wear or damage. If you find gaps or cracks larger than 1/4 inch wide, fill them with caulk or another sealant material appropriate for the area you're sealing off.
Finally, it is important to keep food containers sealed tightly when not in use so that they don't attract rodents or other animals looking for a meal inside your house.
Securely seal off edibles in hermetic receptacles, such as glass jars with lids, rather than plastic bags that rodents can gnaw through to forage a snack. Avoiding pet food out overnight is also helpful since this could potentially draw unwanted visitors into your home while you sleep.
FAQs
If you still have questions about pest inspection before moving in, check out the frequently asked questions below.
How do you get rid of pests before moving in?
If evidence of pests is found, contact a professional exterminator who can safely and effectively remove them using chemical treatments or traps.
How do apartments prepare for pest control?
Property managers and landlords should take a proactive approach to pest control. Before any new tenants move in, they should:
● Identify potential pest entry points and seal them off with caulk or other materials.
● Keep the area clean by regularly vacuuming, sweeping up food crumbs, and disposing
of garbage promptly.
● Inspect for signs of pests and rodents, such as droppings or nests, and contact a professional exterminator if necessary.
● Use baits or traps to help catch any remaining pests that may be present in the
apartment building. These steps allow apartments to prepare for pest control and protect their tenants effectively from unwanted guests.
Conclusion
Moving into a new home is an exciting experience, but ensuring you're aware of any potential pests is essential. Pest inspections are critical for protecting your health and safety by identifying pest infestations or conditions conducive to them before they become problematic. Don't let pests ruin the dream of homeownership—contact a certified professional pest control company and get peace of mind with an inspection!