Preventing Pests for New Homeowners
Congratulations on reaching the final stages of selecting your new home! This is a significant milestone and deserves celebration, especially after ensuring it meets the checklist for pest prevention and control.
SAVE MONEY & PLAN AHEAD
Take Pest Factors into Account When Contemplating Homes
We understand your primary focus may be on square footage and amenities. However, being aware of the intricacies of pest control in newly constructed homes or homes on the market can prevent future headaches and save you significant money. Home inspectors aren’t mandated to identify pests, so we strongly advise having your home pre-treated for local pests by a seasoned pest management professional.
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Evaluating a Prospective Property
Indoors
- Unused chimneys can serve as homes for wasps, hornets, birds, bats, raccoons, and squirrels.
- Don't overlook the attic! Shredded cardboard, paper, insulation, or rodent droppings indicate a pest presence in the attic.
- Inspect for tiny brown stains scattered on wallpaper, baseboards, or around electrical sockets, especially in the bedroom—this could be a telltale sign of bed bugs.
- Cockroaches thrive in moist environments, so be vigilant for leaky pipes or warped flooring.
- Examine the building's foundation and siding for cracks and gaps, as rodents and insects can enter through openings as small as half an inch. Additionally, check for holes along concrete slabs or the foundation, indicating the presence of rabbits, groundhogs, or other animals that may have constructed subterranean dens beneath the house.
Outdoors
- Is your lawn in pristine condition? Excellent! However, if your neighbors' lawn is overgrown, it could indicate potential pest problems for both of you.
- While good fences are said to make good neighbors, termites and wood-boring beetles can infest wood fences and thick wood mulch that lacks proper drainage. Avoid placing excessively thick mulch directly next to the home's foundation.
- If you have a pool, ensure the water is circulated, clean, and drained during seasons of non-use. Debris and containers that hold water create favorable conditions for breeding mosquitoes.
- Inspect any wooden porches or decks for signs of buckling wood, as this could be an early indicator of a termite or wood fungus infestation.
- If you adore flora and fauna, be cautious—overgrown vegetation is a preferred hiding spot for ticks.
STARTING OFF RIGHT
Recently Moved In
If you’ve already moved in, there’s no need to worry. You can proactively protect yourself against pests even after signing the papers and unrolling the welcome mat. However, it’s advisable not to wait too long before checking these precautionary measures off your “to-do” list.
- Seal windows
- Clean gutters
- Move wood mulch away from the house
- Check for plumbing leaks
- Seal gaps around pipes
- Cover vent openings with wire mesh
- Clear and clean the attic
- Trim low hanging trees
- Remove piles of leaves and tree limbs, which create habitat for ticks and other pests.
- Install door sweeps
- Position gutter downspouts to direct water away from your foundation
- Dispose of empty cardboard boxes
SAVE MONEY & PLAN AHEAD
A Home Welcoming You, Not Pests
In the hustle and bustle of moving in and unpacking, setting up recurring inspections might slip your mind. Let NYC Pest Elimination handle the pest concerns while you make your new space your own. It’s simpler to evict unwelcome pests before they’ve settled in and established your new house as their permanent home.
PEST CONTROLS
Our Happiness is your Satisfaction
With off-schedule return visits and a 30-day money back guarantee, partnering with us means pest free peace of mind.
