Pest Control Tips for New Homeowners

Very few moments in life are as exciting as buying a new home, but it can be overwhelming. There is a lot of work involved the moment you open the door for the first time. You need to fill the house with furniture, paint the walls, and maybe see if the lawnmower still works.

 

Don’t forget to also look for tell-tale signs of a pest problem, especially if the house has been vacant for a while, such as mouse droppings, musty smells, or sawdust that isn’t from wood being cut. The last thing you want in your nice new home is a pest infestation.

 

Here are some indicators that the dream home you just bought might have a pest infestation problem:

• Fecal droppings
• Strange odors
• Holes and gnaw marks
• Strange noises, especially at night
• Buildup of dirt and grime
• Dead insects and body parts like wings or legs
• Unusual colored spots can be signs of bed bugs or cockroaches
• Wood shavings are an indicator of carpenter ants and mud tubes are signs of termites

From ants and spiders to mice and rats, an unexpected pest problem can take the excitement and fun out of your first days as a new homeowner.  There are a few steps you can take to help get that pest problem under control. Here are some of the easiest yet most impactful:

• Inspect the Interior and Exterior – Before bringing any belongings into the new home, walk around the inside and outside of the home and look for signs of an infestation.
• A Good Cleaning – Take some time to deep clean everything as much as possible, especially before moving all your belongings into the house.
• Maintain the Yard – Some people get so focused on cleaning the inside of the house that they forget that your yard is the first line of defense against pests. Remove any debris in your yard that could be a pest hiding spot. Clean up leaves and fallen branches around the foundation, trim back branches and bushes near your home, clean the gutters, etc.
• Fix Cracks and Other Openings – Do a quick inspection of the foundation, siding joints, windows, and openings around pipes. Using a weather-resistant caulk, seal up these common pest entry points as best you can.
• Don’t Leave Any Sources of Food Out – An easily accessible food supply is an open invitation for pests. Counters, sinks, stovetops, and floors should be clean and clear of crumbs, especially before you go to bed since most pests are most active at night. Food should be stored in containers with tight-fitting lids. Use plastic bags in indoor garbage cans and empty them often.
• Inspect and Clean Drains – Sinks and floor drains accumulate gunk and debris. Pests, especially small flies, see this as an attractive living environment and will quickly call it home. It is important to regularly inspect and clean all the drains, including those in basement. Emptying sink strainers and running the garbage disposal frequently can help prevent drain gunk buildup too.
• Don’t be Afraid to Call a Professional – Sometimes a pest problem can be beyond the scope of DIY pest control methods. It’s ok to call a professional and ask for help. They can quickly identify provide proper treatment and eliminate your pest problem. They can also help you by providing ongoing prevention techniques to keep those pests gone for good.

 

Most pests are searching for food, water, or shelter. If you make those things difficult, then you shouldn’t experience too many pest problems. If you do, the experts at Green Giant Home and Commercial can help you remove those unwanted guests from your new home.

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