Buying a new home is exciting whether it is your first home or your fifth home. One thing you must be wary of, however, when buying a home is the potential that you might inherit a pest problem with it. You are also likely in a new neighborhood that might have new and unexpected pest problems that you will now need to combat.
New homeowners have a lot to worry about, and we hate to be the ones to add one more thing to your checklist. That said, the sooner you can handle — or start preventing — a pest problem, the better. While some pests might seem like just a nuisance, others, like termites, can cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of structural damage and others can spread diseases. Nobody wants that in the home they just purchased! Consider pest management as part of your investment, and read on below to learn some ways you can combat pests in a new home.
New Home Pest Management Checklist
Seal All Cracks
One of the first steps you should take as a new homeowner is to seal any cracks in the walls, baseboards, foundation, or other places with caulk. Larger cracks in windows and doors can usually be filled with weatherstripping. Be sure to check the exterior of the property for exposed vents or pipes and cover these with fine wire mesh.
Doing this can prevent both large and small pests from entering your home. Remember, rodents can squeeze into very tiny spaces, so no opening point is too small to ignore!
Deep Clean
While new construction homes are typically pretty clean, that’s not always the case with previously owned homes. When you move into a home, take some time to clean every nook and cranny in the house from the basement to the attic.
Install A Screen Door
Screen doors can do wonders for keeping pests out when you want to let some fresh air in. Rather than leaving the door open and your home vulnerable to mosquitoes, wasps, and other pests, install a screen door as a happy medium.
Have A Pest Inspection
When you move into your new home — or even before you move in — hire a pest management specialist to perform a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of the property. Even if there is not a current pest problem, they may be able to spot issues that could lead to one down the road. At Earthwise Pest Management, we use a method of pest control called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This method of pest control deals with finding the reasoning behind an infestation, rather than simply spraying pesticides and calling it a day.
Depending on the area surrounding your home, your pest management specialist might recommend quarterly pest maintenance services to prevent issues in the future. Certain homes, especially those surrounded by heavily wooded areas, may be more susceptible to pest problems and it is important to be proactive.
When you do have your pest inspection performed, make sure you are working with someone who specializes in both general pest management as well as termites. Termites are the pest that causes homeowners the most grief and, without regular termite inspections, an infestation might be present for years before you are aware of it. At Earthwise, we can take care of any type of pest problem whether it’s termites, cockroaches, bed bugs, or something else entirely.
Have Your HVAC Inspected
HVAC systems can either help keep your home free of pests, or it can invite them in. A well-maintained HVAC system not only keeps humidity levels low in homes, but it also includes clean vents. Dirty vents are the perfect place for pests to hide and build their nests, and many pests thrive in humid environments. An HVAC inspection can determine whether or not your HVAC is doing its job correctly.
Examine The Property
Walk around the entirety of your new property and looks for things that might be a red flag for pest infestations. This can include standing water (or anything that might collect standing water), trees that overhang onto your home, or woodpiles stored closely to the house. You can look for these items yourself, or wait until your pest inspection where a professional can offer you guidance.
Spruce Up Your Landscaping
As we mentioned above, overhanging trees can cause a pest risk to your home. They are the perfect bridge for squirrels, mice, and termites to enter your home, so be sure to keep them pruned throughout the year. You might also want to ensure that bushes are kept neat and grass is kept short to reduce the risk of ticks and other creepy crawlies.
Earthwise Can Help With Your Pest Management Needs
Are you ready to start this journey with a new home on the right foot? Earthwise is here to help! With our thorough inspections and commitment to client satisfaction, you can rest easy knowing that your new investment is going to be protected from pest problem.
While we can’t guarantee a few ants or spiders won’t wander onto the property, we can use our knowledge and experience to take preventative steps to reduce the likelihood of minor or major pest problems down the road. Whether you inherited a pest problem when you bought the home or you just want to be proactive, we can help. Call our Sacramento pest management team today.