New Homeowner Pest Prevention

Indoors

• Unused chimneys can become homes for wasps, hornets, birds, bats, raccoons and squirrels.

• Don’t neglect the attic! Shredded cardboard, paper, insulation or rodent droppings signal a pest presence in the attic.

• Look for tiny brown stains littering the wallpaper, baseboards, or around electrical sockets, particularly in the bedroom. This could be a telltale sign of bed bugs.

• Cockroaches love moisture, so be wary of leaky pipes or warped flooring.

• Have you tapped the walls and heard hollowed-out wood? Termites or wood-boring beetles may have already moved in.

• Check for cracks and gaps within the building’s foundation or siding since rodent and insect pests need only a ½ inch or less gap to get inside. Also, look for holes located in the ground alongside concrete slabs or the foundation, which mean rabbits, groundhogs or some other animal has constructed a subterranean den under the house.

• Dark and moist basement? That’s a favorite for rodents, cockroaches, and spiders that like to nest in corners.

Outdoors

• Is the lawn pristine? Great! However, if your neighbors' lawn is overgrown, that could mean potential pest problems for you both.

• They say good fences make good neighbors, but termites and wood-boring beetles can make homes in wood fences and wood mulch that is too thick for good drainage. Also, avoid exclusively thick mulch next to the home’s foundation.

• Pool? Make sure the water is circulated, clean and drained during the seasons when the pool is unused. Debris and containers that hold water make favorable conditions for breeding mosquitos.

• Ensure any wooden porches or decks don’t have signs of buckling wood — it could be an early sign of a termite or a wood fungus infestation.

• Love the flora and fauna? Beware, overgrown vegetation is a favorite hiding spot for ticks.

• Have your inspector make sure any excess wood (including stumps) are removed from your property before taking ownership.

If you've already moved in, don't worry. You can retroactively protect yourself against pests even after you've signed the papers and unrolled the welcome mat. However, don’t wait too long before checking these cautionary 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