For centuries, pest problems have been the source of great frustration for many homeowners. Pest infestations not only wreak havoc in our home, but can also be detrimental to our health.
Often times very troublesome to rid a home of pests, it is always better to take calculated steps to prevent an outbreak in the first place and avoid it all together. Severe pest infestations have been known to force people out of their homes because the living conditions were just too much to bare.
In fact, pest control is just as important when moving home. You want to make sure you’re not moving into an already infested place or bringing any critters along for the ride. Take preventative steps to pest control during a move with our helpful tips below.
Pest control during a move
- Prevent
If you control the pest in your current home, you won’t have to worry about transporting unwelcome critters to your new place. Tidy home makes it hard for most pests to breed and multiply.
Cluttered homes create a safe haven for pest and make it hard to get rid of them. Keeping your home clean and de-cluttered is essential to pest prevention. Don’t leave out any sources of food that pests can feed on. Keep all leftover food in tightly sealed containers.
All garbage should be removed from your home on a regular basis. Carpeting can be used as a breeding ground for all kind of tiny pest. Deep clean all of your carpets regularly to minimize pest infestation.
If you have pets, be sure to check them regularly and take preventative measures against infestations. Outdoor and even indoor pets are one of the biggest sources that introduce pests into your home. Vacuum regularly to eliminate potential traces of pests and pest eggs.
- Eliminate
In the case your home is already infested, you have to now put all efforts in eliminating pest from your home. Learn how to control and eliminate the particular kind of pest that is invading your home. Thoroughly check your home for possible breeding grounds.
There are many pesticides available on the market, some more effective than others. Research your options and choose one that is effective and low risk, if possible.
Always follow strict directions while handling and distributing pesticides. If you have young children and pets, be sure to keep them away from areas where pesticide has been applied. For more serious infestations, hiring an exterminator may be your best option.
Pro tip How to prepare to fumigate your new home.
- Packing
Thoroughly inspect every item you are taking with you to your new home, no matter how small. It is very common for insects to hide in small dark places, and the last thing you want is to bring the bugs inside your new home.
Items that have been stored for some time require thorough inspection. It is better to be proactive than to suffer the consequences. When packing your belongings, use new material to avoid transporting cockroach eggs and larva.
- Inspect your new home
Prior to moving in, have a pest control specialist inspect your new home when it is vacant. If you purchased a house these issues are addressed during a performed inspection of the property before the sale is finalized.
However, if you’re moving into an apartment, you will want to make sure you’re moving into a pest free place. Although the landlord was supposed to do an inspection when the former tenant moved out, you don’t want to take any chances and assume it was done.
- Moving in
Assuming your new home has been inspected and if necessary, treated by a professional, inspect the place one more time before you unpack.
Sometimes, an apartment can stand vacant for months before anyone moves in, allowing for new infestation to take place. When unpacking, carefully inspect all of the items, and get rid of the boxes as soon as you unpack.