How to Pest-Proof Your New Home Before Moving In

The best way to deal with pests in your new home is to make sure they never have the chance to get comfortable in your space at all. Better yet, you never have to put up with pests at all if you pest-proof your new home before moving in. Here are suggestions from Shleppers’ local moving company in NYC on how to make sure you never have to see a single pest invading your space.

Start Cleaning

Hopefully, you are already planning on cleaning your new space before you settle in, but go a step further and deep-clean everything. Scrub every cabinet, shelf, nook, and cranny you can—especially in the kitchen. Do not skip out on the corners—get rid of cobwebs, crumbs, and anything you might find because these are the places insects and other pests hide.

Keep Your Home Dry

Damp spaces are ideal environments for insects, so you will want to prevent water from leaking into your home through pipes or cracks. Caulk around bathtubs and sinks, and check the basement for dripping pipes. The damp, dark, and cool basement is a prime location for pests to live if not properly reinforced.

Close up Gaps

Check the places where utility pipes and wires enter your home. Rodents can often get in through these spaces, so use caulk, cement, steel wool, or copper mesh to seal up any holes larger than one-quarter inch. The same rule applies for any gaps at the base of exterior doors and around the foundation of your home. In the case of larger gaps, you can use sheet metal to block them off as entry points. If you have screens in your doors and windows, fix tears to prevent insects from entering.

Keep Wood Away

If you have firewood, store it away from your house to prevent termites, ants, and cockroaches from entering your home. Since insects also hang out on trees, keep any branches from touching your house by clipping them. This will also keep rodents like squirrels from getting onto your roof and into your attic.

Check for Bedbugs

Before you move in, check any second-hand furniture you bought for signs of bedbugs. You should thoroughly clean second-hand items to prevent bedbugs from traveling to your new home with you. Investing in a good mattress protector can also help you prevent bedbug infestations.

Let New York’s Favorite Full-Service Moving Company Know When You’re Ready to Go!

Once your home is pest-free, it’s time for you to call Shleppers at 800-847-4537 for a free quote, or fill out our online form. We have been the best in the business for over 40 years, so we know how to make your move stress-free whether you are making a local or long-distance move.