ORKIN
NEW HOMEOWNER PEST PREVENTION
Congratulations on taking the final steps in choosing a new home! This is a milestone and should be celebrated accordingly — after it passes the new home checklist for pest prevention and pest control, that is.
SAVE MONEY & PLAN AHEAD
Consider Pests When Considering Homes
We get it; you're more concerned about the square footage and amenities. However, understanding the nuances of pest control in new construction or homes on the market will save you a lot of headaches, not to mention a lot of money down the line.
Home inspectors aren’t required to determine the presence of pests. Therefore, we recommend having your home pre-treated for local pests by an experienced pest management professional.
PEST CONTROL TIPS
New Homeowner Checklist
Because there’s so much to consider, we’ve compiled a checklist of pest control tips you should carefully follow during your home maintenance property tour.
OPEN HOUSE OPPORTUNITY
Inspecting a Potential Property
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 means 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 neighbours' lawn is overgrown, that could mean potential pest problems for you both.
They say good fences make good neighbours, 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 favourable conditions for breeding mosquitoes.
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 favourite hiding spot for ticks.
Have your inspector make sure any excess wood (including stumps) is removed from your property before taking ownership.
STARTING RIGHT
Already Moved In
If you've already moved in, don't worry. You can retroactively protect yourself against pests even after you've signed the papers and rolled 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 the gutter downspouts to direct water away from your foundation
Dispose of empty cardboard boxes
SURPRISE GUESTS
A Welcome Home For You, Not Pests
In the busy days of moving in and unpacking, it's easy to forget things like setting up a recurring inspection. Let Orkin worry about the pests while you create your new space. It’s easier to evict unwelcome pests before they’ve rolled out the red carpet and made your new house their permanent home.