How Can There be Pest Issues After Moving to a New Home?

Moving to a new home is a truly exciting time, whether the new destination is a new house, a previously-owned house, an apartment, a condo, or even a dorm. It is the perfect time for a fresh start and a bright outlook on the future in this new space. But, just like anything in life, the moving process is never as we imagine it to be. There are plenty of ways that something can go wrong with the old home, the new place, or the belongings that are being moved.

One such way is if pests invite themselves to the moving party and create more work for you overall. But how can pests invade when neither home is completely furnished and organized? This is the question we will answer today, as we know that moving is enough work without the added stress of a pest invasion!

A Problematic Beginning 

There are few things more frustrating when moving than finding out that your new home comes with surprise problems. Whether the home is brand new or previously owned, it should be pest-free when you are moving all of your belongings inside. Any potential pest problems or annual issues should’ve been discussed, but it is not a huge deal if this wasn’t the case. Every home is different, and some areas are more susceptible to early pest issues than others. 

One common area, and something that should be taken care of ASAP, is any wood damage. This includes water damage, decay, mold, and dry rot, among other issues. There are a couple of reasons why this is a major problem. One is that it could be a safety hazard if the damage is on a beam or post that is holding up the house.

Another is that wood-boring pests are known for infesting damaged wood more often than clean wood. Termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and powderpost beetles all seek out preferably-damaged wood to use as their homes. Make sure to inspect your new home for wood damage and any signs of wood-boring pests, like tiny holes, wood shavings, discarded wings, and droppings.

Another area that could pose a problem for you as you move into a new home is the landscaping. No matter how large or small your yard is, it still has the potential to carry built-in pest issues. Plants and flowers in general are pest havens, but it gets worse if they are not in great condition. Plant decay, overripe fruit, and weeds all attract pests that can do some real damage to your greenery.

Fruit flies lay their eggs on mushy fruit, while gnats and aphids breed in the soil. The more overgrown the plants are, the more pests you will have. Yard work is not fun for many people, but it is essential for your plants’ health and pest prevention. Make sure to spend some time cleaning up the landscaping after you finish unpacking.

There are also issues that can arise from specific housing scenarios. A home that has been owned before may come with more than just some interesting paint colors. If there were pest problems that were not properly solved, you may have just inherited a colony of pests. Or, if there is not a current pest infestation, there may be a certain species or category of pest that this home struggles with every year.

If there are any cracks in the walls, near baseboards, or in the kitchen, these may be utilized by some tiny foragers. There is not a guarantee that you will have a pest problem with a previously-owned home (please don’t panic!), but it is something to keep in mind as you start unpacking all of those boxes. 

On the other hand, a new build is not without its potential problems as well. There may be less of a risk because it was just built and inspected, but it is not immune to pests. The largest reason pests could be invading this new space is actually because it was just built. The house or complex was built on a previously-empty plot of land, which means that there were likely tons of tiny critters inhabiting this land before a new building popped up.

Since the habitats of insects, arachnids, and rodents were likely disturbed, they may have decided to inhabit your home as a major upgrade. Any cracks or gaps in the foundation will probably be utilized by these pests. Besides the actual structure being exposed, the building materials were also left in the building zone. Some pests may have found these materials irresistible and decided to camp out in them. It is not a guarantee that this happened, but it is a possibility. 

Common Pests in Vacant Homes

Whether the home was previously lived in or not, there was a gap where no one was inhabiting the place. This time frame may have been utilized by the pests of the area who did not get the memo that there will be some new residents moving in soon. Of course, the specific pests in that neighborhood depend on the region and season, but these are some of the more common pests that like to be part of the moving-in process (as much as we don’t want their help). 

Ants – Unfortunately, moving homes does not mean getting a break from ants. They are attracted to all kinds of food and the workers are excellent scavengers. They leave trails to lead their colony to food sources. They will eat most foods, but ants prefer anything sugary. This is a potential problem for any home, but it’s a larger risk when there is open food. And when you’re moving in and just eating snacks and takeout, there are more food sources for ants than usual.

Flies – You can likely guess why this pest is so common. Leaving the doors open for transporting boxes and furniture is the standard, and it helps to open some windows for a nice cross-breeze. But this is also a golden opportunity for flies to enter, and their love of trash is exactly why we do not want them walking on our food. Flies have taste receptors on their feet, so they walk on everything. They carry over 100 pathogens and can cause health issues if they contaminate our food.

Spiders – Spiders are the weird middle-ground of pests, where they help us by eating insects but are potentially harmful. Some people like to keep them around for natural pest control, which is your own choice. But this comes with the risk of spiders reproducing. And if the spider is venomous, like the brown recluse or black widow, it is dangerous. Spiders often stay in the corners and hidden areas of rooms, so they can go unnoticed if they hide in a closet or under an idle box.

Wasps & Bees – These pests are typically only outside issues, but this is still a problem when they get territorial. Each stinging pest species has its own nest type and personality. Some nests are tucked under eaves and on the siding. Hornets are extremely aggressive, which makes this worse. Yellow jackets keep their nests underground, which is fine until it’s under the pathway or the deck. Bees are more docile, but they will still put up a fight if they feel their colony is threatened.

Roaches – They are the garbage disposals of the pest world, as they eat everything in sight. This can be fine when they consume garbage and waste (as disgusting as that is), but it’s why they carry so many diseases and pathogens. One of their favorite materials is cellulose, which is in cardboard. So if you are using a lot of older cardboard boxes to move, you may want to dispose of those quickly. Roaches are known by their long antennae, flat bodies, and large numbers, so you will know if you have this issue. They also love moisture, so any leak or leftover water will definitely be an attractor.

Weevils & Pantry Pests – Yes, there is a category of pests called “pantry pests” (more on this later). This may not seem like a big deal while you are still moving in, but they can still appear. They eat all kinds of processed foods and dried items, and they are small enough to stay unnoticed. Some people like to stock up on the essentials (flour, rice, pasta), so food storage and containers are crucial in making sure that you aren’t bringing pest-infested ingredients inside. 

No matter which pests may be plaguing your new home, it is important to get the issue resolved as soon as you can. Pest infestations are much easier to solve when there are less pests in the area. But, even if you thankfully do not have any current pest problems, there are still some tasks to do to set yourself up for some pest-free success.

The Right Way to Have a Fresh Start

As busy as you are with unpacking and arranging the furniture – why is it always so difficult to put the couch exactly where you want it? – there are quite a few chores to be done in order to get the place clean and organized, as well as to prevent any of the aforementioned pests.

There may be more specific tasks to complete depending on the size and type of home you now have, but these are just some ideas to get you started on your journey to a new home without any unwanted pests hosting a housewarming party. 

• Inspect all provided appliances for leaks or gaps – washer, dryer, dishwasher, air conditioning unit, refrigerator
• Repair any holes and tears in window/sliding door screens
• Keep all food items and pet food stored in airtight containers
• Check for and repair any leaks in and under sinks, tubs, showers, etc. 
• Keep all trash stored in closed cans and bins
• Clean crumbs and spills as they appear
• Fill all gaps, cracks, and crevices near the doors, windows, baseboards, etc.
• Use new cardboard boxes and plastic containers for packing and storage
• Use mattress protectors to prevent bed bugs and dust mites from infesting the mattresses
• Check less-populated rooms (garage, basement, attic) for anything out of the ordinary: leaks, moisture, pests, nests, wood damage, holes, etc.
• Check all clothing, furniture, and luggage as you unpack for any pests or evidence of pests

One of the best times to begin pest control services, although there is not technically a “bad” time, is right after moving into a new home. You can start off on the right foot and be one step ahead by getting every issue treated at the start. Also, if you are still unpacking, it gives the technicians more space to inspect and treat for hidden pest problems. Our team of licensed and experienced technicians are happy to treat all kinds of pest problems to provide you with a pest-free home.

Contact us today for a free quote and to learn more about our EPA-approved services that will leave you with more time to focus on setting up your new dream home.

Citations

Removing and preventing bugs after moving to a new home. (n.d.). Raid. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://www.raid.com/en-US/education/home-living/removing-and-preventing-bugs-after-moving 

How to get rid of bugs indoors. (n.d.). Ortho. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://www.ortho.com/en-us/library/bugs/how-get-rid-bugs-indoors 

Glover, E. & Allen, S. (2021, December 8). 7 most common insects to look out for in your new home. Forbes Home. Available at https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/common-household-bugs/ (Accessed on August 30, 2022). 

McFarlane, J. (2021, March 1). How to identify bugs in your home – bed bugs, termites, cockroaches, ants and more with pictures. Real Homes. Available at https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-identify-bugs-in-your-home (Accessed on August 30, 2022).

5 pests to avoid during your move. (2016, January 20). Wheaton Worldwide Moving. Available at https://www.wheatonworldwide.com/2016/01/20/5-pests-to-avoid-during-your-move/ (Accessed on August 30, 2022).