Are you moving into a new home? Congratulations! It’s going to be an exciting time filled with great memories. As you probably know by now, there are some important steps you should take to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Among these, it’s vital that you check for pests that may be hidden in your new home.
Certain pest can be hard to spot on a quick walkthrough and may require a bit more diligence. However, it is well worth it to put the work in and spot trouble before it becomes worse. With the right pest control equipment, you can avoid these headaches altogether. Here’s a few pests worth checking for, and how to do it:
1.Termites
While this one is especially important for older buildings, it can affect newer homes, too. Termites eat away at wood foundations and can cause major issues. the best case scenario, termites can make your home look poorly maintained and lower its value, but if left unchecked, termites can cause significant structural damage that could lead to your home being unfit for habitation. When searching for termites, you’re not really looking for the actual bug. Even though some termite colonies can number in the millions, you might never see one. Instead, you want to search for signs of damage that bugs may have caused.
Be on the lookout for wood that is sagging, looks weak or damaged, or has holes in it. Take some time to go around the house and tap the walls with a heavy tool. If it sounds hollow where it shouldn’t, it’s possible that it’s been hollowed out by termites.
2.Fleas
If the previous owner of the home had a dog or cat, it’s possible that their pet may have brought fleas into the house with it. Once the fleas are inside, they stick around until they’re taken care of. One of the best ways to check for fleas is to put on a pair of long, white socks and take a tour of your new place. Be sure to stop and look around for a while, especially on any carpeted areas.
At the end, inspect your socks. If there are fleas in the house, there’s a good chance they would jump onto the socks. You can also inspect the ground and look for flea dirt, which will look like small black sprinkles.
3.Cockroaches
If you’ve ever spent time in any big city, you might’ve seen your fair share of cockroaches. These hardy creatures are quick breeders and can be troubling and unwelcome guests to any new home. And the easiest way to detect roaches is to physically see one. However, because they’re nocturnal, you may only be able to spot one at night – unless your infestation is advanced. Additionally, check for cockroach feces which may appear like black pepper, pellets, or coffee grounds, depending on the type of roach you’re dealing with.Depending on the severity of an infestation, you may need to contact a pest control professional. For milder infestations, you can simply do some thorough cleaning, spray any cracks, crevices, or entryways. Set traps if you can, and ensure they don’t return by keeping food stored properly and inaccessible to any roaches who make their way into your fridge or cupboard.
4.Bed Bugs
The first place to look for these nasty critters is fairly obvious: the bed. They will leave a brown or red stain on a mattress, and you may even be able to spot the creatures themselves. If you suspect bed bugs, take a look at nearby window sills, electrical outlets, and wall paper as they may have spread.
Keep in mind that bed bugs, unlike other pests, are considerably harder to manage on your own. What’s more, bed bugs can spread rapidly, from room to room if they have upholstered or carpeted surfaces to thrive on. To make sure an infestation doesn’t spread throughout your house, or even your neighborhood, call a pest control professional who knows how to treat bed bug infestations specifically and be wary of at-home treatments that may just cause bed bugs to hide more discreetly within any furniture or carpeting.
What to Do With ‘Uninvited Guests’
Nobody likes living with pests, especially in a new home.. If you let them go unchecked, the problem will only continue to get worse. Take the time to do a quick inspection and if you find anything, call a terminator. If you like to handle things yourself, Birchmeier backpacks and other professional-grade tools are great to have at your disposal. So, if you want to make sure your home stays free of pests, make sure you invest in the right equipment or call a professional. Best of luck!
Comments are closed.