Rodents, termites, and other creepy-crawlies have no place in your new home, so pest-proofing it before you move in is a must. Here are six simple steps to ensure that you are the only one moving into your home — no bugs or small furry critters are invited.

Inspect Your Basement and Garage

During wet months and winter, garages and basements are often wet. Look for millipedes and silverfish in the basement and garage. They're both massive multi-legged crawlers who prefer wet, moist environments. Examine the carpet, flooring, and wallpaper in your basement thoroughly, and don't forget to check the windows. Silverfish are nocturnal insects, so keep an eye out at night for them.

Inspect Your Kitchen

Rats are always on the lookout for easy food sources, and the kitchen is one of them. Check for stains and food marks in the dishwasher, sink, cupboards, and bin. Rats are likely to leave droppings in nooks where non-canned foods were previously stored.

Inspect Your Living Room

Many property owners often bring snacks, pizzas, and other types of delicious dishes during movie nights or on dates to their living rooms. So look for ant trails on the walls or carpet spills. Trails can also be found on ceiling lamps, nightstands, tables, and cabinets.

Seal up entry points

Pests require an entry point in order to become a problem. Make an effort to seal any holes, cracks, where rodents and bugs could enter and hide. Seal rat holes with wire mesh so they can't chew through it, and use synthetic caulking to fill cracks and small areas around pipes or at the joints of walls, doors, and other surfaces.

Fix your Roof

Squirrels enjoy getting in through vents and gaps along the roof's edges. Squirrels and rodents who are determined will not hesitate to enlarge a small hole! Check that all shingles are intact, that all vents are blocked with thick wire mesh, and that your chimney is properly capped to prevent unlucky squirrels from getting in.

Hire Pest Control

If you're worried that pests may already be present in your new house, get it fumigated by a reputable company. What is the best approach to fumigate your new home? Before you move in, make sure the process is finished. Before allowing a potential exterminator into your home, inquire about their process, the types of substances they use, whether there is any risk to children or pets, and how long your home must be vacant before you can move in. This should be your final resort for avoiding harsh chemicals and dangerous fumes!

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