🏡 BEFORE YOU MOVE IN: PEST CONTROL CHECKLIST

“Don’t move pests into your new home.” – Evicta Pest Control

🔍 1. Do a FULL Pest Inspection (Before Unpacking)

What to check:

• Droppings (kitchen cabinets, baseboards)

• Live insects or rodents

• Chewed wood, wires, or insulation

• Musty or ammonia-like smells

👉 Research shows many infestations go unnoticed until after move-in because pests hide in walls, attics, and crawl spaces

💡 Case Insight:
A vacant home in Calgary had no visible issues during viewing—but after move-in, mice activity exploded within 2 weeks because they were nesting undisturbed in the attic (common in empty homes)

🧱 2. Seal Entry Points (CRITICAL)

Check & seal:

• Cracks in foundation

• Gaps around pipes & vents

• Door sweeps & window seals

👉 Rodents can enter through holes as small as ½ inch

💡 Case Insight:
Most mouse infestations we see start from unsealed utility gaps in basements—especially in newer builds.

💧 3. Eliminate Moisture Sources

Inspect:

• Leaky pipes under sinks

• Standing water in basement

• Gutters & drainage outside

👉 Moisture attracts cockroaches, termites, and rodents

💡 Case Insight:
Homes with minor plumbing leaks often develop cockroach activity within weeks—even if previously pest-free.

📦 4. Don’t Bring Pests With You

Before moving:

• Wash ALL clothes and fabrics

• Inspect furniture (especially used items)

• Avoid used cardboard boxes

👉 Moving boxes and furniture are one of the biggest ways pests spread

💡 Case Insight:
We’ve seen bed bugs introduced from ONE used couch during a move—costing thousands to fix.

🧹 5. Deep Clean Before Move-In

Focus areas:

• Behind appliances

• Inside cabinets

• Pantry shelves

👉 Food residue and grease attract pests immediately after move-in

💡 Case Insight:
Even “clean” homes often have hidden grease behind stoves—perfect for cockroach infestations.

🌳 6. Check the Exterior (Your First Line of Defense)

Walk around the house:

• Trim branches touching roof

• Remove wood/debris near foundation

• Check for ant trails or nests

👉 Yard conditions directly influence indoor pest problems

💡 Case Insight:
Overhanging trees = highway for squirrels and roof rats into attics.

🏠 7. Inspect Attic, Basement & Garage

Look for:

• Nesting materials

• Droppings

• Damaged insulation

👉 These areas are the #1 hiding spots for rodents and spiders

💡 Case Insight:
Most homeowners never check the attic—yet that’s where infestations usually start.

🛑 8. Book a Professional Treatment BEFORE Moving In

Why it matters:

• Targets hidden infestations

• Creates a protective barrier

• Prevents problems before they start

👉 Experts recommend inspection within 48 hours of closing

💡 Case Insight:
Homes treated before move-in have significantly fewer pest issues vs reactive treatments later.

🔁 9. Set Up Ongoing Protection

Best practice:

• Quarterly pest control

• Seasonal treatments (spring/summer spikes)

👉 Preventative service is cheaper than dealing with infestations later