Congratulations on your new home! Between unpacking boxes and figuring out where to put the couch, pest control probably isn't at the top of your mind. But here's the thing: the first few months in a new home are the most important time to establish good pest prevention habits.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from what to do before you even move in, to building a seasonal maintenance routine that keeps pests out year-round.
Before You Move In: The Pre-Move Inspection
If you bought the home, your mortgage lender may have required a termite inspection (also called a Wood Destroying Insect report). But that only covers termites. Here's what to check for — or have a professional check — before moving your stuff in:
Your Pre-Move-In Pest Checklist
- Check the attic: Look for droppings, nesting materials, chewed wires, or stained insulation (signs of rodents or wildlife)
- Inspect the basement/crawl space: Look for moisture, wood damage, mud tubes (termites), and insect activity
- Examine the exterior: Walk the perimeter and note gaps around pipes, cables, and utility entries. Check where the siding meets the foundation. Look for rotted wood.
- Check under sinks: Kitchen and bathroom cabinets are hot spots for cockroaches and moisture-loving pests
- Look at the garage: Inspect along walls and in storage areas for rodent droppings or insect activity
- Review the yard: Standing water? Woodpiles against the house? Overgrown vegetation touching the structure? These all invite pests.
Consider a Professional Pest Inspection
A comprehensive pest inspection from a licensed professional costs $75–$150 and can catch problems you'd never find on your own. Many pest control companies offer free inspections as part of their service. This is one of the best investments you can make as a new homeowner.
Get a free pest inspection for your new home →
The First Month: Essential Pest-Proofing Steps
During your first month, focus on exclusion — preventing pests from getting inside in the first place. This is the single most effective form of pest control.
Seal Entry Points
A mouse can squeeze through a gap the size of a dime. A cockroach needs even less. Walk through your home systematically and seal:
- Gaps around pipes and cables entering the home (use steel wool + caulk for rodent-proof sealing)
- Cracks in the foundation (use concrete patch or hydraulic cement)
- Gaps around doors and windows (install or replace weatherstripping and door sweeps)
- Openings around vents and utility entries (use hardware cloth or metal flashing)
- Holes in window screens (patch or replace screens)
Address Moisture Issues
Almost every pest needs water. Reducing moisture in your home eliminates one of the three things pests need to survive (food, water, shelter):
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes immediately
- Run dehumidifiers in damp basements or crawl spaces
- Ensure gutters are clean and downspouts direct water away from the foundation
- Grade soil away from the house so water doesn't pool near the foundation
- Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens properly
Establish Good Habits
- Store all pantry food in airtight containers (glass or heavy plastic)
- Don't leave pet food out overnight
- Take out trash daily or use sealed bins
- Keep counters clean and free of crumbs
- Vacuum regularly, especially along baseboards and under furniture
- Keep firewood at least 20 feet from the house and elevated off the ground
Seasonal Pest Control Schedule
Different pests are active at different times. Here's a season-by-season guide to what to watch for and what to do:
Spring (March – May)
Spring is when most pests become active after winter dormancy. This is the most important time for prevention.
- Ants: Colonies start foraging. Clean up food sources and apply perimeter bait if you see scouts. Professional ant treatment now prevents summer problems.
- Termites: Swarming season begins. Watch for discarded wings near windows. Schedule an annual termite inspection.
- Mosquitoes: Dump standing water before populations build. Barrier treatments starting in spring are most effective.
- Action items: Apply perimeter treatment, inspect foundation, check screens, clean gutters.
Summer (June – August)
Peak pest season. Most insects are at their most active.
- Cockroaches: Hot weather drives them indoors. Keep things clean and dry. Professional treatment is warranted for German cockroaches.
- Mosquitoes: Peak activity. Maintain standing water vigilance.
- Wildlife: Animals may seek cool shelter in attics or crawl spaces.
- Action items: Second perimeter treatment, check attic for wildlife activity, maintain yard.
Fall (September – November)
Pests start looking for warm overwintering spots — your home.
- Rodents: Mice and rats move indoors as temperatures drop. This is the #1 time for rodent exclusion.
- Spiders: Many species are most visible in fall as they mature and mate.
- Stink bugs and ladybugs: Cluster around sunny exterior walls before moving inside.
- Action items: Seal all entry points, set up rodent monitoring, apply perimeter treatment, check weatherstripping.
Winter (December – February)
Outdoor pest activity drops, but indoor pests thrive in heated homes.
- Rodents: Already inside if they got in during fall. Monitor traps.
- Cockroaches: Indoor populations continue year-round in heated buildings.
- Bed bugs: No seasonal pattern — they're active year-round. Be cautious with secondhand furniture and after travel.
- Action items: Check traps, inspect stored items, plan spring prevention.
Regional Pest Risks Across the U.S.
Where you live dramatically affects which pests you'll encounter. Here's a regional overview:
Southeast (FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, MS, LA, TX)
The highest-pressure pest region in the U.S. Year-round warmth and humidity mean year-round pest activity. Top concerns: termites (especially Formosan termites in the Gulf Coast), cockroaches, fire ants, mosquitoes, and wildlife. Professional quarterly treatments are almost essential here.
Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA, etc.)
Strong seasonal patterns. Top concerns: rodent invasions in fall/winter, carpenter ants, termites (less severe than Southeast), bed bugs in urban areas, and ticks.
Midwest (OH, IL, IN, MI, MN, WI, etc.)
Similar to Northeast with cold winters driving pests indoors. Top concerns: rodents, ants, occasional termites, wasps/hornets in summer, and boxelder bugs.
Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, UT)
Dry climate creates unique challenges. Top concerns: scorpions, bark scorpions, black widows, termites (drywood species), and roof rats in urban areas.
Pacific Northwest & West Coast (WA, OR, CA)
Moderate climate but moisture-related pests are common. Top concerns: moisture ants, carpenter ants, rodents, subterranean termites (California), and bed bugs in major cities.
Find pest control professionals who know your local pest pressure: browse by city →
Should New Homeowners Get a Pest Control Plan?
Our honest recommendation: yes, for most homeowners. A quarterly general pest control plan typically costs $100–$200 per visit ($400–$800 per year) and provides:
- Perimeter treatment every 3 months
- Interior treatment as needed
- Regular professional monitoring
- Free re-treatments if pests appear between visits
- Early detection of serious problems (termites, rodents)
Think of it like an oil change for your car — regular maintenance prevents expensive repairs. The cost of preventing a termite problem is a fraction of the cost of fixing one.
Your New Homeowner Action Plan
- Week 1: Walk the property and do a visual inspection. Note any signs of pests or entry points.
- Week 2: Seal obvious entry points. Address moisture issues. Set up basic prevention (food storage, cleanliness habits).
- Month 1: Schedule a professional pest inspection (many are free).
- Month 2: Start a quarterly pest control plan if recommended, or set up a seasonal DIY schedule.
- Ongoing: Follow the seasonal schedule above. Stay vigilant. Address problems early.