You shouldn’t feel like you have a lot of unwanted roommates when you move into a new house. But here’s the thing: bugs want to move just as much as you do. The good news is that you can stop most infestations from happening after you relocate. It all comes down to not making certain typical blunders, like utilizing outdated boxes that aren’t very good or neglecting to check out your new location before you unload.
Using dirty or damaged moving boxes
Reusing old, dirty, or damaged cardboard boxes is basically rolling out the welcome mat for pests. Those used boxes might’ve been sitting in a musty basement, a dusty garage, or a bug-infested storage unit, making them the perfect hiding spot for roaches, spiders, or even mice. Pests can hitch a ride tucked in the cardboard folds or chew right through weak spots.
Play it safe: Whenever possible, use fresh, clean boxes. If you have to reuse old ones, inspect them closely for any signs of bugs and give them a good scrub-down first.
Using infested furniture
Bringing old furniture or mattresses without checking them first is how to invite pests into your new home. Bed bugs, fleas, and even cockroaches love hiding in the seams, cracks, and upholstery of used furniture. If your old place had any pest issues, those critters could easily come again and start a new infestation. Before moving anything fabric or wooden, give it a thorough inspection—look for tiny dark spots, shed skins, or live bugs. If you suspect an infestation, treat it professionally or consider replacing the item. You can even call experts such as North Fulton Pest Solutions, which will get you covered and create a pest-free environment. A fresh start should mean a pest-free home, not an unwanted hitchhiker problem.
Not inspecting your new home
You wouldn’t move into a dirty house without cleaning it first, right? So why take the chance of bringing pests along with you? Those “quirky little marks” in the corners? Could be mouse droppings. Those “random dark specks” behind the couch? It might be bed bug signs.
Before you settle in, grab a flashlight and do a quick 10-minute sweep. Check under sinks, run your eyes along the baseboards, and peek inside closets. Spotting termite trails or a roach hideout now is way better than finding them after you’ve already unpacked all your boxes.
Not cleaning your belongings
You may think it’s simpler to just throw dishes, appliances, or storage containers into boxes without washing them first, but the crumbs and sticky spills left behind are practically a welcoming sign for bugs. Ants, roaches, and even mice can smell food left behind from a distance, so your packed boxes will be an all-you-can-eat buffet while you move. Before closing things up, take the additional time to clean the blenders, sanitize the pantry items, and shake out the linens.
It’s already a lot of work to move, so don’t add pests to the mix. You may avoid most infestations before they start by being careful about what you carry, how you keep it, and giving your new house a fast once-over. Putting in a little more work now can help you move into a house that’s really yours, with no unwanted guests.