Introduction

Moving homes is stressful enough—packing, planning, organizing, and coordinating timelines can leave anyone drained. But what often goes unnoticed during this process is the silent invasion of pests that could be hiding in corners, behind walls, or in packed boxes. If overlooked, these unwelcome guests may travel with you to your new home, making things even more difficult. That’s why pest control before moving is not just an option— it’s a necessity for a clean, safe, and fresh start.

Why Should You Care About Pest Control Before the Big Move?

Imagine spending a whole day packing and cleaning your new house, but then you discover creepy crawlies swarming through the kitchen, or rodents gnawing through your belongings. It's not just unpleasant, it's insanitary and expensive. Additionally, they may cause health hazards through the spreading of allergens and illnesses.

If you're asking, "should I pest control before moving?"--the answer is an unquestionable yes. Doing this will help you avoid major headaches following relocation.

1. Start with an In-depth Inspection

Before calling the pros, take the time to look over the living space you have. Look over kitchen cabinets, beneath sinks and in basements, behind appliances, and attic areas. Watch out for evidence of chew marks, droppings and strange smells. You may also find insects' carcasses.

A crucial part of this procedure is arranging the removal service if you live in an older residence or a place that's prone to termite infestation. Termites are known to cause damage to wooden structures and furniture and once they travel with you, eliminating them can be costly and long-lasting.

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Step 2: Declutter to Minimize Pest Hideouts

Pests are attracted by clutter. The more items you have packed or stored in boxes, the more hiding places you provide for them. In your checklist for moving, begin to sort out your things a couple of weeks before moving. Get rid of anything that is damaged or has expired or is not being used anymore.

It's also a good occasion to look at cardboard boxes, especially those that are kept in storage units or garages. Pests such as silverfish and cockroaches are known to breed in such areas. If you're worried about these pests, make arrangements for cockroach control moving services prior to packing your containers.

Step 3: Schedule Professional Pest Control Services

After you've cleared and decluttered your home, contact an authorized pest control company to treat your house. 

The timing is crucial. Therefore, if you're thinking "when to do pest control before moving?" The ideal timing is between one and two weeks prior to your move. This will ensure that pests are eliminated and allow sufficient time for the treatment chemicals to break down and not affect the packing.

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Step 4: Choose the Right Pest Treatment Based on Infestation

Many pest issues are not identical as they all require an appropriate solution. For instance, if you've recently observed bites on your skin, or stained bedding that is reddish-brown, you may require a bed bug treatment pre-move. Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to travel through clothing, furniture and boxes.

However, if you notice the sound of scratching at night or see gnawed objects, it may be necessary to get rodent removal prior to moving. Rodents, particularly rats and mice, are escape artists who can get into your bags or even into electrical equipment.

Step 5: Prepare Your House for the Pest Control Treatment

Before the pest-control team arrives, ensure that the house is in good condition for effective treatment. If you've ever thought "how to prepare house for pest control before move" Here's how you must do:

• Remove pets and cover aquariums.
• Seal food items in an airtight container.
• Remove furniture from walls to expose pest entry points
• Clear out drawers and cabinets in the kitchen in the event of an internal procedure.
• Store or cover any item that could be impacted by chemicals.

By following these steps, the treatment is available to all affected areas and does not miss out on invisible pests.

Step 6: Pack Mindfully to Prevent Carrying Pests

Once the treatment is completed, start packing carefully. Avoid using old, reused cardboard boxes from grocery stores or storage units because they could be a source of insects. Instead, choose solid, clean boxes and seal them using packing tape.

Clean and vacuum all items before packing, including bedding, electronics, clothes and carpets. If you're thinking about how, you can ensure the absence of pests, the solution lies in maintaining clean, dry, sealed packing procedures. Label boxes with "fragile," "kitchen," or "bedding" to ensure that important items are removed quickly and aren't left closed for a long time, which is another common reason for pest infestations.

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Step 7: Repeat Pest Control in Your New Home (If Needed)

Even if the new home is clean, it's prudent to do a walkthrough prior to unpacking. Look for signs of previous infestations--droppings, nests, or a musty odor. If necessary, contact a local pest control company to treat the home prior to moving in.

This proactive approach is in line with the commonly asked question: "is pest control necessary before moving?" Although it may seem as if it's an additional task but it's an investment that ensures health and peace of mind at your new residence.

Don’t Let Pests Steal Your Peace—Move Smartly with PMR

Planning a move has many moving components and ensuring that your transition is pest-free is an essential one. From pest control before moving to securely packing and transporting your belongings, every stage contributes to a stress-free and smooth relocation.

At PM Relocations (PMR), we recognize the importance of starting fresh and free from the burden of pests. Our relocation specialists provide guidance on how you can organize your possessions and suggest trusted pest control companies to ensure your relocation is not only effective but also hygienic.

Your new house deserves to be free of pests from the very start.