Don't Forget to Pest-Proof Your New Red Deer Home Before Moving In

Moving into a new home is exciting—until the day you move in, and you’re welcomed by unexpected occupants. We’re talking about pests!

Whether it’s mice making a beeline for your basement or ants turning your yard into their personal playground, pests love taking over what’s yours.

So, before you actually move in, it’s important to pest-proof the outside of your new Red Deer home. A little prevention now will save you from big problems and bigger pests later.

Why Pest-Proofing Your Home Before Moving In Is Important

Here’s why taking preventative steps before you unpack can save you from headaches (and unwanted critters) down the road:

• Save on future pest control bills: It’s easier and cheaper to prevent pests than to deal with an active infestation.
• Stop structural damage early: Proactively dealing with pests can save you from headaches later. Rodents, insects, and other critters can cause damage to your property, from chewing through insulation and foundation to destroying landscaping and plants.
• Access hard-to-reach areas: Pest-proofing your new Red Deer home before moving in is just smart thinking. Think about it: when the yard is still bare, there’s no clutter or personal stuff to work around. This makes it much easier to inspect and address potential pest problems.
• No surprises later: You get to move in with the confidence that your home is pest-proofed means fewer worries about unexpected infestations.
• Proactive care for future seasons: Address potential seasonal pests before they even have a chance to move in, whether it’s ants in the summer or rodents in the winter.
• Reduce exposure to diseases & allergies: Insects can spread bacteria and trigger allergies.

A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your family safe, your property secure, and your peace of mind intact.

Common Pests to Watch for in Red Deer Homes

In Red Deer, the variety of seasons brings a variety of pests looking for shelter and warmth. Here are the usual suspects:

• Mice and Rats: As winter approaches, these rodents look for cozy spots to hunker down. They often slip through small cracks in your home’s exterior or foundation.
• Voles: Voles might not seem like a major threat, but they can cause significant damage to your yard by burrowing under the snow creating tunnels that destroy your lawn’s root system.
• Spiders: Common house spiders and wolf spiders like to hide out in warm spaces like garages, sheds, or crawl spaces. While many are harmless, their presence can still be unsettling.
• Ants: Carpenter ants can be especially destructive, particularly during the warmer months. They build nests in wooden structures, which can lead to long-term damage.
• Wasps: If you’ve had wasp nests in the past, it’s possible they’ve left behind old nests. These can attract new wasps in the spring, making your yard their favourite hangout spot.

Steps to Pest-Proof Your New Home Before Moving In

When preparing your new Red Deer home, pest-proofing should be high on your priority list. Here’s how to safeguard your yard and exterior:

1. Seal Entry Points

Gaps in your home’s exterior are basically open invitations for pests. Small cracks around windows, doors, and foundations make it easy for rodents and insects to sneak inside.

Use caulk and weather stripping for doors and windows and steel wool for larger gaps. Check fences, garage doors, and even utility entry points to make sure everything is sealed off properly.

2. Maintain the Yard

A tidy yard is a pest’s worst enemy. Overgrown bushes, piles of leaves, and scattered yard debris provide cozy hiding spots for critters like voles and mice.

Trim back any overhanging branches, remove leaf piles, and ensure your lawn is regularly mowed. By keeping the yard clean, you remove the inviting shelter pests that need to settle in.

3. Set Up Barriers and Fences

To keep larger wildlife like raccoons, rabbits, and even neighbourhood dogs from getting too close to your home, install sturdy fences or barriers. A secure fence can prevent unwanted visitors from digging around your yard or gaining access to garbage and food sources.

4. Install Screens on Vents and Chimneys

Mice, birds, and even bats can sneak into your home through chimneys or vents. Installing mesh screens over these openings will keep them out. It’s an inexpensive solution that saves you the headache of dealing with a surprise pest problem down the line.

5. Use Gravel or Mulch Borders

Creating a border around your home with gravel or mulch can deter burrowing pests like voles and mice. Pests are less likely to tunnel through these materials compared to grass or soft soil, so this extra layer of protection helps keep them at bay.

6. Secure Garbage Bins

Pests love a good meal, and your garbage bin can be a feast if not handled properly. Make sure your bins have tight-fitting lids and are kept at a distance from your home. If possible, use bins with animal-proof locks to ensure rodents and raccoons can’t sneak a snack.

7. Check for Wasps and Nests

Before moving in, take a look around the yard and under eaves for any old wasp nests or potential nesting areas. Wasps love to return to familiar spots, and old nests left from previous seasons can attract new insects. Remove any you find to avoid a springtime surprise.

8. Install Motion-Sensor Lights

Pests, particularly rodents and raccoons, tend to be nocturnal. Installing motion-sensor lights around your home can startle these critters and prevent them from feeling comfortable roaming around. It’s a simple, energy-efficient way to keep unwanted guests out of your yard.

What to Do if You Find Signs of Pests Before Moving In

• Inspect Thoroughly: Do a walk-around of the property, paying attention to any signs of pest activity. Look for droppings, nests, burrow holes, or gnaw marks on wood, fences, and even garden furniture. These are tell-tale signs that critters like rodents or insects might already be making themselves at home.
• Call in the Pros: If you find signs of pest activity, don’t panic; just call a professional pest exclusion service. They have the experience and tools to safely and effectively handle the issue, ensuring that your home is pest-free before you move in. Trust the experts to assess the situation, identify the pest, and take action accordingly.
• Avoid DIY Mistakes: While the idea of handling the problem yourself might seem tempting, it’s best to avoid DIY solutions, especially if you’re unsure about the type of pest or the severity of the infestation. A simple mistake could make things worse, leading to bigger issues down the road.
• Don’t Delay Treatment: The sooner you address a pest problem, the better. Treating the issue before moving in can prevent potential damage to your belongings and make sure that your new home is safe and secure from any unwanted visitors. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications.

Long-Term Pest Prevention Tips for New Homeowners

Now that you’re all settled in, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep pests at bay forever.

• Regular Inspections: You wouldn’t skip your annual doctor’s visit (hopefully), right? Think of this as your home’s regular “pest check-up.” Especially before winter and summer, take a stroll around the yard to look for any signs of pests trying to move in.
• Maintain the Exterior: Did you ever have a 'No Adults Allowed' sign on your bedroom door as a kid? Well, now you can hang one—figuratively, of course, outside your yard for pests. Keeping bushes trimmed, removing piles of debris, and giving your yard a little TLC works wonders in deterring unwanted critters.
• Professional Maintenance Services: Consider periodic pest exclusion services as proactive, year-round treatment for your home. Our experts at Buzz Boss can ensure your property remains a no-go zone for pests throughout.

Secure Your New Home with Buzz Boss Pest Exclusion

A pest-free yard means peace of mind, and our pest exclusion services are here to help. We provide the best security from pests.

Whether you’re in Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, or the Okanagan, our experts are a call away.

Let’s make sure your new home stays pest-free year-round. No critters allowed – just you, your family, and a beautifully protected yard!