When you move, packing is usually the hardest part. Whether you meticulously label every box weeks in advance or start the night before, there’s one thing you don’t want in the moving truck: bugs. Roaches, fleas, and bed bugs can follow you, or perhaps they’re already living where you’re headed, so it’s important to know how to move without taking bugs with you.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent having a bunch of bugs as your roommates. Whether it’s cockroaches that hitched a ride on the truck, bed bugs from the hotel you stayed in on the way to your new home, or fleas in the carpet of your new space, Terminix® can help you battle pest headaches come moving time. For homeowners looking to protect their new investments, comprehensive pest control services offer peace of mind and protection against unwanted intruders through effective new home pest control measures.

Say bye to roaches, fleas, and bedbugs in your home

Roaches, fleas, and bedbugs are some of the most common pests homeowners encounter, and each pest presents its own challenges. While moving, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to ensure these resilient insects aren’t hitching a ride.

cockroach in home on ceiling

Cockroaches

Cockroaches can be difficult to remove once they’re inside your home. These sneaky insects could be from the previous tenant or may have snuck into a moving box along the way. Luckily, here are a few steps you can take to help prevent these pests from becoming your new roommates.

  1. Thoroughly inspect all boxes before packing away your belongings. Roaches may already be hiding away and looking to make your new home their new home.
  2. Seal any small cracks and crevices around the perimeter of your home to prevent roaches from entering.

Fleas

Most people think of fleas as being pet-based pests, but these bloodsuckers also live in carpets. Their eggs can lie dormant, so even if you don’t have a pet, you can find yourself in an itchy situation after moving into a new place. Below are a few tips to help prevent fleas in your new home

  1. Check pets for fleas before moving them into the new home, and treat them with flea control products if necessary.
  2. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly to remove any flea eggs or larvae. If the previous owner or tenant had dogs or cats, have the carpets professionally steam cleaned or rent a rug shampooer.
  3. Wash pet bedding and linens in hot water to kill any existing fleas or eggs.

Bed bugs

Bringing this pest home from a hotel is any homeowner’s worst nightmare. If you’re traveling to your new home and need to make overnight stops, check for bed bugs at every location and follow these tips to prevent them in your new home.

  1. Inspect any furniture or bedding you may be sleeping on or bringing into your home. Any time you stay at a hotel, check the bed frame, nightstands, mattress, and headboard for bed bugs or the brownish-red spots they leave behind.
  2. If you have encountered bed bugs, carefully inspect your luggage before bringing it inside your home.
  3. Wash all bedding, linens, and clothing in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any bed bugs or eggs.
  4. Avoid bringing second-hand furniture or mattresses into the new home until you can thoroughly inspect them for bed bugs.

Tips to help move without bugs

To ensure a smooth transition into your new space, it's best to take proactive measures to prevent any bugs from hiding in your belongings. If you're worried about bugs or find them in your new home, Terminix is here to help.

moving truck outside new home

Home inspections for pests

Consider scheduling pest control before moving in to ensure you have a pest-free environment from the start. A pre-move inspection for pests helps identify existing issues and locate potential entry points. If pests are found, a technician can recommend a treatment plan to ensure your home is pest-free once you move in.

Pest control before moving in can create a barrier against future infestations. By addressing potential issues proactively, homeowners can maintain a bug-free environment and minimize the need for costly remediation in the future.

Prepare your belongings

Understanding how to move without taking bugs with you is essential for a smooth relocation process. When preparing your belongings for a move, there are a few things you can do to ensure you aren’t bringing any bugs along with you.

  • Start by decluttering and deep cleaning your belongings to eliminate hiding spots for bugs.
  • Properly dispose of any infested items to prevent spreading bugs to your new location.
  • Seal boxes and containers tightly to prevent bugs from infiltrating during transit.
  • Use durable, bug-proof packaging materials to protect your belongings during transit, and apply secure seals to containers to further prevent pest entry.

Transport your belongings safely

Transporting belongings safely during a move is crucial to prevent bugs from invading your new space. Here are four tips to consider while moving:

  1. Start by implementing proper loading and unloading practices. Avoid placing any boxes or other items on the ground while moving to minimize the risk of picking up bugs.
  2. Before loading items into the moving truck, inspect it for any signs of bugs or pests. If bugs are inside the truck, they can infiltrate your items while in transit.
  3. Ensure the moving vehicle is properly sealed to prevent bugs and other pests from entering during transit.
  4. Consider using pest-resistant covers for furniture and items to provide an extra layer of protection.

Inspect items upon arrival

Once you’ve arrived at your new home and are ready to start unpacking, take a few minutes to inspect your items to ensure there are no bugs. This inspection involves checking for signs of an infestation. Some signs could be:

  • Droppings
  • Shed skins
  • Live insects, eggs, or nests
  • Damage to items caused by bugs or pests
  • Unusual odors on furniture, clothing, and other items

If any items are infested, they should be isolated and treated immediately to prevent the spread of bugs throughout the home. By conducting a thorough inspection and taking prompt action, homeowners can maintain a pest-free environment in their new home and enjoy peace of mind in their new surroundings.

Schedule preventive pest control

Researching tips on how to move without taking bugs with you can save you from potential pest problems, but pests are sneaky and can easily be missed. Pest control before moving into a new home is crucial for preventing future infestations and addressing any current infestations. Investing in pest control before moving in saves time, money, and hassle in the long run, ensuring a clean, comfortable living environment from the start.

tmx home inspection cardboard

If you’re moving into a new space, purchase a pest plan today. Protect your investment with top-tier new home pest control services, ensuring your property remains free from unwanted visitors and potential damage.