Pest Inspections for a New Home

Whether you're buying a home in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, or moving into a rental across the Treasure Valley, a pest inspection is one of the most important—and most overlooked—steps in preparing a property before you move in. Fresh paint, new flooring, and updated appliances matter, but hidden pest issues can turn your “new home” excitement into an expensive headache if they aren’t caught early.

Many homes sit vacant for weeks or months during a sale, giving pests an opportunity to move in unnoticed. Even occupied homes may have untreated issues the previous owners didn’t recognize or disclose. A professional inspection gives you clarity and helps prevent problems that could damage the home or your belongings after move-in.

Most Common Pests Found When Moving Into a New Home

Even clean homes can harbor hidden pests—especially if they were vacant or poorly maintained. Below are the issues most often discovered during move-in inspections.

1. Termites

Termites are among the most destructive structural pests in the U.S., causing billions in damage annually. They are experts at staying hidden, often showing no outward signs until the infestation is severe.

Because termite colonies live behind walls, under flooring, or in soil beneath the home, buyers rarely notice activity during a walk-through. A thorough termite inspection is one of the most important steps before finalizing a home purchase—many buyers even negotiate repairs or treatments based on findings.

2. Mice & Rats

Rodents are extremely common in vacant or rarely accessed homes. Mice, in particular, only need a gap the size of a dime to enter and often build nests inside insulation, wall voids, attics, and crawl spaces.

Signs include:

• Droppings in cabinets, pantry spaces, and utility rooms
• Chewed insulation or wiring (a major fire hazard)
• Nests made of insulation, paper, or shredded materials

Because rodents spread pathogens and can multiply quickly, it’s best to identify and correct the issue before moving furniture, food, or belongings inside.

3. Ant Infestations

Vacant homes often attract ants because they can explore freely without disturbance. Ants can enter through even the smallest gap and may forage along walls, baseboards, or countertops looking for crumbs or moisture.

Certain species—such as moisture ants or carpenter ants—may indicate leaks, rotting wood, or structural vulnerabilities. Even small trails of ants during a walk-through should be taken seriously, as minor activity often grows quickly once the home is occupied.

4. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are another pest commonly discovered after move-in, especially in homes where previous occupants left behind food debris, trash, or clutter. Roaches conceal themselves under appliances, behind cabinets, inside wall voids, and in utility areas.

A professional inspection helps identify:

• German cockroaches, which thrive indoors and breed rapidly
• Oriental or American cockroaches entering from drains or crawl spaces
• Moisture conditions that allow roaches to spread

Because roaches spread bacteria and allergens, it’s best to address activity before placing kitchen items, bedding, or children’s belongings inside the home.

Why a Pest Inspection Is Essential Before Move-In

A new-home pest inspection protects you from unexpected costs and health concerns. It helps determine whether:

• Structural pests (like termites) are active
• Rodents are present in ducts, attics, or insulation
• Entry points need sealing to prevent new pests
• Moisture issues are attracting insects
• The previous occupants left behind conditions that promote infestations

Correcting these issues early prevents damage and ensures the home is safe, clean, and ready for move-in.

New-Home Pest Treatment & Prevention Tips

Before moving furniture and belongings inside, consider the following steps:

• Inspect all storage areas—attics, crawlspaces, garages, basements, and under-sink cabinets.
• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, utility penetrations, and foundation openings.
• Clean floors and cabinets before bringing in food items.
• Check for moisture issues such as leaks under sinks or behind appliances.
• Schedule a professional pest inspection to ensure nothing hidden is overlooked.

A move-in inspection typically includes interior rooms, exterior perimeter, foundation, crawlspaces, garages, utility areas, and attics to identify both active pests and conditions that may lead to future issues.

Pest Inspections for New Buyers in the Treasure Valley

If you’re preparing to move into a new home or rental in the Boise metro area, a pest inspection provides peace of mind and helps prevent costly surprises. Whether the home is newly built, previously occupied, or recently vacant, early detection is the key to protecting your investment.

If you need a professional inspection or guidance on next steps, Pestcom Pest Management serves Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Kuna, and surrounding communities.