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 you can take before move-in. Fresh paint and new flooring look great, but hidden pest issues can turn “new home” excitement into an expensive headache if they aren’t caught early.

Many homes sit vacant for weeks (sometimes 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 provides 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 pests—especially if they were vacant, had moisture problems, or weren’t maintained consistently. Below are the issues most often discovered during move-in inspections in the Treasure Valley.

1. Termites

Termites are among the most destructive structural pests in the U.S. and they’re experts at staying hidden—often showing few outward signs until an infestation is well established. Colonies can live behind walls, under flooring, in crawlspaces, or in soil beneath the home, so buyers rarely notice them during a typical walk-through.

That’s why a dedicated termite inspection is one of the most important steps before finalizing a purchase. Many buyers even negotiate repairs or treatments based on inspection findings.

2. Mice & Rats

Rodents are extremely common in vacant or rarely accessed homes. Mice only need a gap about the size of a dime to enter, and they often nest inside insulation, wall voids, attics, and crawlspaces.

Common signs include:

• Droppings in cabinets, pantries, and utility rooms
• Chewed insulation or wiring (a serious fire risk)
• Nests made of insulation, paper, or shredded materials

Because rodents can multiply quickly and contaminate storage and food areas, it’s best to identify and correct the issue before moving furniture, food, or belongings inside. If you suspect activity, see local options on our rodent control page.

3. Ant Infestations

Vacant homes can attract ants because they can explore freely without disturbance. Ants enter through tiny gaps and may forage along baseboards, walls, or countertops looking for crumbs, moisture, or warmth.

Certain species—such as moisture ants or carpenter ants—can point to leaks, rotting wood, or structural vulnerabilities. Even small trails during a walk-through should be taken seriously, because minor activity often ramps up once a home is occupied.

If you’re seeing recurring ants, a targeted ant control service can help identify the source and reduce the chance of repeat problems.

4. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are another issue that sometimes shows up right after move-in—especially if prior occupants left behind food debris, trash, or clutter. Roaches often hide under appliances, behind cabinets, inside wall voids, and in utility areas.

A professional inspection can help identify:

• German cockroaches (indoor breeders that spread quickly)
• Oriental or American cockroaches entering from drains, crawlspaces, or utility areas
• Moisture conditions that allow roaches to persist and spread

Because roaches can contaminate surfaces and contribute to allergy triggers, it’s best to address activity before placing kitchen items, bedding, or children’s belongings inside. Learn more on our cockroach control page.

Why a Pest Inspection Is Essential Before Move-In

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

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

Correcting these issues early helps prevent damage and ensures the home is clean, comfortable, and ready for move-in.

New-Home Pest Treatment & Prevention Tips

Before moving furniture and belongings inside, consider these practical steps:

• Inspect 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 and kitchen items.
• Check for moisture issues: leaks under sinks, dripping fixtures, damp crawlspaces, or poor ventilation.
• Schedule a professional inspection: to catch hidden activity and conditions you might not notice.

What a move-in inspection typically covers:

• Interior rooms and common pest harborage areas
• Exterior perimeter and foundation
• Garage and utility penetrations
• Crawlspaces (where accessible)
• Attics/roofline indicators (where accessible)

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 one of the best ways to protect 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. To get started, visit our contact page or call (208) 795-3298.