Pest Control for New Homeowners: Complete Guide

Last updated: March 5, 2026

By James — 25-year pest control industry veteran

Pest control should be one of the first things new homeowners address, ideally before moving day. An untreated pest problem can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage (termites, carpenter ants), create health hazards (rodents, cockroaches), or simply make your new home uncomfortable. This guide walks through what to do before, during, and after your home purchase to protect your investment.

Before Closing: Get a Pest Inspection

A pest inspection before closing is one of the most important steps in the home-buying process. Most mortgage lenders require a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) or Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) report before approving a loan, but even for cash purchases, an inspection is strongly recommended.

A pest inspection costs $75 to $200 and covers:

• Active termite infestations and evidence of previous termite damage
• Wood-boring beetle damage
• Carpenter ant activity
• Wood-decay fungus (often associated with moisture problems that attract pests)
• Conditions conducive to pest activity (wood-to-soil contact, moisture issues, vegetation against the foundation)

If the inspection reveals problems, you can negotiate with the seller for treatment and repair before closing. In many markets, sellers are expected to pay for termite treatment if active termites are found. For more on what an inspection covers and costs, see our pest inspection cost guide and termite inspection cost guide.

Common Pests Found During Home Inspections

• Termites. The most significant finding. Active termites require treatment ($250 to $1,500+) before closing, and previous termite damage may need structural repair. A transferable termite bond is a strong positive sign.
• Rodents. Evidence of mice or rats in attics, crawl spaces, or wall voids. Droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material are common findings in vacant homes.
• Carpenter ants. Nests in water-damaged wood around bathrooms, kitchens, and rooflines. Often indicates an underlying moisture problem that needs to be fixed.
• Wood-boring beetles. Small exit holes in hardwood floors, beams, or trim. Old damage may not require treatment, but active infestations need professional assessment.

Your First Month: Setting Up Pest Control

The best time to start pest control is before you move furniture in. An empty home is easier to inspect and treat. Here is a recommended timeline:

• Before moving day. Schedule an initial pest control treatment. This creates a protective barrier and eliminates any existing activity. An initial treatment with a pest control company costs $150 to $300 and is typically followed by quarterly service.
• Transfer or establish a termite bond. If the previous owner had a termite bond, ask about transferring it to your name (transfer fee $50 to $200). If there is no existing bond, establish one ($200 to $500 first year). This is especially important in the Southeast, Southwest, and Gulf states.
• Choose a service plan. For ongoing protection, a quarterly pest control plan ($100 to $300 per visit) is the standard recommendation. Monthly plans ($40 to $70 per visit) are appropriate for areas with heavy pest pressure.

DIY Prevention Checklist for New Homeowners

These steps cost little or nothing and significantly reduce pest risk:

• Seal gaps and cracks. Caulk around windows, doors, pipes, and utility penetrations. Mice can enter through gaps as small as a quarter inch. Use copper mesh or steel wool for larger gaps before caulking over them.
• Install door sweeps. Gaps under exterior doors are a major entry point for insects, rodents, and even snakes. A $10 door sweep is one of the most effective pest prevention measures.
• Fix moisture issues. Repair dripping faucets, leaking pipes, and poor drainage around the foundation. Moisture attracts termites, carpenter ants, cockroaches, and many other pests.
• Remove wood debris. Clear any scrap wood, old tree stumps, and construction debris from around the home. These harbor termites and carpenter ants near your home.
• Trim vegetation. Keep shrubs and tree branches at least 12 inches from the house. Branches touching the home provide a highway for ants, spiders, and rodents.
• Store firewood away from the foundation. Keep firewood at least 20 feet from the home and elevated off the ground. Firewood stacks against the house are a common source of termite and ant infestations.
• Clean gutters. Clogged gutters create moisture at the roofline that attracts pests and can cause wood rot that makes the home vulnerable to carpenter ants and termites.
• Check attic and crawl space. Look for signs of rodent activity (droppings, nesting material), water intrusion, and proper ventilation. Address any issues promptly.

Year-One Seasonal Pest Prevention

Home Warranties and Pest Control

Most standard home warranties do not cover pest control or termite treatment. Some premium plans offer a pest control add-on for $50 to $100 per year, but coverage is typically limited to a set number of treatments and excludes termites, bed bugs, and wildlife.

A dedicated pest control plan from a pest control company provides better and more reliable coverage than a home warranty add-on. For an analysis of whether professional service is worth the cost, see is pest control worth it?. For information on termite-specific insurance issues, see are termites covered by homeowners insurance?.

When to Set Up Ongoing Professional Service

Ongoing professional pest control is recommended if any of these apply to your new home:

• You live in a region with heavy pest pressure (Southeast, Gulf Coast, Southwest)
• Your home has a crawl space or pier-and-beam foundation
• The property has mature trees, dense landscaping, or backs up to wooded areas
• You have pets that spend time outdoors (flea and tick risk)
• The home is older with more potential entry points
• The previous pest inspection revealed any concerns

For a breakdown of what professional service costs, see our pest control cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions