Moving into a new home is an exciting adventure, but nothing dampens the thrill like realizing you’ve accidentally brought roaches along for the ride. These resilient pests are notorious for their ability to survive even the toughest conditions, and the last thing you want is to introduce them into your fresh living space.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through simple strategies to ensure you get rid of roaches before moving, so you can start life in your new home pest-free.
Inspect and Identify Roach-Prone Areas
The first step in eliminating roaches before a move is to conduct a thorough inspection of your current home. So, you might want to start your anti-roach venture a few days before the moving day and alongside the packing task.
Roaches tend to hide in places that offer food, water, and warmth. Common areas to inspect include:
- Kitchen: Check behind appliances, inside cabinets, under sinks, and in pantry areas where crumbs or food debris may accumulate.
- Bathroom: Roaches are attracted to moisture, so inspect under sinks, around pipes, and in damp corners.
- Basements and Attics: These areas offer warmth and darkness, ideal conditions for roaches to thrive.
- Cardboard Boxes and Paper: Roaches love to hide in cardboard, so inspect any stored items that haven’t been moved in a while.
Related Post: 7 Steps To Design New Home Before Move In
Declutter and Clean Thoroughly
Roaches are attracted to clutter because it provides ample hiding spots and access to food. Here’s how to tackle this:
- Dispose of Unnecessary Items: Get rid of old newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and any other items you no longer need. Roaches can hide in these items, and eliminating them reduces potential hiding spots.
- Deep Clean Your Home: Vacuum and mop all floors, paying special attention to corners, under appliances, and behind furniture. Clean countertops, wipe down surfaces, and make sure there’s no food residue left behind.
- Empty and Clean Cabinets: Remove all items from kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and thoroughly clean inside. Roaches often hide in these areas, so a deep clean is essential.
- Seal Food and Water Sources: Store food in airtight containers and fix any leaks that might provide water for roaches.
Use Roach-Killing Products
To effectively get rid of roaches before your move, it’s important to use targeted roach-killing products. Here are some options:
- Roach Baits: Place bait stations in areas where you’ve seen roaches or signs of infestation. The bait attracts roaches, which then carry the poison back to their nests, effectively killing the colony.
- Insecticidal Dust: Apply insecticidal dust in cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach places where roaches may be hiding. It clings to the roaches’ bodies and is ingested as they groom themselves.
- Natural Remedies: If you prefer eco-friendly options, consider using diatomaceous earth, boric acid, or a mixture of baking soda and sugar. These substances are toxic to roaches but safe for humans and pets.
Pack Smart & Prevent Roaches from Hitching a Ride
When it comes to packing, a little extra effort can go a long way in preventing roaches from traveling with you. Here’s how to pack smart:
- Use Plastic Containers: Instead of cardboard boxes, use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Roaches can easily hide in cardboard, but plastic containers are less inviting and harder for them to penetrate.
- Inspect and Clean Items Before Packing: Before placing items into boxes, inspect them carefully. Clean appliances, shake out clothing and ensure that no roaches are hiding in your belongings.
- Seal Boxes Tightly: If you must use cardboard boxes, make sure to seal them tightly with packing tape. Pay special attention to seams and corners where roaches might slip through.
- Pack the Kitchen Last: Since the kitchen is often the most roach-prone area, pack it last. This minimizes the chance of packing up roaches with your kitchen items.
Treat Your Moving Truck
Even if you’ve thoroughly treated your home and packed carefully, roaches can still find a way into your belongings during the move. To prevent this:
- Inspect the Truck: Before loading your items, inspect the moving truck for signs of roaches or other pests. If you find any, notify the moving company immediately and request a different truck.
- Spray the Truck: Use a residual insecticide spray to treat the interior of the moving truck. This creates a barrier that will kill any roaches attempting to hitch a ride.
Inspect and Clean Your New Home
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, don’t assume it’s pest-free. Before unpacking, take the time to inspect and clean your new space:
- Inspect for Roaches: Check for signs of roaches, such as droppings, egg cases, or shed skins. Pay attention to the kitchen, bathroom, and any dark, warm areas.
- Clean Before Unpacking: Vacuum and mop the floors, wipe down surfaces, and clean inside cabinets. This ensures that any roaches that may have made the trip don’t have a chance to establish themselves.
- Treat the New Home: Consider using roach baits, traps, or natural remedies in your new home for extra protection. This will help ensure that any stray roaches are eliminated before they can multiply.
Hire a Professional Exterminator
If you’re dealing with a severe roach infestation, it may be worth hiring a professional exterminator before your move.
Professional pest control can provide a more thorough treatment and give you peace of mind that the roaches have been eliminated. They can also offer advice on preventing future infestations in your new home.
Start Fresh in a Roach-Free Home
Moving should be about new beginnings, not battling old pests. By taking these steps, you’re ensuring a fresh, roach-free start in your new home.
So pack smart, clean thoroughly, and breathe easy knowing you’ve left those pesky critters behind. Here’s to a smooth move and an even smoother settling-in process! You’ve got this!
