Just Bought a Home in South OC? Your Pest Prevention Checklist

Congratulations on the new place

Before the boxes are unpacked, set aside an hour to walk the property with a flashlight. Small fixes now are much easier than chasing a problem later.

This checklist is drawn from guidance by the University of California's pest management program (UC IPM). Most of it costs little or nothing.

Outside the house

• Landscaping: keep plants and ground cover from touching exterior walls. They act as bridges for ants and hiding spots for spiders.
• Trees: trim branches that touch the roof. UC IPM notes roof rats are great climbers and recommends pruning limbs within 3 feet of a roof.
• Irrigation: make sure sprinklers aren't spraying the walls or soaking the foundation.
• Fallen fruit: pick it up. It's food for rats and insects alike.
• Firewood and storage: keep it off the ground and away from the house.
• Vents: confirm screens on attic and crawl space vents are intact.

Doors, windows and the garage

• Check door sweeps and weather stripping for gaps
• Look for daylight around the garage door, especially at the corners
• Make sure window screens fit snugly
• Seal gaps where pipes, cables and AC lines enter the house

Inside

• Look under every sink for drips. Water draws ants, especially in hot, dry weather.
• Peek into the attic for droppings, gnawing or disturbed insulation
• Note any small piles of pellets or shed wings near windows. UC IPM lists these among the signs of drywood termites, and they're worth having a professional inspect.
• Clear clutter from the garage floor, a favorite hiding place for spiders

Set up good habits early

• Store pantry food in sealed containers
• Keep pet food sealed and pick up bowls after meals
• Use trash cans with tight lids
• Wipe up ant trails with soapy water to remove the scent trail

The best time to prevent pests is before you've unpacked.

Questions worth asking

• Did your home inspection mention pests or wood-destroying organisms?
• If you have an HOA, does it handle pest control in common areas?
• Are there records of past pest service from the previous owner?

A South OC note

Many South Orange County neighborhoods back onto canyons, greenbelts or open space. Homes along those edges can see more insect and rodent traffic on that side of the yard, so give that side a little extra attention during your walk-around.

When you're ready

If you'd like a professional set of eyes, explore our pest control services or find your community on our service areas page.

Sources

• UC IPM: Ants
• UC IPM: Spiders
• UC IPM: Rats
• UC IPM: Drywood Termites