Florida is experiencing a population boom. Data shows that approximately 900 people move to the state every single day, and by 2024 there should be almost 23 million people living here. Even if you’ve lived in Florida your entire life you’ve probably noticed a population shift by the amount of new construction popping up everywhere. The City of DeLand and the surrounding cities have several new neighborhoods popping up as we speak, and all of those new homes may have you in the mood to move.
There are pros and cons to any kind of house, and to most people, choosing the right home for your family comes down to preference. As pest control professionals we have treated every kind of home for every kind of pest you can imagine. There is a misconception that new homes are without pest control issues, and while the problems are generally minimal compared to older homes, there is absolutely no truth to the idea that the owner of a new home has no pest control concerns. But we’re not here to influence what kind of home you buy, rather inform you of what to look for when you’re shopping around. If you’re planning to build or buy a brand new home, consider these pest control tips first.
Keep An Eye Out For Mice
More often than not, new homes are built on plots of land that were originally wooded. When the land is cleared, the trees and brush that had provided safety for many animals (even those we’d call pests) are removed too. Often during this process, the homes of mice and other vermin are disturbed and they are forced to go in search of a new place to live. Mice are generally harmless to humans and more of an irritation than anything else. If mice become a problem once you move into your new construction home, call us immediately and we’ll send a pest control professional out to see you.
In addition to calling for professional pest control, there are other steps you can take to protect your new home from mice. Start by finding out where and how the mice are getting into your home. You’d be shocked to see how easily mice can squeeze their bodies through spaces as small as a gap in the siding. The best pest control is to remove their entry point.
The Battle Against Sugar Ants
In just the same way that mice are dislocated when land is cleared to build homes, often ant hills that may have housed thousands of ants are disrupted during land clearing. The ants that we receive pest control calls about most often are those that we refer to as sugar ants. Most homeowners find sugar ants in their kitchen foraging for food. They’re not harmful to humans or pets, but they are annoying.
But, it’s also important to note that, like mice, these ants have found their way into your home somehow. Maybe the seal on your window isn’t tight enough, or the sliding door doesn’t close all the way. If you want to get down to the bottom of your sugar ant issues, you also need to seal up your house as tightly as possible. Don’t be frustrated if it seems like your at-home pest control methods aren’t working. Ants have an extraordinary sense of smell, they’re programmed to be able to smell your food from far away. If you want to beat them at their own game, you have to pull out all the stops and hire a professional pest control company.
On The Bright Side
The good news about a new home is that you’re unlikely to have a termite problem…yet. Termites are one of the most destructive pests we encounter. And while it’s not on the top of your mind today, protecting your new home from termites should be an integral part of your pest control. Even brand new homes that are built of stucco, or covered with vinyl siding still contain elements of wood. Wood is central to the construction of homes, and probably will be forever. So, the good news is you have plenty of time to invest in termite and pest control to keep your home safe for years to come.
The key to proper pest control is to get ahead of the game. Without professional pest control, you’ll be constantly playing catch up. While pest control experts are great a killing unwanted pests, they’re even better at preventing them from invading your home in the first place. If you’re in the market for a new home, you may be thinking that it’s months, or even years, until you need to hire a pest control company. But that’s where you’re wrong. Call us today for more information about our services and we’ll gladly come to visit your home as soon as you move in. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and Holder Pest Control has the pest control cure you’ve been looking for.
