Pest Check Before Moving Into a New Home
Before you move belongings into a new apartment or villa, inspect it systematically. We explain which signs to look for, what can be done before you move in, and when you need a specialist inspection.
- A practical checklist before moving furniture in
- Signs of cockroaches, termites, bed bugs and rodents
- What is best done before furniture arrives
- Inspection and written quote when needed
Why check the home before moving in?
The easiest time to spot a pest problem is before furniture goes in, because the home is empty and walls, floors and cupboards are visible. Once furniture, clothes and food are in, inspection and treatment get harder and more disruptive.
Pests can come from a previous tenant, neighbours, drainage or roofs. One sign does not necessarily mean a big problem, but it is a reason to ask the landlord or book an inspection before moving.
This page is general guidance, not a diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis needs an in-person inspection by a specialist.
What to check in each area
A quick walk-through with a torch and a phone for photos.
Kitchen
Under the sink, behind appliances and inside cabinets; look for tiny black droppings, dead cockroaches or greasy marks.
Bathrooms
Drain openings, behind toilets and under basins; damp areas some pests favour.
Bedrooms
Mattress edges, bed frames and behind headboards; look for small dark spots or shed skins.
Doors, windows and timber frames
Tiny holes, wood dust or thin mud tubes on walls.
Ceilings and openings
Damp patches or cracks around air-conditioners and vents.
Balcony, entrance and storage
Nests, droppings or signs of rodents near roofs and stores.
Moving to a new home soon?
Book an inspection before moving furniture so you can decide with clarity.
Steps for a pre-move check
Simple steps you can do yourself.
Visit by day and by night
If you can, because some pests appear only at night.
Open cupboards and drawers
Look for droppings, dead insects or marks.
Check timber surfaces
Door and window frames and wooden floors.
Ask the landlord or residents
Have there been pests before? Was treatment done, and where?
Photograph any sign
Photos help a specialist assess before the inspection.
Book an inspection if in doubt
Before moving furniture, not after.
Common signs and what they may mean
Tiny black droppings in the kitchen may point to cockroaches, though that is not conclusive. Thin mud tubes on walls may be a sign of termites and need inspection. Dark dots on mattresses may relate to bed bugs, though they may be other marks.
Small droppings and gnawing on wires or bags may suggest rodents. Ant nests and trails are clearer on balconies and in kitchens.
We do not diagnose conclusively from a photo alone, but it helps us set priority.
- Tiny black kitchen droppings: may mean cockroaches
- Thin mud tubes: need a termite inspection
- Dark dots on mattresses or beds: may mean bed bugs
- Gnawing and droppings: may mean rodents
- Repeated ant trails: may mean a nearby nest
What can be done before furniture goes in
The right timing saves time and effort.
Specialist inspection
A technician inspects and identifies pests or risk factors without you having to clear furniture.
Preventive or corrective treatment
If a problem appears, treatment is done while the home is empty, then time is left for ventilation before you move.
Pre-move cleaning
Deep cleaning of the kitchen, bathrooms and cupboards reduces food residue and damp; it complements an inspection and does not replace it.
Questions to ask the landlord or agent
Before signing the contract or collecting the keys you can ask questions that protect your decision:
- Have there been pests or rodents in the unit or building?
- When was the last treatment and who did it?
- Does the building have a recurring contract?
- Who is responsible for pest control if a problem appears after moving in?
- Are there known damp or leak problems?
- Can I carry out an inspection before taking over the unit?
Common mistakes before moving
Common mistakes are moving furniture and clothes first and then discovering the problem, leaving food in new cupboards without cleaning, or relying on the previous tenant's treatment without asking. Moving used cartons from an old home can also bring pests with them.
It is advisable to break down cartons quickly after arriving and dispose of them, and not to store them in the home for long.
Moving to a new home soon?
Book an inspection before moving furniture so you can decide with clarity.
After moving: habits that reduce problems
Even if the home is clean, simple habits help: store food in sealed containers, take out rubbish daily, fix leaks, seal gaps around pipes and clean food areas. Check mattresses and beds periodically.
If anything suspicious appears after moving in, contact us early, because early action is easier.
Limits of this page and our services
This page is general guidance, not a diagnosis or a guarantee that a home is pest-free. We offer an inspection and a written quote, and we do not promise specific results before seeing the property. You can read our pages on signs, control and preparation before service.
Pre-move pest check FAQs
Do I need an inspection if I see nothing?
When is the best time to inspect?
Can treatment be done in an empty home?
Is cleaning enough?
Can termites be spotted by eye?
Do you guarantee a pest-free home?
What about old cartons?
How do I request an inspection?
Book an inspection before moving furniture
Send the details and we will set an inspection time and a written quote.