Pre-Move-In Priority Checklist
- Termite inspection and treatment documentation review — Confirm the WDO report from the home purchase inspection and verify whether an active termite program (bait or liquid) is in place and current. If no treatment documentation exists for a Missouri home older than 10 years, schedule a termite inspection before move-in.
- General pest treatment of the empty structure — A baseboard and cabinet spray treatment in an empty home reaches surfaces that will be inaccessible after furniture placement. Cockroach bait placed in an empty kitchen before move-in establishes early detection with no occupancy disruption.
- Rodent exclusion inspection — Walk the foundation perimeter and inspect the crawlspace for evidence of prior rodent activity (droppings, gnaw marks, entry gaps). Seal any gaps before move-in rather than discovering rodent activity after furniture is placed against walls.
- Crawlspace inspection — Check moisture conditions, vapor barrier integrity, and wood for evidence of prior termite or moisture damage. Note any standing water, deteriorated insulation, or damaged sill plates for remediation before occupancy.
- Wasp and hornet nest inspection — Walk the exterior eaves, garage ceiling, and any outbuildings for active nests. Treat or remove before move-in when structures are being opened and closed repeatedly during the move.
Older vs. Newer Missouri Homes — Priority Differences
Pre-1990 Homes
Prioritize: termite inspection (no treatment documentation likely), crawlspace moisture assessment, rodent exclusion (older construction gaps), and brown recluse assessment in basement and garage. These homes often have established pest conditions from prior occupancy.
Post-2000 Homes
Prioritize: verify builder termite pre-treatment status and warranty, check for construction-phase moisture issues in crawlspace, inspect garage-to-house door seal. Newer construction typically has fewer entry gaps but may have untreated or lapsed termite programs.
D&D Pest Control provides pre-move-in inspections and treatment programs for new homeowners in Franklin County and rural Missouri — visit ddpestcontrolmo.com.