Just Moved Into a New Home? Here's How to Get Rid of All the Bugs That May Have Taken Up Residence

Though the idea of a new home is oh so exciting, the reality of moving is never a great time. No matter how well you packed, something inevitably breaks on the journey over, and even if the home was deep-cleaned before you moved in, there's always going to be leftover dust or grime that you'll need to clean. Not to mention the bugs. This is especially true for older homes and apartments, where there are all sorts of fun hidey-holes that have evolved over the years.

Since you didn't bargain for these pesky roommates, you'll want to get rid of 'em before settling in, especially if you have kids in the house. Keep reading for our top tips for making sure these creepy crawlies have packed their bags before you start unpacking yours.

First thing you want to do is go around the house with a fine-tooth comb and see if there are any holes where things like roaches or rats could skitter through. Make sure all the windows are tightly sealed when they're closed; pull out the fridge, oven, and dishwasher to see if any pipes aren't sealed up correctly; and check the baseboards for gaps. Either seal them up yourself, or ask your landlord to take charge.

A door sweep seals those little gaps between the bottom of the door and the floor, keeping bugs from crawling underneath. This is especially important for any door that connects the indoor and outdoor spaces.

When you see an ant crawling, a roach skittering, a spider moving along its web, or a fly buzzing around, give it a good spray with a Raid Essentials™ product. Raid Essentials™ sprays are made using essential oils and are specifically designed with plant-based active ingredients to help kill bugs. Even better, they're safe to use around kids and pets when used as directed. These should be your go-to sprays when you catch sight of a pesky bug in your new home.

Even if someone cleaned after the previous tenant, it's easy for things like crumbs and grease to stick around underneath appliances. You may need to pull out the oven or microwave to see if there are any lingering food particles and clean out any spillage inside both. Same goes for kitchen cabinets, the pantry, and the refrigerator.

Stagnant water is a welcoming breeding ground for bugs like mosquitoes, so you want to make sure any sitting water is removed before you move in. Look for pooled water around the perimeter of the house, and make sure there aren't any pots or tanks where rainwater could gather. If you have a lawn, aerate it to ensure proper water absorption in the soil, and if you have a pool, make sure it's chlorinated. Finally, check to see that any drains and gutters aren't being blocked by leaves and other junk.