Homes sit empty for all kinds of reasons: a sale that takes longer than expected, a gap between tenants, an estate being settled or a long trip away. While nobody is there, the house is quiet and nothing gets disturbed. That's exactly what many pests are looking for. If you own a house in Morris Plains that will sit empty for a while, a little planning can keep it from becoming a home for mice, insects or wildlife. Below are the questions owners ask most about pests in vacant homes. If you'd like a plan in place before you leave, our preventative pest control service can help.
Why Do Vacant Homes Attract Pests?
An occupied home is full of noise, light, movement and regular cleaning. All of that discourages pests. When a house goes quiet, several things change at once:
- Nobody notices early signs. A few droppings or a small ant trail can grow into a real problem before anyone sees it.
- Small gaps go unchecked. A torn screen or a gap at the garage door stays open for weeks.
- Leaks go unseen. A slow drip under a sink or in the basement can create damp conditions that draw insects.
- Drains can dry out. The water in unused sink, tub and floor drains can evaporate over time. That water normally helps block sewer gases, and once it's gone, drains can become an easier path for some pests.
- Weather drives pests inside. In fall, mice and overwintering insects look for shelter, and an empty house is an easy choice.
Which Pests Show Up Most Often?
- Mice. They nest in quiet kitchens, closets, attics and basements and can chew insulation, wiring and stored items.
- Moisture pests. Silverfish, camel crickets, centipedes and drain flies favor damp basements, bathrooms and drains.
- Stink bugs, lady beetles and cluster flies. They gather in attics and wall spaces in fall and can appear in large numbers.
- Wasps. They build nests under eaves, decks and porch roofs that nobody is around to notice.
- Wildlife. Squirrels, raccoons and birds may move into attics, chimneys or vents if they find an opening.
Moisture-loving insects can also tell you something about the house itself. Our post on what silverfish signal about moisture explains why.
What Should You Do Before Leaving A House Empty?
- Remove all food. Clear out the pantry, refrigerator and pet food. Don't leave open containers of anything edible.
- Empty the trash. Take everything out of the house, including recycling.
- Clean thoroughly. Vacuum, wipe counters and clean under appliances so there are no crumbs or grease.
- Seal entry points. Check door sweeps, screens, vents, the chimney cap and gaps around pipes.
- Check for leaks. Fix drips and make sure the basement and crawl space are dry.
- Trim back the yard. Cut plants away from the siding and move firewood and debris away from the house.
What Should Be Checked While It Sits?
Regular visits are the best protection. Ask a trusted neighbor, family member, property manager or house-watching service to stop by on a set schedule. During each visit, they can run water in each sink, tub and shower to refill the drains, look for droppings and dead insects, check for musty smells or water stains, make sure doors and windows are closed and look around the outside for nests or damage. A quick photo of anything unusual makes it easy to decide whether a professional should take a look. Visits matter most in fall, when pests are actively looking for shelter, and after heavy storms, when leaks and roof damage are more likely.
What Should You Do Before Moving Back In?
Before you or new occupants move back in, walk through the whole house. Check the attic, basement, closets, kitchen cabinets and garage. Look for droppings, nests, chewed materials, insect activity and signs of water. Clean up any droppings carefully. Don't sweep or vacuum them dry, since that can stir up dust. Wet the area first, wear gloves and clean with a disinfectant. If you find anything more than a few stray insects, have the house inspected before you settle in.
When To Call A Professional
Call for help before the house goes empty if you want a plan in place, or after if you find droppings, nests, chewed wiring or a lot of insect activity. EcoFusion's NJ DEP-licensed technicians can inspect the home inside and out, treat active pests with EPA-registered, eco-safe products and seal entry points with pest-resistant materials. Regular service plans can keep an eye on the property while it sits.
An empty house doesn't have to become a pest problem. Clear out food, seal the gaps, arrange regular check-ins and walk through before anyone moves back in, and your Morris Plains home will be ready when it's time to fill it again.