Congratulations on your new Florida home! Whether you've moved to Melbourne, settled in Palm Bay, or found your dream house in Viera, you're about to discover something every Floridian learns quickly: pests love your new home as much as you do.
Brevard County's warm, humid climate supports thriving populations of ants, roaches, termites, rodents, and mosquitoes year-round. But with the right preparation, you can keep them outside where they belong. Here's your essential pest prevention checklist.
Get a WDI (Termite) Inspection Before Closing
Even on new construction, a Wood-Destroying Insect inspection is essential. Florida law requires WDI inspections for VA and FHA loans, but all buyers should get one. This report identifies active termite infestations, old damage, and conducive conditions. In Brevard County, termites are present in virtually every neighborhood.
Schedule a Pre-Move-In Pest Treatment
Before your furniture arrives, have a licensed pest control company treat the empty home. This is the most effective time for interior treatments because every baseboard, cabinet, and closet is accessible. An initial treatment creates a protective barrier from day one.
Inspect and Seal the Exterior
Walk the perimeter of your new home and look for gaps around pipes, wiring, HVAC lines, dryer vents, and the foundation. Seal gaps with silicone caulk or copper mesh. Check that door sweeps are intact and window screens have no tears. This 30-minute task prevents the majority of pest entry.
Address Moisture and Drainage Issues
Florida's humidity is a magnet for pests. Ensure gutters direct water away from the foundation. Check that bathroom exhaust fans work properly. Look for any signs of moisture in the attic, crawl space, or under sinks. Standing water near the foundation attracts termites, mosquitoes, and roaches.
Manage Your Landscaping Strategically
Keep mulch beds at least 12 inches from the foundation — mulch retains moisture and harbors termites, ants, and roaches. Trim tree branches and bushes so they don't touch the house. Remove any wood debris, dead palm fronds, or leaf piles near the home.
Set Up a Quarterly Pest Control Plan
Florida's year-round warm climate means pests never take a break. Quarterly professional treatments create a continuous barrier of protection around your home. Most Brevard County pest control companies offer quarterly plans that cover common household pests with a satisfaction guarantee.
Learn What's Normal (and What's Not)
In Florida, seeing an occasional palmetto bug near an exterior door or a few ants on the lanai is normal. But finding German cockroaches in your kitchen, mud tubes on your foundation, or rodent droppings in the attic means you need professional help immediately.
Store Food and Trash Properly
Use airtight containers for pantry items (flour, sugar, cereal, pet food). Take trash out daily and use cans with tight-fitting lids. Rinse recyclables before placing them in bins. These simple habits dramatically reduce your home's attractiveness to ants, roaches, and rodents.
Moving to Brevard County?
Start your homeownership right with a comprehensive pest inspection and initial treatment.