Do i need pest control in Calgary for new house

Yes, you probably do–even if everything looks spotless. It’s surprisingly common to find activity in places that seem untouched. Fresh builds aren’t always as sealed as you’d expect. Gaps around windows, loose soffits, or unfinished vents? These are open invitations. I’ve seen homes barely a month old with ants in the basement and wasps starting up in attic corners.

Builders often focus on speed and structure, not exclusion. It’s not neglect–it’s just not their job. And during construction, it’s typical for critters to settle nearby, especially when materials sit out for weeks. Once doors go on and lights flip up, they don’t always leave.

Inspections can miss things. That’s no knock on inspectors. Their checklists are broad, but not necessarily tailored toward subtle entry points or early warning signs. A small trace–droppings behind baseboards, chew marks near wiring–can mean something already moved in. Or will, soon.

Prevention tends to cost less than chasing a problem after it starts. And honestly, it’s less hassle. Setting up perimeter barriers, sealing gaps, checking moisture levels under decks–it’s tedious work, but better than waking up to scratching noises in the vents six weeks after moving in.

There’s also the neighbourhood factor. Some areas have higher activity simply due to nearby green belts or construction zones. Ask around. If two neighbours mention they’ve had mice or cluster flies, there’s your sign. You don’t have to wait for a sighting to act.

Whether you’ve just taken possession or you’re weeks away from moving in, it might be smart to have someone do a walkthrough. Not every service is pushy. Some just check, give you a few tips, and that’s it. The peace of mind is real, especially if you’re new to the city and unsure what’s normal here.

Do I Need Pest Control in Calgary for New House

If the structure is newly built, treatment during construction is usually standard. Still, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Soil around foundations often carries ants or beetle larvae, especially if the lot sat untouched for a while. Concrete doesn’t block everything. Gaps around vents, unsealed soffits, and small cracks can be entry points, even in fresh builds.

I’ve seen homes only weeks old with mouse droppings in the utility room. Not common, but it happens. Construction often leaves behind food scraps or insulation that’s inviting to rodents. If you’re near open fields or development zones, there’s a higher chance of something finding its way inside.

What You Can Do Right Away

Walk the exterior. Look for gaps at the base of siding, check caulking around windows, and seal utility line entry points. These tiny spots don’t seem like much, but they’re often the way in. It’s also smart to inspect under sinks and in basements within the first month–early signs are easy to miss unless you’re looking.

If you’re unsure, a baseline inspection isn’t overkill. It’s a quick way to spot anything missed during the build. Most companies will tell you if it’s too early to do anything, which I think is worth hearing. Better than waiting until something scratches behind the drywall at 2 a.m.

What Types of Pests Commonly Invade New Homes in Calgary

Don’t assume a freshly built structure is immune–several intruders tend to show up sooner than you’d expect. The most common? Mice. They’re fast to exploit any tiny gap in foundations, door seals, or utility lines, especially when construction has disturbed their usual nesting spots. You might not notice them at first. Droppings under the sink, faint scratching behind the walls–that’s usually how it starts.

Next are ants, especially pharaoh and carpenter types. The first are tiny and hard to notice until there’s a trail heading straight into your pantry. The second prefer moist wood, so if framing lumber wasn’t completely dry or a pipe leaked during the build, that’s enough. They’re quiet, but the damage can add up before you see the signs.

Wasps can also be surprisingly quick to move in. Eaves, soffits, and vents make perfect entry points. In the warmer months, you might see them hovering around rooflines or small gaps in siding. They don’t need much space to establish a nest, and once they do, they return season after season unless it’s fully removed and sealed.

Spiders are another early arrival, especially wolf and cellar species. They’re not dangerous here, but still unsettling. They’re usually feeding on other small insects that made it in first. So if you see a lot of webs, it’s probably a sign something else is living there too.

Unexpected Visitors

Silverfish and earwigs sometimes appear in basements or near baseboards–especially if there’s lingering construction dust or cardboard boxes lying around. Neither bites, but both can trigger a few startled moments in the middle of the night. They prefer cool, dark spaces with just a bit of moisture. Hard to keep out entirely, but good ventilation and regular sweeping helps.

Even squirrels or birds might test out attic vents if mesh covers aren’t secure. It sounds odd, but I’ve seen it happen within weeks of move-in. One family found a sparrow had nested inside the bathroom exhaust pipe. Just a fluke? Maybe. But still–a reminder to check every opening twice.

So, while the structure might be brand new, it’s the environment around it–open land, fresh landscaping, disturbed soil–that draws attention from the nearby wildlife. They were there first, and now they’re curious.

When Should Pest Control Be Scheduled After Moving Into a New Home

Book an inspection within the first week after getting the keys. Don’t wait until boxes are unpacked – by then, you might already notice signs you wish you’d caught earlier.

Even brand-new builds aren’t immune. Construction sites attract insects and rodents looking for warmth or leftover materials. Plus, neighbouring properties can influence what shows up inside, especially in early spring or late fall.

• If you moved in during warmer months, aim to schedule within the first 5–7 days. Activity is higher, and early intervention matters.
• In winter, there’s usually less movement, but some intruders nest inside walls or basements. A check-up within two weeks still makes sense.
• If you’ve noticed droppings, strange odours, or unexplained noises behind walls or ceilings – act immediately. Waiting won’t help.

Ongoing service might not feel necessary right away, but setting up a plan sooner can prevent future visits that are… well, less optional. A good starting point is a seasonal schedule – quarterly works for most homes.

Curious what that looks like in your case? Here’s a local option: http://www.thepestcontrolguy.ca.

Quick visits now can save you days of hassle later. And if you’re unsure, it’s still better to ask someone who’s seen it all. You’d be surprised how often the “clean” homes have the biggest surprises tucked under floorboards.

How to Identify Early Signs of Pest Activity in a Recently Built House

Check around baseboards and under sinks within the first few weeks–especially if there’s been any delay between construction wrap-up and move-in. Tiny droppings, often mistaken for sawdust or coffee grounds, could be a sign something has already found its way inside.

Sniff the air in enclosed spaces like closets, utility rooms, or the furnace area. A musty or sour odour, even if faint, might suggest something nesting behind the drywall. New materials can trap smells, so it’s not always obvious unless you’re paying attention.

If you hear subtle scratching or tapping inside walls, especially at night, don’t write it off as pipes settling. New structures shouldn’t make regular movement sounds. It’s not always loud. Sometimes it’s more of a faint scuffling, barely noticeable unless the room is quiet.

Look closely at window sills and door frames. Fine grit or dirt collecting in corners could be more than construction residue. Trails leading to entry points, particularly around the basement or garage, might indicate a regular route used by insects or rodents.

In unfinished spaces, like the basement ceiling or under stairwells, check the insulation. Gaps or slight tearing could mean something has been pulling or burrowing. You might not see the source, but the damage is often a giveaway.

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off–too many spider webs in the same corner, faint grease marks along a wall, or even just that odd sense that something’s been disturbed–it’s probably worth investigating. Better early than after damage is done.