Pest Control Before Moving Into a New Flat: A Checklist

Before the shifting date

• Inspect kitchen cabinet interiors, the sink cavity and the utility area for droppings and egg cases.
• Check door frames, wardrobes and skirting for mud tubes or hollow-sounding wood.
• Book a general pest control treatment for the empty flat, plus anti-termite treatment if the building is older or ground-floor.
• Ask the society about recent pest complaints — a building-wide cockroach or rodent issue changes what you need.

On moving day

• Unpack cartons outside the flat where possible and dispose of the cardboard immediately; cardboard is a common way cockroach egg cases travel between homes.
• Inspect any second-hand or stored mattress and upholstered furniture for bed bug evidence before it enters a bedroom.
• Keep the kitchen bin lidded from day one.

In the first month

• Seal gaps around pipe entries under the sink and behind the washing machine.
• Fit drain covers and keep them closed overnight.
• Fix any dripping tap or slow drain immediately — moisture is the single biggest attractant.
• Schedule the follow-up visit included in your treatment rather than skipping it.

What it typically costs

A general treatment for an empty 1–2 BHK is the lowest-cost slot in the calendar, and anti-termite treatment is significantly cheaper before flooring and heavy furniture are in place. Ask for a written scope covering the number of visits, the chemicals used and the warranty period rather than comparing headline prices alone.