New Homeowner Pest Inspection Scarsdale

Quick answer: A new homeowner pest inspection happens after closing. It checks the whole property for pests, moisture, and entry points.

Book it in the first weeks, before renovations.

Still buying? See our real estate pest inspection page for pre-closing WDI reports.

Your First Year in a Scarsdale Home

You have the keys. Now you own whatever the house has hidden.

A new homeowner inspection gives you a clear baseline. It shows what is active, what is past, and what to watch.

This page is for owners after closing. If you are still under contract, see pre-closing WDI inspections instead.

What a New Homeowner Assessment Covers

Interior

Basement and crawl space for moisture, cracks, and wood destroying insects
Attic for rodent evidence and insulation damage
Kitchen and bathrooms for ant trails and plumbing leaks
Garage and storage areas for hiding spots and entry points
Window frames, thresholds, and utility openings for gaps

Exterior

Foundation perimeter for termite shelter tubes and wood-to-soil contact
Plantings touching the structure and wood debris
Decks, patios, and fences for carpenter ant and termite activity
Roof line and vents for gaps
Drainage that keeps soil and wood damp

Scarsdale and Westchester Housing Stock

Many local homes are older. Tudor and Colonial styles are common.

Mature trees sit close to the walls. Basements are often finished, and some houses have crawl spaces.

Those traits shape your first-year risks. Old foundations can leak moisture. Large trees give pests a path to the roof.

Finished walls can hide activity for years.

Common First-Year Findings

Damp basement corners that attract ants
Gaps at pipes, vents, and the roof line that let in mice
Soil or mulch piled against siding
Old treatment markers or repairs with no paperwork
Soft or stained wood near gutters, porches, and decks

Read about termite protection, carpenter ant removal, and rodent control for local detail.

First-Year Timeline and What You Receive

First-Year Timeline

Weeks 1 to 4: Baseline inspection of the full property.
Before projects: Re-check before renovations, decks, or landscaping.
Fall: Seal entry points before rodents seek winter shelter.
Spring: Check for termite and ant activity as colonies wake.
Ongoing: Quarterly monitoring if you enroll in the program.

What You Receive

A written summary of findings by area
Photos of any activity or damage
A list of moisture and entry-point fixes
A prevention plan for your property
Treatment options if something is active

Pricing depends on the property. Call (877) 938-6799 for a quote.

New Construction vs. Existing Homes

New Construction

The builder may have applied a termite pre-treatment. Ask for the records.
Warranty terms vary by builder. Read them closely.
New landscaping and irrigation can create damp soil near the walls.

Existing Homes

Past activity may be hidden behind finished walls.
Mature plantings can hide old colonies.
Earlier treatments and bonds need a records review.

First-Year Protection Program

The New Homeowner Pest Guard Program is built for the first year. It includes:

An initial inspection with written documentation
Quarterly monitoring visits
Preventive exterior treatments
Priority response if an issue appears
Advice on your property's risks
Discounted rates on any needed treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need an inspection after closing if I had a WDI report?

Yes, it can still help. The pre-closing report covers wood destroying insects in accessible areas. A new homeowner assessment looks at the whole property. It also covers rodents, ants, moisture, and entry points.

How soon after move-in should I book it?

Book within the first few weeks. Do it before renovations, landscaping, or storage fill the basement. Early findings are easier to fix.

What does a new homeowner assessment check?

We check the basement or crawl space, attic, kitchen, bathrooms, and garage. Outside, we check the foundation, decks, plantings, drainage, and roof line. We look for activity, moisture, and gaps.

Is a new construction home safe from termites?

Not automatically. Some builders apply a pre-treatment. Terms and coverage vary. Ask for the paperwork and read it before relying on it. Landscaping and grading can also change conditions.

What records should I ask the seller or builder for?

Ask for past pest reports, treatment records, and any termite bond or warranty. Confirm whether coverage transfers to you. Keep copies with your closing documents.

What signs should I watch for in the first year?

Watch for mud tubes, discarded wings, sawdust piles, and soft wood. Also watch for droppings, scratching sounds, and damp spots. Report anything odd early.

Do renovations raise pest risk?

They can. Open walls, new decks, and added soil or mulch change conditions. Moisture is the main concern. Plan an inspection before and after major work.

What does the New Homeowner Pest Guard Program include?

It includes an initial inspection, quarterly monitoring visits, and preventive exterior treatments. You also get priority response and advice on your property's risks. Call for current details.

New Homeowner Pest Inspection in Scarsdale