So you finally got the keys.
New flat, fresh start. You've done the painting, fixed the geyser, probably argued with the landlord about one thing or another. Moving day is two weeks out and the checklist is long.
Here's the one thing most people forget to put on that list — pest control ↗ before the furniture goes in.
I'll explain why that order matters in a minute. But first, let me tell you what a friend of mine found three weeks after moving into her "brand new" flat in Pune.
Cockroaches under the kitchen sink. Not one or two. A proper colony. The flat had been empty for four months before she moved in. Nobody noticed because nobody was living there to notice. Empty flats are actually ideal for pests — no disturbance, no cleaning, no one opening cupboards and switching on lights.
By the time she called for pest control, she'd already moved all her furniture in. Treatment had to work around sofas, beds, boxes. Half the hiding spots were blocked. It took two rounds to sort out properly.
She could have done it in one, before moving day, for less money and zero stress.
Why Empty Flats Have More Pests Than You'd Expect
New construction or not — pests find their way in.
Cockroaches enter through drainage pipes. Rats come in through gaps in the plumbing fittings that nobody sealed properly. Termites may already be in the wooden door frames or window frames, especially in older buildings. If the flat below or next to yours had a pest problem, there's a decent chance it's spread.
Even brand new flats aren't immune. Construction sites attract rodents. Wooden materials used in fitting sit in storage for months before installation — that's when wood borers and termites get in. The building is sealed after construction, which just traps whatever was already inside.
Vacant flats are dark, undisturbed, and often have standing water in drainage traps that haven't been used in months. Cockroaches love exactly that environment.
So "new flat" doesn't mean "pest-free flat." It means you haven't found them yet.
Do It Before the Furniture Goes In — Here's Why
This is the part people skip and then regret.
Once your sofa is against the wall, your bed is in the corner, your kitchen shelves are packed with vessels — the pest control team can't reach the most important spots. The corners. Behind the fittings. The gap between the platform and the wall. Under built-in wardrobes.
An empty flat means every surface is exposed. The treatment reaches everywhere. One proper session in an empty flat is worth two or three sessions after you've moved in.
Also — some treatments need 4 to 6 hours to work properly before the space is used. You can't wait that long sitting on the floor surrounded by your packed boxes. But if you schedule it a week before moving day, you walk into a treated, settled flat on day one.
What a Pre-Move Pest Control Service Should Cover
Cockroach treatment — gel-based treatment in the kitchen, bathrooms, and along drainage points. This is non-negotiable. Every flat gets cockroaches eventually. Treating before you move in means you're not chasing them around your furniture six months later.
Termite treatment — especially important in older buildings or if the flat has wooden flooring, built-in wardrobes, or wooden window frames. Termites are invisible until the damage is visible. A pre-move termite check takes 30 minutes and can save you lakhs in repair costs.
Rodent proofing — not just traps. A proper check identifies entry points — gaps near pipes, under the front door, ventilation grilles. Blocking these before you move in is far easier than finding a rat inside a packed kitchen three weeks later.
Mosquito and general pest spray — especially useful if the building is new or near a construction site. Stagnant water in construction areas breeds mosquitoes that find their way into nearby flats.
Bed bug check — if the flat was previously occupied, ask for this. Bed bugs survive in empty flats for months without feeding. They hide inside switch boards, behind loose wallpaper, in floor gaps. Previous tenants may have left more than their memories.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
How long before moving day should I schedule this? At least 5 to 7 days. Gives treatment time to work and any smell to clear completely.
Does the flat need to be fully empty? For the best results, yes. At minimum — kitchen, bathrooms, and all wooden fixtures should be accessible.
What about the chemicals — are they safe for children and pets? Ask specifically. A good pest control company will tell you exactly which products they're using and how long to ventilate before bringing kids and pets in. If they can't answer this clearly, find someone else.
Do I need a follow-up treatment? For cockroaches — sometimes yes, about 30 days after the first treatment. For termites — ask about a warranty. Reputable services offer one.
One More Thing Nobody Mentions
Check your new flat's surroundings before you sign the lease, not after.
Is there a drain or nala behind the building? Is there a dhaba or restaurant on the ground floor? Is there a garbage collection point near the building entrance? All of these increase pest pressure significantly. Not dealbreakers necessarily — but things worth knowing before you move in, so you can treat proactively and not spend the first year fighting a losing battle.
A ground floor or basement flat needs extra attention. Always.
