New Apartment Handover Checklist: Pest Checks Before You Move In

At handover, most buyers look at tiles, paint and fittings. Pest risks are rarely on the snag list, even though problems found now are far easier to fix than after the furniture is in. A 30-minute pest check can save months of trouble.

This guide gives a practical checklist for new flats in Bangalore.

The short answer

At handover, check the kitchen, bathrooms, drains, pipe cut-outs, cabinets, wooden fittings and balconies for gaps, damp, droppings, mud tubes and chewed material, and note anything on the snag list. Ask the builder to seal open gaps and confirm what anti-termite treatment was done during construction. Schedule a professional pest treatment while the flat is still empty, before you move in.

Kitchen

• Look under the sink for open gaps around pipes and the wall cut-out.
• Check the joint between cabinets and the wall.
• Open every cabinet and inspect corners, hinges and back panels.
• Look for droppings, egg cases or live cockroaches.

Bathrooms and drains

• Fill each floor drain with water so the trap is sealed.
• Check that drain covers fit snugly.
• Look at the gap around the toilet waste pipe and behind the cistern.
• Check for leaks and damp patches on walls and ceilings.

Wood and fittings

• Inspect wardrobes, door frames, skirting and wooden flooring for mud tubes, bubbling paint or tiny holes.
• Tap suspect wood. A hollow sound can indicate damage.
• Look at the lower parts of frames, which are closest to the floor.

Walls, ceiling and shafts

• Check cracks along walls and at the floor-wall joint.
• Inspect the pipe shaft or duct opening for gaps.
• Look at switchboards for loose plates or gaps.
• Check the AC pipe cut-out and seal it if open.

Balcony and common areas

• Check balcony drains and the threshold of the door.
• Note whether the building has a garbage chute or waste area close to your door.
• Look at the corridor for signs of pests.

Questions for the builder

1. Was anti-termite treatment done at the foundation and during construction? Ask for the certificate.
2. Who is responsible for pest control in common areas?
3. Will open pipe gaps and cracks be sealed before handover?

Before you move in

Seal gaps, refill drain traps, remove packaging, and book a pest treatment while the flat is empty. A technician can reach every cabinet and gap without moving belongings.

When to call a professional

Call a professional if you see droppings, mud tubes, live pests or damp wood at handover. They can inspect, treat and advise what to raise with the builder.

Frequently asked questions

Should I raise pest issues on the snag list?

Yes. Open gaps, leaks and visible damage are legitimate items to include.

Is pest treatment needed in a new flat?

Often worth doing, because roaches can arrive through shared plumbing and construction material.

What documents should I ask for?

Any anti-termite treatment certificate and the warranty terms.

When is the best time to treat?

After interiors are complete and before you move in.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on cockroach control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full cockroach control guide for Bangalore.