Many people assume that pests mainly occur in older buildings. But this is a widespread misconception: new buildings can also be heavily affected by pests – sometimes even more than older houses.
The reasons often lie in the construction phase, in modern building materials, or in the first months of use.
In this article, you will learn why new houses are attractive to pests, which species occur most frequently, and what you can do about it.
Why new buildings are particularly vulnerable
1. Residual moisture in the building
Many new buildings still contain enormous amounts of moisture after completion of the work:
- fresh screed
- wet concrete
- plaster and mortar
- freshly painted walls
This moisture attracts silverfish, molds, cellar woodlice, and springtails – they love damp microclimates.
2. Open access points during the construction phase
During construction, windows, doors, and openings are often left open for days.
This makes it easy for pests:
- Mice in the shell construction
- Flies, moths, and wasps
- Spiders
- Woodlice from the soil
These animals stay inside the building – and often only become noticeable after moving in.
3. Packaging material & cartons as a source of infestation
Many pests come not from outside, but are brought in:
- Food moths in supplies
- Beetles in cardboard packaging
- Silverfish in boxes
- Ants in potting soil
Newly moved-in residents often unknowingly bring pests from old apartments or storage rooms.
4. Building materials create new hiding places
Modern building materials offer new niches:
- Cavities in drywall
- Insulation material
- Baseboards with cable ducts
- modern ventilation shafts
These structures are perfect hiding places for spiders, ants, and even mice.
5. New houses are often still located in "open" residential areas
Construction areas are perfect habitats for:
- Mice
- Rats
- Insects
- Ant colonies
When moving in, the surroundings often still lack fixed infrastructure, gardens are just being created, waste areas are missing – perfect conditions for pests.
Which pests are particularly common in new buildings?
1. Silverfish & springtails
→ love moisture, often appear in bathroom, cellar, kitchen.
2. Woodlice
→ come through soil into damp new-build cellars.
3. Mice
→ sneak in during the construction phase and stay.
4. Ants
→ enter through small cracks, especially in new development areas.
5. Moths (food & clothing)
→ are often brought in, e.g. through moving boxes.
6. Spiders
→ benefit from open construction sites.
What you can do about it
1. Reduce moisture
- ventilate regularly
- Use construction dryers
- Ventilate bathroom & cellar well
- Set up dehumidifiers
Dryness is the strongest enemy of many pests.
2. Seal access points
- Close door gaps
- Seal windows
- Check cable entries
- Secure outdoor areas around the house
Especially mice find even the smallest openings.
3. Store supplies securely
- Store food airtight in glass containers
- Check boxes
- Seal pet food
Moths & beetles love cardboard packaging.
4. Remove packaging material
After moving in, all boxes should be disposed of immediately – they are an ideal habitat for many pests.
5. Use monitoring early
Traps and sticky surfaces help with:
- Silverfish
- Ants
- Mice
- Moths
This is how you recognize an infestation before it grows.
✔️ Conclusion
New buildings are by no means safe from pests.
Moisture, open construction phases, and modern building materials provide ideal conditions for many species. However, with the right preventive measures, an infestation can be detected and prevented early.
A modern house deserves modern pest prevention – this keeps the new building clean, safe, and pest-free permanently.
