Purchasing a new house is the most exciting large purchase available. Plenty of considerations and “watch-outs” abound in the hunt. Still, most new house purchasers hardly consider bugs. Knowing what to check for will help you avoid costly repairs and treatments following your signature on the dotted line. Pest issues can be hidden under the surface.
Many new homeowners are forced to forego conventional house inspections as the 2022 market is strong. A self-home inspection can be dangerous for someone with an inexperienced eye. However, you can watch for signs of pest activity while browsing a house; depending on a pest control company in Meridian, this might save thousands of dollars.
Signs of potential pest issues
Pests are experts in concealing, and they sometimes prefer to target regions like crawl spaces and attics that are out of the way or even invisible from view. Though identifying pests—from bats and mammals to termites, rats, and other creepy crawlies—is usually obvious, warnings are usually obvious. These are some things to search for while visiting possible new homes.
- Common pest “red flags”
Look for either dead or live insects.
Exterior openings or holes in the house could provide easy access for insects; search for anything bigger than ¼-inch.
Remember the yard; big ant mounds could indicate fire ants.
Look up in high trees, beneath overhangs on the structure, etc. Some nests may not be active. Seek to have anything related to the house or yard removed that bothers you.
- Termites
Mud tubes created by subterranean termites cover crawl spaces, basement walls, and foundations.
Weak or hollow-sounding wood: termites usually feed on wood below the surface, so the structure sounds hollow when you knock or tap it.
Yard damage: The Garden’s wooden fence posts and decks could highlight issues.
Western Exterminator does termite real estate inspections. Get in touch to ask further questions.
- Carpenter ants
Carpenter ants will attack moistened wood; hence, be alerted for evidence of moisture damage. Like termites, these bugs can hollow out wood, making rehabilitation expensive. They are large; carpenter ants have a deep black hue and are ¼–½-inch long. Where carpenter ants are active, you can find mounds resembling sawdust near their entrance holes.
- Mice, rats, and wildlife
Mice and rats leave behind obvious pellet droppings, scrawling sounds, particularly under floor or ceiling coverings or behind walls, and gnawed wiring. Look behind appliances for any of these signs and open cabinets and pantries.
- Bed bugs
These are less likely to be problems in houses up for sale. Usually leaving with items (beds, sofas, etc.), infestations leave If you are buying a condo or townhouse, however, and share walls with other units, you could ask the property management whether they have past records of bed insect issues.
We strongly advise asking for a pest inspection if you find nothing concerning and your curiosity has been piqued. Although some real estate transactions call for specific inspections, you might want to consider paying a pest control firm to check for your own peace of mind, even if they are not necessary.
Conclusion
See a pest professional if you are unsure whether or not to buy your ideal house. Here are the local professionals in pest control who are ready to spot any possible problems. A professional assessment will help you better understand what can be done to solve current pest problems and maintain your new house for a long time. It will help protect your house for any future infestations as well, thereby safeguarding your family.