When you go look at a new house you traditionally inspect the roof and the foundation, look for water damage, mold, and any other repairs that will cost you. But what most people don’t check for is pests. Sure, there will always be spiders and a stray bug here and there, but I’m talking about an infestation. Termites, cockroaches, and bedbugs are all troublesome pests that can cause a lot of damage, cost a lot of money, and are very difficult to get rid of. Real estate pest control is important and there are a few ways that you can spot a pest problem before you move in.
You would think that signs of an infestation would be obvious, but that’s not always true. It’s up to you, the buyer, to be able to either identify problem or hire someone to do it for them. So before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you have checked for signs of a pest problem.
Check the Dark Places
If you aren’t looking for pests, then you won’t see them. You’ll have to go out of your way to check and make sure that nothing is hiding behind your refrigerator or kitchen cupboards. Inspect the beams in the attic for termite activity as this is where they are commonly found. Check the basement for leaks or damp wood that could attract carpenter ants, cockroaches and other wood destroying insects. If your house comes with furniture, then check under the couch cushions and between the bed sheets for annoying bed bugs.
Inspect the Foundation
The foundation of your home is usually where pests begin their trek into your home. Certain termites, for example, can build mud tubes right up the side of your house that they use to travel in and out of your home. Check your foundation for cracks or holes that need to be caulked to seal up any points of entry.
Be on the Lookout for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are the one pest you do not want to have. One of the risks of buying a furnished house is that you have no idea what’s living in the furniture. So, before you move in and contaminate your own furniture, do a quick inspection.
An excellent tip for real estate pest control is to scope out the hot spots for bed bugs. Check behind headboards, end tables, between the sheets, and under the mattress. Bed bugs shed their skin five times before maturing into adults so look for old skin, shells, and fecal matter.
Check for Mice and Rats
It’s not uncommon for mice or rats to make their way into our homes, especially in the winter when they are looking for warm places to overwinter. Some things you’ll want to be on the lookout for include:
Droppings – Mice droppings are small, black, and usually oval shaped. You’ll usually see them in groups under furniture or behind shelves.
Nests – Mice can make their nests out of anything they can chew on. Usually nests will be constructed from newspaper, cardboard, and insulation.
Teeth Marks – Old boxes in the basement are great places for mice to build nests. If you look inside a box and find shredded cardboard, chances are it was a mouse.
Seeds – Usually rodents have a way in and out of your house. If you find piles of sunflower seeds or corn piled up behind furniture, in cracks, or on top of ductwork you’ll know mice are coming and going freely.
If you suspect that you have a pest problem, call the professionals at Pest Control Unlimited. We have the knowledge and the resources to get rid of your problem for good. Call us today at (888) 649-9919 or visit our site and leave a message.
