If you are looking to buy a home, you may already know the importance of having the property inspected. Home inspections give buyers a chance to know about the property’s issues before they complete their purchase. Structural issues, faulty wiring, mold, and other things behind-the-scenes are brought to light, so buyers can negotiate further or choose to back out.
But what about pests? Pest inspections are not included in a standard home inspection, but they can cause a tremendous amount of grief to new homeowners. Like other problems, knowing that there is an infestation going on before you choose to move in is incredibly valuable.
Here’s why you should consider getting a pest inspection before purchasing your home.
There will be no surprises
Who wants to move into a home, only to find that it is infested with rats or bed bugs? These problems may be more common than you think, so it is best that you find out first. The pest control inspection will let you know if there are any infestations currently happening, giving you the chance to find a solution before you move in.
Another benefit to the inspection is knowing what the house has been through before. The inspector can give you an idea of the home’s history with pests, so you can know what to look out for in the future. Certain roof repairs, for example, may indicate that a squirrel once invaded the attic. Technicians are experienced in pest control and have a good eye for these vulnerabilities.
You can negotiate better
Finding out that the home has a pest problem may give you a leg up during negotiations. You can ask the current homeowners to finish getting rid of the pests before you move in or ask for a lower price. Remember that the pests won’t go away between moves. In most cases, you will need the help of a certified pest control company.
You can avoid the trouble
In the end, you can choose not to buy. Pests have the potential to cost thousands of dollars in extermination and repairs. Depending on the species, it may take weeks or months of hard work to get rid of it.If the inspector finds a serious pest problem on the premises, you can simply choose to avoid the problem entirely.
Common Household Pests
The following lists some of the most common pests to look out for during an inspection. A pest control professional will know the signs for each pest and can tell you where they came from.
- Rodents: Mice and rats are common in older neighbourhoods with outdated piping and aging foundations. Check the ground outside for burrow holes and look for feces in the kitchen cabinets, pantry, and garage. Look for grease and bite marks along the baseboards and smell for urine.
- Ants: Carpenter ants drill holes in the walls and they can be difficult to get rid of without professional pest control. Check the deck and shed for damage and look for soft, humid wood inside the house.Other ants are easier to deal with, but they may point to poor home maintenance.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches are common in city centres and high rises because they migrate from one unit to the next. Examine the kitchen and bathroom cabinets closely for signs of cockroaches and their feces.These bugs tend to hide in dark crevices, near food and water. Cockroaches unfortunately need professional removal from a company like cockroach control Toronto.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are a curse that should be dealt with before you move in.They hide in wallpaper, baseboards, power outlets, and carpets in addition to bed frames, mattresses, and bedroom furniture. Look for little black stains and flat, brown bugs that look like apple seeds. Note that bed bugs can linger in the bedroom for weeks without food.
- Squirrels and raccoons:The attics of urban homes often suffer from animal break-ins. Squirrels and raccoons get inside by chewing and tearing their way through the roof vents, soffits, or gaps in the sides of the roof. Have the attic inspected closely for feces, damage, and crushed insulation.
How to Get a Pest Inspection
Contact a reputable pest control company in your area and ask them if they offer inspections. Many companies would be glad to do so. Pest control professionals usually offer inspections and pest-proofing services in addition to extermination. They are the people to call if you have any pest-related concerns.
Research the company before hiring and look for good reviews.The best inspectors are those that are experienced and that know the area well. Ask the company if its employees are trained, licensed, and insured. If you’re worried about the cost, inspections are usually quite competitive, and they will cost you a lot less than an extermination.
The pest inspection is an investment you won’t regret. In the end, it will help you finalize your purchasing decision and give you a better idea of what to expect in your new home, allowing you to negotiate further or back out of the deal.