As a potential new homeowner, finding the right home for your family can be a stressful and uncertain process. House hunting can come with plenty of hurdles, however, most new buyers hardly give pests a second thought. Many pest problems are not superficial, so knowing what to look for could save you thousands in repairs and treatments once you own the home. Pests like cockroaches, mice, rats, stinging pests, and fire ants can have serious human health impacts, ranging from allergies and asthma, to life-threatening stings. Others, such as termites can be extremely costly to eliminate. This is why it’s important to identify and pest issues in a new home, immediately.
According to the National Pest Management Association, nearly one-third of U.S. homes are experiencing a pest infestation at any given moment. When buying a home, be sure to ask about any pest control issues that have been a problem in the past. Many of these pests have been around for hundreds of years and know how to stay out of sight from predators like yourself. While pests may be difficult to find, warning signs are often right in front of us. Here are a few that you should keep an eye out for when touring potential new homes.
Common Pests Include Cockroaches and Ants
Gaps or spaces on the outside of your home that could give insects easy access. (Larger than ¼ inch)
Ant mounds
Stinging pests nests attached to the home or in the yard - look up in high trees, under overhangs on the structure, etc.; some nests may not be active, but it's always a safe bet to get them removed anyway
Dead or live insects
Rodents
Look behind appliances
Open cabinets and pantries
Mice and rat pellet droppings
Scratching noises behind walls, or in floors or ceilings
Gnawed wiring
Carpenter Ants
Wood softened by moisture
Hollowed out wood, similar to termites
The ants themselves! Carpenter ants are approximately ¼-inch to ½-inch long and a deep black color
Piles of what may seem like sawdust
Termites
Mud tubes on the foundation or in crawl spaces
Weak or hollow-sounding wood - termites feast on wood making it sound hollow
Exterior damage - check wooden porches, decks and fence posts that may reveal evidence of termite activity.
Clements can perform real estate inspections for termites. Contact us for more information at https://www.clementspestcontrol.com/free-consultation
When buying a new home, it’s in your best interest to hire a qualified pest control professional. At Clements, we'll provide you with a free 25 point inspection and answer all of your pest related questions and concerns. Be sure to ask your realtor if it is possible to have Clements inspect your potential new home before you buy. An inspection from Clements will identify any existing or future pest control issues that may arise. This will ensure you keep pests out of your home for years to come. Give us a call today to schedule your free 25 point inspection.