Buying a new home is probably the most important investment you will make in your lifetime and, as a result, it can be incredibly stressful. Many people view potential homes comparing location, structure and aesthetics, but they often forget to consider a hidden issue: pest infestation. Pests can present a range of issues for homeowners, from hygiene concerns to structural damage, not to mention the discomfort which comes with knowing we have unwelcome intruders. Studies have shown that around 30% of American properties have a pest infestation at any time, and many do not even know it.
Some pests, such as termites, rodents and wildlife, can cause severe and costly damage to homes. Common pests include rodents and other wildlife, ants, termites, cockroaches and wasps or other stinging insects. Of course, the odd pest may not present too much cause for concern, but these problems can often spiral out of control if not tackled as early as possible.
If you are concerned…
It’s not always possible to see visible evidence of a pest infestation as they may be too small or in areas of the home which you can’t access. If you are in any doubt about whether or not to purchase a property because of a potential pest problem, contact a professional pest detection and elimination service such as Joshua’s Pest Control. They will be able to provide an assessment as to any damage already caused by the pests, potential costs of eliminating the infestation and putting future protection in place.
Here are 3 of the most common signs of pests to look out for when considering buying a new home.
1. Signs of Termites
Termites will eat away at the wood in the home’s foundations and structure, and the small holes they leave behind will weaken the property. Possible signs of termites include mud tubes on the exterior of the foundations, basement walls or crawl spaces. Wooden fencing and desks are also at risk. When you tap or knock the wood, it may sound hollow.
2. Signs of Rodents and Other Wildlife
Rodent droppings are often one of the most noticeable signs that you may have an infestation in your home. They usually appear in pantries or kitchen cupboards where mice and rats will go to raid your food stores, but they may also be behind appliances or by skirting boards if they are accessing the home through floorboards or holes in the walls. You may even notice scratching or squeaking noises, as well as chew marks on wiring or furniture.
3. Signs of Insects
If you see either live or dead insects in your home, you may have a pest problem with ants, cockroaches, wasps or hornets. Gaps in the walls of the home could be enabling insects to get inside, while ant mounds or bee, wasp or hornet nests in your garden will usually be easily visible. Fire ants can bite, which is obviously a problem for homes with children. Carpenter ants are another potential problem that will eat wood like termites. You may notice fine sawdust around the wood if you have carpenter ants on the property.
