Before you buy a home, you must take precautions to protect your investment. After all, the last thing you want is for pests to cause damage. But how can this be prevented? Here are some signs of pest issues to know when buying a new home.
Rodents and Wildlife
How do you know if there are rodents and wildlife in your home? Scratching noises from the ceiling or walls is a sign that you may have rodents or wildlife in your home. You may also notice chewed or gnawed wiring, PVC piping, vent covers, and woodwork. Moreover, greasy, rub marks along the walls are often a sign of rodents or wildlife in your home.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants make a sawdust-like material that is commonly found under wood in the home. Another sign of carpenter ants is mud tubes about the size of a penny. Moreover, carpenter ants remove wood from your home.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs are most commonly found in mattresses and upholstered furniture. When buying a new home, you may notice faded or discolored spots within your carpeting. Bedbugs are known to cause permanent stains and holes in your carpet. They are often found in crevices and cracks.
Termites
Termites are attracted to moisture and will be present in places with water damage. This is why your basement is often a termite hotspot. You may notice that the foundation walls are damaged, cracks in the floor, or hollow doorjamb areas. You may also see termite tubes or damaged wood.
Cockroaches
When buying a new home, it's important to inspect the kitchen and other food preparation areas. Cockroaches are often found in kitchens and bathrooms. They are especially fond of dark, secluded areas. Because they like to live in small crevices, they can be found in cabinets and drawers. Moreover, you may notice cockroach faeces, shed skins, and egg cases.
Wasps and Bees
Bees and wasps are attracted to the sweet smell of flowers and fruit trees and can be present anywhere in the yard and garden. You may notice mounds of dirt along the foundation and walls of the home as well as mud cells.
Squirrels
Squirrels are often found near trees and attic vents. They prefer to chew on wood and often chew on roofing materials. Another sign that squirrels are present in your home is if you hear loud noises during the night.
Things to Remember
If you've found signs of pests in your home, you may be wondering what you should do next. It's best to contact a pest control company right away to take care of your pests.
When you hire a company, be certain that the company is licensed and insured. You want to be sure that the company can safely solve your pest problem. Moreover, you may be able to use your homeowner's insurance to help pay for the pest issues.
If you find evidence of pests in your new home, you should inspect the home thoroughly for any signs of damage or hire a reliable home inspector. If the pests were able to cause damage to the home, you may be able to ask for financial compensation from the seller.
Take Care of Your Pest Problem
Now that you've read the signs of pests in a home, you can take the necessary precautions before moving into the home. The last thing you want is for pests to cause damage to your home and your belongings.
Speak with a home inspector before buying a new home to determine if there are pests in the home.
Hire home inspection services in Birmingham, AL today. Let’s Do It Home Inspections can work on various home sizes and ensure high-quality professional service. Get in touch with us.