So you think you found the home of your dreams? Well, that potential dream home could easily turn out to be a nightmare if you don’t pay attention during the house hunting process. After all, it’s easy to overlook a pest problem; many new home buyers are focused on “more important” things like the size of the backyard, and whether or not the kitchen has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.
Fortunately, there are many signs homebuyers can look for that often indicate a bug or varmint infestation will need to be corrected by a competent low-cost pest control company before you move in. Here are seven of the most common ones:
Home-adjacent woodpiles
You should make sure no wood is stacked up close to the home, as this encourages pests and termites to move up close to the house where they’re much more likely to become a problem in the home.
Foundation issues
According to pest control expert Joel Miller, “You should make sure your home siding is not below grade. If you can’t see your foundation between the ground and your siding, then you’re giving pests an easy access point into your home.”
Dead bugs indoors
It may seem obvious, but if you see dead insects of the same species on the home’s window ledges or in the basement for dead bugs, then they probably make their home somewhere on the property.
Leaks and excess moisture
Moisture attracts many pests and termites. So make sure any water leaks are fixed before you move in. Also ensure that all of the water around the residence drains away from the house.
Floor and wall holes
Be wary of small holes in the home’s floors or walls. That’s because small holes are often a sign of a possible pest infestation.
Unpruned trees
Miller advises homeowners and prospective homebuyers alike that, “Tree branches should always be trimmed back from the home because mice and other rodents can easily use the branches to access your roof for entry into your attic or home.”
Grease marks and droppings
Rats and mice are creatures of habit; as such they tend to travel the same paths every day. In the process, they end up leaving dark grease marks as they scurry along walls and even up walls. Of course, fecal droppings are an obvious sign of infestation too.
Remember, insects and other pests are experts at staying out of the limelight. That’s why you’ve got to actively be on the lookout for them when you’re searching for a new home.
The good news is that by focusing on these signs, you’ll discover critical clues. Those clues will indicate whether you’re looking at your dream home – or something out of a horror movie.
Photo Credit: HappilyDayzed
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