A pest inspection can seem like an unnecessary cost. However, it can save both sellers and buyers money in the long run.
The pest inspector will look in cupboards, baseboards and other areas where critters can hide. They will also check for any damage caused by a pest infestation. Then, they will assess the severity of the problem. For professional pest and building inspections services, click here.
Insects
The termites, carpenter ants and rodents that pests carry can cause significant damage to homes. A regular pest inspection can help prevent these problems from developing.
A trained pest inspector will search for evidence of wood-destroying insects, dry rot and other structural issues that require attention. They will also check walls, baseboards and floorboards for evidence of infestation or damage. The inspector will also look for gnawing marks, a sign of an insect problem.
A pest inspection is a good idea for anyone looking to sell their home or purchase a new one. In addition to preventing expensive repairs, it can protect your family from health concerns. Contact us to get a referral to a professional pest inspector.
Rodents
Rodents are a significant pest issue that affects buildings. They gnaw and chew through plastic, wood and other materials to cause structural damage and can spread diseases through their urine, droppings or saliva. They can also cause fires by gnawing on electrical wires.
Rodents search for food, water, and shelter in buildings where they can breed and nest. Their feces, saliva and skin can spread pathogens that cause food poisoning and other illnesses.
A pest and building inspection can help identify rodent infestations. You can listen for scratching noises and look for tracks, gnawing, droppings (fecal pellets), and rub marks. You can also use nontoxic monitoring bait blocks in tamper-resistant stations and place snap traps, shock traps or live traps in non-visible or inaccessible areas to catch rodents. For professional pest and building inspections services, click here.
Termites
Termites are responsible for billions in property damage each year, much of which is not covered by homeowner insurance. Infestations often go undetected until visible damage occurs, making timely detection crucial.
An inspector will thoroughly examine areas both inside and outside the home, including the foundation, decks, fences, gazebos, sheds, and trees, for signs of termite activity and damage. The inspector will also check the crawl space, basement, and attic for signs of infestation.
Wood damage is the most obvious indicator of a termite problem, but sagging floors and ceilings and discarded wings are also common symptoms.
A tapping or knocking sound that produces a hollow noise is another sign of a potential problem, especially during a swarm when winged termites leave their colonies in search of new homes. Mud tubes, which are like covered highways that termites use to access hard-to-reach areas of a house, are also indicative of an infestation. These tubes can be found along a building foundation, near pipes, in the attic, and around other entry points.
Damage
During a pest and building inspection, the inspector will check for evidence of infestations or the conditions that cause them. This includes live or dead insects, droppings, chewed materials, nests, webs, and any damage to the structure of a property from pests.
In addition to identifying the type and extent of pests and their damage, building and pest inspections can identify safety issues. For example, rodents chewing through electrical wiring or gas lines can start fires and put the occupants at risk of injury or even death. For professional pest and building inspections services, click here.
Pest and building inspections can also save a home buyer or seller money in the long run by preventing minor problems from turning into large ones that require costly repairs. For example, identifying a minor leak in the roof during an inspection can prevent it from spreading and leading to structural damage. If a termite problem is identified, pest treatment can be done before the property is sold or refinanced.
Pest and Building Inspections
Getting a pest and building inspection is a must-do before you buy or sell a property. These comprehensive evaluations look for things like rodent droppings and gnawing marks.
Combined with a building inspection, they provide a more complete picture of the investment you’re making.