As you're touring open houses and looking for the "must haves" of your dream home, one thing that might have slipped your mind is pests. There are all kinds of insects and even damage that can make an environment habitable to insects that might damage the beautiful home you hope to purchase. When you see the staged perfection in each of these places, what's lurking beneath the surface could cause you some serious and expensive problems down the line. 

Learn to spot the signs before you buy and avoid these issues before you make an offer. 

1. Mosquitos can ruin any pool party or beautiful backyard in a heartbeat. You may not see them swarming but if a property falls into disrepair while no one is living in it, breeding grounds for mosquitoes can easily accumulate. Look for areas of standing water and debris and water buildup in gutters. If you can't see anything but have suspicions, our pest control experts can come inspect the property for you and identify problem areas.

2. Moisture buildup in crawl spaces, basements, and other frequently unused areas of the house can create favorable environments for insect activity and other pests. Look for places where the wood appears soft or warped, water stains on walls and ceilings, and puddles or dripping near pipes and concrete floors. Not only could these signs indicate water damage, but they can also show places where moisture buildup is a problem and that can cause even more issues. 

3. Termites are the big bad damage-causing insects that scare every potential homeowner. The problem is that it's difficult to see outright termite damage while you're doing a walk-through of a house. You can look for the telltale signs of discarded wings or damage to the wood but eastern subterranean termites often don't make themselves known until serious damage has already happened, and they're the most common type on the east coast.

4. Outside damage may seem insignificant but could be a sign of something bigger. Small holes in the ground are often signs of pests tunneling. Keep a lookout for things like this during your tour of a property, take note, and ask questions. If you don't have satisfactory answers, write it down and note it during the inspection of your property. 

5. Air circulation inside the house is important when looking for pest damage and potential issues. If there is no updated HVAC system, look for ceiling fans and window placements. Weather sealing on windows is also important for this reason and for the reason of access. If any way into the house isn't sealed, that's a place where pests can get in. HVAC systems that don't work or haven't been used can also be breeding grounds for pests. 

The Importance of an Inspection

All of these tips are certainly things you can look for on your own but a professional may be able to see things that you wouldn't. Before you buy any home, it's a good idea to get the property inspected for any damage by pests or potential damage that may cause issues in the future. This way there will be no surprises when you purchase your dream home and it will truly be as beautiful as you saw it when you first fell in love. 

Contact us today to schedule an inspection on a property today!