When you own a home, spending time making improvements is rewarding, and there's a good chance you spend many weekends on DIY projects. That not only gives you a sense of accomplishment, but it can also improve the value of your home. That kind of forced equity can increase your home's worth and your own net worth.

However, spending time and money on projects around the house doesn't make sense when you have a pest problem. Here are a few ways bugs and critters could be - literally - eating away at your home equity:

1. Destroying Your Landscaping

There are all kinds of insects and other creatures that can wreak havoc in your yard. They can destroy your lawn, kill trees and shrubs and eat your vegetables. If you've spent a lot of time, money, and energy creating a garden oasis, the last thing you want is to share it with destructive pests.

2. Munching At Your Deck

Adding a deck and entertainment area is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. It's a common project that homeowners tackle, either on their own or with the help of a contractor. However, there are other guests that love wooden decks: termites, wood-boring beetles, and more.

3. Sneaking Down the Chimney

If your projects have included adding a wood-burning fireplace, it's probably a great way to unwind after a long, cold day. Unfortunately, it's also a great way for all kinds of creatures to find their way into your home. Once they arrive, it can be very hard to find them - let alone get them to leave!.

4. Busting Up Your Basement

Many homeowners choose to tackle their budget and transform it from a seventies nightmare to a modern family hangout space. The only problem is there are lots of insects and animals that love to move into basements too.

Once they've found their way into your basement rec room, they can do a lot of damage in a very short amount of time. Not to mention that many of the pests that love basements can also carry diseases.

5. Using Your New Dryer Vent As a Doorway

Installing a dryer is not that difficult for anyone who is fairly handy. However, when you install dryer vents, they are a direct pathway from the outside of your home to the inside. If you're not careful, you could be letting all kinds of insects, rodents, and other animals into your laundry room - and beyond.

6. Shorting Out Sockets

Finally, if you've just completed a project that required some professional wiring, you want to keep it safe. Unfortunately, all kinds of pests including rodents and cockroaches can nibble on wires, short out circuit boards, and more.

If you're investing in improving your home, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, you need to protect that investment. If you think you have a pest problem, contact our team, and let us take out the unwanted guests in your home.