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Getting a home inspection is an important step when it comes to buying a new home. After all, buying a new home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make in your life. A home inspection ensures that the property is in a good state and structurally sound. But what about a pest inspection? 

Purchasing a new house is a huge investment. You want to pick a place where you and your family can live safely and comfortably for years to come. However, while you carefully evaluate the design and layout of your future home, don’t forget to focus on practical matters like pest control. 

No matter how beautiful it might be, a house that is home to pesky little insects is uninhabitable. While some pests are nothing but an annoyance, others like termites and carpenter ants can be a major problem. This is because they often cause structural damages, which means you might have to spend extra making significant repairs in your new home.

Pest control inspections before buying a home put you at a big advantage because you know exactly what you will be dealing with. 

Here is some pest control advice you must keep in mind when shopping for a new home.

Ask the Owner About Existing and Previous Pest Issues

Maine law requires homeowners to disclose information about wood-eating insects when selling their property. By statutory rights, you can expect the current owner to tell you about the history of the property in relation to pest problems. If they don’t mention anything, you can simply ask them as well. 

However, there are instances when even the existing owner might be unaware of pest problems on the property. Unfortunately, this is highly common with pest infestation involving termites and carpenter ants. This is because these insects usually live in dark, damp spots that are hidden from plain sight. 

Therefore, when touring your potential new house, keep an eye out for signs of termite and carpenter ant infestation. These signs include:

  • Mud tubes in the front or backyard (termites and ants use these tubes to reach a food source)
  • Discolored or blistered wood structures that sound hollow when tapped 
  • Wood that looks like it has undergone water damage though there is no leak or water source nearby
  • Small mounds of feces that look a lot like tiny piles of sawdust
  • Discarded wings next to windowsills or doors, signifying that swarmers have found a way inside

Know What Pests are Common in the Region

The humid summer weather in Maine makes most properties susceptible to developing a termite infestation. However, termites are not the only pests you need to stay cautious of. Waterfront and lakeside homes are prone to invasion attacks from mayflies, drain flies, and giant water bugs.

Similarly, houses located close to the woods are a welcome spot for cockroaches, spiders, hornets, and even wildlife like squirrels, snakes, raccoons, and rodents. 

Ask around or search public domain libraries to find out what pests are a common problem in your potential new neighborhood. 

Watch Out for Telltale Signs of Pest Infestation

As you saw above, a closer inspection can help you identify termite and carpenter ant infestation. Likewise, there are some other obvious signs that can indicate pest issues. For example, chew marks on the furniture or walls signify rat problems. You should also look for droppings or cast skin in the pantry and kitchen cabinets. 

Moreover, you should check whether the current owner has taken any measures to prevent pest problems. For instance, sealing exterior walls and installing screens on doors and windows are fundamental steps for keeping pests out. If you don’t find such protective measures in place, chances are some pests have already entered the place and are breeding in hidden nooks and crannies. 

Here are some of the basic things you should focus on when touring your prospective new house.

  • Firewood – Woodpiles stored inside or near the house can lead to pest problems as damp wood presents the ideal living environment for ants, termites, rats, and more. 
  • Clogged gutters – Sewer backups provide an easy entrance for cockroaches and sewer rats. Moreover, plumbing issues like blocked drains also make the place vulnerable to other pests, such as termites. 
  • Mulch – Mulch is often used around the foundation of Maine homes. However, it attracts various insects, so be wary. 

Purchasing a Pest-Free Property

Major investments, like buying a house, come with a detailed list of things you must look into. Pest inspection should always be a high priority on your list of pre-purchase checks. You wouldn’t want annoying little creatures to steal the joy of moving into your new home. To prevent pest troubles down the road, let the pest control experts at Ants Plus Pest Control inspect the place for you. 

Our professional pest exterminators can carefully check the home and make sure there are no unwanted guests freeloading inside.  Give us a call today to schedule your appointment!