Of all the things that could go wrong when you want to sell your home fast in Madison, finding out from the home inspection that your house is riddled with pests can be… Embarrassing to say the least. It could halt the transaction and delay closing, if not kill it all together.
Take it from us, you do not want to wait for the home inspection to learn of your pest problems. We have pest inspection tips that’ll get your home in tip-top shape so when your house is nearing the final stages of being sold, it’ll pass with flying colors; at least in the pest department.
Here are our best tips for first time sellers.
1. Rearrange and make space
Pests have a way of finding the perfect nooks and crannies to make their homes in, and those are the spots that you want the pest inspector to find. You can help them find those hiding spots by clearing the space under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. If you have a garage or basement, make sure you move the stuff that’s against the walls out by two feet.
Remember to move any furniture, appliances, and other items at least two feet away from the walls.
2. Accessibility is key
The attic may be one of those places that you only go to when it’s time to bring out the holiday decorations, but a pest inspector will need to go up there to do their thing. It’s recommended that you make the attic easily accessible (meaning pulling down the steps or making sure the light works). You’ll also want to make sure the inspector has easy access to the basement.
3. Check the crawlspace
If you don’t have a basement and have a crawl space instead, you’ll want to make sure they’re able to get in there. This means removing any plant material, toys, or other objects that may be blocking the entrance. If you have a deck, you’ll want to make sure they can get under there to check for signs of pests, too.
4. Hone in on unkempt landscaping
Landscaping maintenance isn’t just important for curb appeal, it’s important for pest control. Remove any leaf build up that’s near or right next to the house because that’s a perfect place for insects and small rodents to shack up in. You’ll also want to make sure any bushes or hedges that are next to the house are neatly trimmed so that the inspector can get in there and look for signs of termites, wood ants, or other harmful insects. If you use wood mulch, the inspector may dig around looking for signs of pests. If they do find evidence, you may want to consider a different type of mulch or try landscaping river rocks.
Warning: If you have a fireplace and have a stack of wood near your home, you may have to move that too.
5. Maintain a 2-foot distance from the house
Once you’ve trimmed the hedges and removed any debris from the perimeter of your house, you’ll want to go around it and move any furniture, wood, toys, and other items from the side of the house. We recommend moving items at least two feet away from the exterior so the inspector can get a good look at everything.
6. Vacuum carpets and scrub hard-surfaced floors
If you see a creepy crawly on the floor and suspect you may have a pest problem, it’s recommended that you thoroughly clean the carpet and hard floors to remove any visible pests as well as eggs. You don’t have to use bleach, but you do want to use a good detergent and scrub. Make sure you get along the walls, in the cracks between the trim and floor (as best as you can), and in the corners. Don’t forget to scrub behind the refrigerator, stove, around sinks, and under the cabinets.
Note: After cleaning, don’t forget to seal the rags, scrub brush and mop head in a bag and toss them. If you use a vacuum or carpet cleaner, make sure you use a bleach solution and wipe them down.
7. Do not leave food out or unsealed
This should go without saying, but make sure all food items are stored in a sealed container or bag. You don’t want to leave any food out on the counter, but you also don’t want to leave any crumbs in cabinets, under the cabinets, behind the refrigerator or stove. Also, for items like peanut butter, syrup, or anything else where the container can get messy, be sure to wipe the container to remove any food debris.
8. Eliminate any excess moisture
Moisture is a big draw for some pests, so you want to make sure you remove any sources of excess moisture. If you have a leaky faucet, fix it as soon as possible because it could cause wood rot or even cause structural damage if left too long. Check around windows, doors, toilets, and other water connections for leaks. Also, keep your gutters free of debris so rainwater and snow can drain properly. If water seeps into your basement after a heavy rain, make sure you check the grading or repair the sump pump if necessary.
Selling your house shouldn’t be held up by pests
It’s understandable that when you’re trying to sell your house, you want to make sure that everything goes nice and smooth. You already have a lot to deal with and there’s going to be a lot of inspections and appraisals along the way.
If you suspect that you have a pest problem or you just want to make sure that the buyer’s inspections come back okay, these tips can be a great help. For your own peace of mind, you could also have a pest inspector come out and check the home for problems before you ever accept an offer.
If you’re looking for the right team to handle the issue for you, Synergy² is here to help. We provide trusted services throughout the area, so contact us for the best pest control services around.
Feel free to read more about us and decide if Synergy² is the right company for you. We have over 270 Five-Star Google reviews for pest control service in the Jackson metro area (Jackson/Madison/Brandon/Ridgeland). Check out our newest location reviews for pest control service in Jackson, MS here at Synergy² Jackson Pest Control!