Are you considering buying a home? No matter how far along in the process you are, you’ve likely begun to realize that all of the extra expenditures that come with buying a home can really add up. Between the appraisal, home inspection, and other miscellaneous fees, you might be feeling a little bit overwhelmed by how much money you’re suddenly expected to shell out. It’s perfectly normal to look for opportunities for savings, but it’s critical to ensure that those savings don’t leave you vulnerable to hazards that equate to avoidable expenditures.
One potential hazard that is often overlooked is pests. Most homeowners are all too familiar with common household pests like ants, spiders, and cockroaches. But there are far more insidious pests out there that can cause serious damage to your home and your wallet, and if you skip a pest inspection during the home buying process, you’ll be fully responsible for any pests that are discovered going forward. You know why you shouldn’t skip a home inspection, and after learning about pest infestation, you’ll see that the same logic applies to skipping a pest inspection.
The Dangers of Skipping a Pest Inspection
The risks that come with skipping a pest inspection are numerous. First of all, pests can cause serious damage to your home. In some cases, they can even render the home uninhabitable and require costly home pest remediation. This is why it’s so important to make sure that your home is inspected for pests before you close on it.
Another reason why you should get a pest inspection is that pests can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. Some pests, such as rodents, can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans. Others, such as termites, can cause serious damage to your home’s structure; if left unaddressed, your home could eventually collapse.
Finally, even if there are no health or safety concerns, pests can still be a major annoyance. Nobody wants to deal with ants or cockroaches in their home. Getting a pest inspection will ensure that there aren’t any unwanted surprises in your new home.
What to Expect From a Pest Inspection
A typical pest inspection will last about an hour. The inspector will go through your entire home, looking for any signs of pests. They’ll also look for any damage that has been caused by pests.
If the inspector does find any signs of pests, they’ll provide you with a report detailing what they found and what needs to be done to fix the problem. In some cases, the pests can be removed without any major damage being done. However, in other cases, the pests may have caused extensive damage that will need to be repaired.
If pests are discovered and you’re still interested in purchasing the home, bringing knowledge of an infestation to the negotiating table can potentially lead to concessions by the seller. For example, the seller can include an allowance for extermination services in the closing costs. Be sure to ask questions and discuss your pest control expert’s findings in order to solve your pest problem or avoid one in the future.
Preparing for a Pest Inspection
If you’re planning on having a pest inspection, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First of all, it’s important to clear any clutter from the home. This will give the inspector a clear path and make it easier for them to find any signs of pests.
Secondly, it’s a good idea to be present during the pest inspection. This way, you can ask questions and get clarification on anything that you don’t understand. However, you’ll want to keep your pets—and the seller’s pets—away during the inspection. If possible, put them in a separate room. This will help to keep the inspector safe and allow them to do their job more effectively.
Buying a home is a huge investment, and it’s important to protect that investment by having a pest inspection done before you close on the property. Pests can cause serious damage to your home and pose a health risk to you and your family.
Got Pests?
If you find pests in your home, the first thing you should do is contact a professional exterminator. They will be able to safely and effectively remove the pests from your home. You should also take steps to prevent pests from coming back. This may include sealing up any cracks or crevices where they could enter, removing any food sources that might attract them, and keeping your home clean and clutter-free.
You should also contact your homeowners’ insurance company. Pests can cause a lot of damage, and you may be covered for some of the repairs. However, it’s important to check with your insurer to see what is and isn’t covered.
Pest Free is the Way to Be
If you’re buying a home, you know that a home inspection is crucial. With similar risks involved in skipping a pest inspection, it, too, should be a no-brainer. Pests can be a serious problem, both for your home and for your health. That’s why it’s so important to get a pest inspection before you close on a home. A pest inspection can reveal any potential problems so that you can address them before they become a major issue. Be sure to ask questions and get clarification if you find pests in your home so that you can take steps to solve the problem—and avoid dealing with it again in the future!
Synergy² Pest Control Jackson MS
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 350 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!