Envision moving into your ideal home. The fresh coat of paint looks amazing, the kitchen is neat, and the neighborhood matches your expectations. But what if we tell you unwanted guests are living in your house for free?
Pest infestation is one of the most overlooked problems during a home purchase. Besides the hassle, this problem can cost you big in remediations and repairs, and put your health at risk. Before closing the deal, ensure that there aren’t any hidden pest issues.
Here are the top 7 signs of a pest infestation every smart homebuyer should look for before sealing the deal.
1. Tiny Bits of Droppings and Urine Stains
One of the clearest indicators of a pest infestation is the presence of droppings or urine stains.
Rodents, including rats and mice, tend to leave small, round droppings in kitchen cabinets, under sinks, or in attics. The droppings left by cockroaches look like mini black specks, resembling ground pepper.
Check:
- Inside cabinets.
- Along baseboards.
- Behind appliances.
If a seller has glossed over something, don’t hesitate to use a flashlight and look more closely. A small bit of pooping is usually a sign that you may see even more.
2. Unusual and Foul Smells in the Home
If the house smells strange or oily, there may be a problem.
For example:
- The smell of mice is similar to that of ammonia.
- Cockroaches have a strong, oily odor.
- A bad odor may indicate the presence of dead pests.
Trust your nose and investigate the foul smell thoroughly. When something seems suspicious, it is wise to explore the issue further.
3. Chewed Materials or Gnawed Marks
Chewing is a big and favorite part of rodents’ everyday activities. If you notice that your wood, wires, plastic, or insulation has been gnawed, that is a serious alert.
Based on information from the National Pest Management Association, rodents cause 20-25% of U.S. house fires, usually by chewing electrical cables. Termites also leave small piles of sawdust as evidence of their presence.
You should keep an eye out for:
- Frayed wires.
- A bunch of food was found in cardboard boxes.
- Broken food packaging.
When inspecting a house, open the utility panels and look at the exposed wires. If you notice anything suspicious, ask the seller about it or investigate it yourself. It’s in your own interest and protects your investment.
4. Nests and Nest Materials
Rodents and specific insects form nests out of paper, fabric, leaves, or insulation. They are usually built in places where few can find them. These places could be the following:
- Attics.
- Wall voids.
- Behind appliances.
- Shelves or drawers.
Inspecting the attic and crawl space when buying a house is important. If there are signs or traces of nesting in your home, it’s likely that pests have recently or are still living there.
5. Finding Dead or Live Bugs in Unusual Places
It is normal to find a few dead bugs indoors; however, if you notice a large number of dead bugs near the windows and in the basement, it may suggest a bigger concern.
Pay close attention to the following:
- Several groups of bugs from the same species (such as ants, cockroaches, or termites).
- Bugs are found close to the walls, especially near pipes or water puddles.
- Spiders usually appear where other bugs are present.
Look around doors and windows, as there may be termite wings nearby. These small signs can point to a big pest infestation lurking beneath the surface.
6. Unusual Pet Behavior
If your pet behaves erratically during the house tour, it can signal trouble. Animals can detect the presence and movements of other animals. So, don’t ignore your pet’s unusual behavior, such as purring, sniffing, or barking in the house. If the current homeowner has a pet, too, and you notice it is behaving oddly, that could indicate a pet infestation in the house.
Pay attention:
- Whenever your pet makes strange noises.
- Directs you to a particular location or area within the house.
- It starts scratching itself rigorously when you take it inside the house.
7. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Among all the pests, termites are perhaps the most dangerous in terms of the damage they can inflict.
The EPA reports termites cause billions of dollars in property damage, and Americans spend some 2 billion dollars to repair them. In most cases, damage caused by termites is not covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Warning signs that you should be wary of are:
- When tapped, wood produces a hollow sound.
- Buckling floors.
- Damage to the drywall or wood.
Inspect baseboards, door frames, and crawlspaces for potential issues. A wooden structure may appear perfect, but termites may have already started eating it.
Reasons Why Detecting These Signs Promptly is Valuable
Missing the signs of a pest infestation can cost more than just money. For example, certain pests, including cockroaches and rodents, are known to carry diseases. Termites can destroy your home’s foundation without you even realizing it.
You are typically responsible for handling pest issues that come up after you move into a house. That is why you should ensure that a pest inspection is part of your checklist when buying a home.
What Should You Do as a Homebuyer
- Get a pest expert to conduct the inspection. Not every general home inspection includes coverage for pests.
- Inquire with the seller to see if they can provide old pest control records.
- Be sure to review the seller’s disclosure for any notices about previous issues.
- Look out for anything that may be unsafe when you walk through a site.
Final Thoughts
Living in your house should always feel comfortable and safe from unexpected things. Learning how to recognize the early signs of a pest infestation can save you from future headaches, costly repairs, and health risks.
Be cautious not to make a decision before checking what’s inside the property. It may be important for a home to be attractive, but it should also be safe and clean inside and out.
Our main belief at 1st Rate Inspections is that you cannot measure peace of mind with money. We have trained our experts to detect even the subtlest signs of a pest infestation, ensuring you make a confident and informed decision when buying a home.
Schedule your professional pest inspection today with 1st Rate Inspections to protect your investment before it’s too late. You cannot leave everything to assumptions and chance.
