When shopping for a home, there are several things you look for. For example, you check the roof to ensure it is in good shape, you check the foundation and you check the plumbing. This is just a very small sample of things people look for when buying a house.
One other thing you need to be on the lookout for when looking at houses is signs of a pest infestation. The last thing you want to do is purchase the house of your dreams only to discover it is riddled with ants, termites or has a serious mouse infestation.
Not only will an infestation cause safety hazards, but it can lead to costly repairs. Besides, pests are gross and you don’t want them in your new home. Earthwise Pest Management, your home pest control service in Sacramento, offers signs of pest infestation to look for when house hunting.
Damaged Plants
Take a look around the yard of the house you are touring. If you notice plants that are damaged or bare patches of lawn, it could be a sign of an infestation. Whether the damage was caused by ants, beetles or moles, you will want it taken care of before you place a bid.
Piles of Sawdust
Carpenter ants and termites are the banes of many homeowner’s existences. These are pests that are very hard to detect in some cases, yet can do a tremendous amount of damage. Not to mention very expensive damage.
If you notice sawdust or other powdery residues in window sills or around molding, you might want to have that checked out before proceeding.
Chewed Food Packaging
Yet another common sign of an infestation is the presence of torn, gnawed or shredded food packaging. As you tour the home that interests you, take the opportunity to open a few kitchen cabinets and check out the food packaging.
Pest Droppings
As you tour the home of interest, it is important to keep your eye out for any sign of pest droppings. This is one of the most obvious signs of an infestation. A pest control professional can identify the type of pest living in the house by droppings alone.
Dropping can be found anywhere, but you should be looking in cabinets, behind toilets and under appliances for pest droppings.
Weird Smells and Sounds
If you smell something funky in the house you are touring, it is fair game to ask questions. That funky smell might be an indication of a pest infestation. The same holds true if you are hearing funny noises while touring the home.
The noise you are hearing could be mice gnawing in something. Of course, the sounds might be something else, you won’t know unless you dig deeper and ask questions. Perhaps even request an inspection.
Nests
A pile of chewed-up cardboard piles in the back corner of a cabinet is a sign of an infestation. Just remember that it is important to get on your hands and knees and take a good look at everything in the house.
Dead Bugs
Check the basement and window sills for dead bugs. While a dead fly or two is no big deal, a lot of dead bugs from the same species is certainly a red flag.
Holes
Small holes in floors and the walls could be a sign of a pest infestation. Mice love to gnaw on more than just food packaging. In fact, mice have teeth that never stop growing so they need to be constantly gnawing on stuff.
Be on the lookout for chewed wires and other items that mice may have been chewing on.
Grease Marks
Mice and rats tend to use the same entry and exit points. Because of this, they will often leave a trail of grease. Check the sides of walls for dark streaks.
Pest Control Products
If you notice several cans of Raid in the cabinet under the kitchen sink, this could be a sign of an infestation. Many homeowners will try a pest control product from the store before calling in a pest control company.
When touring the house, look for pest control products like sprays, traps and poisons.
If you suspect that a house you are interested in suffers an infestation, give Earthwise Pest Management a call.