Signs of Pests Every First Time Home Buyer Must Know

Pests don’t discriminate when it comes to the newness of your home or its location. No matter if your new abode is in the secluded country, quaint suburbs, or bustling city, these signs of pests can help you spot pest damage inside and outside your new home.

SIGNS OF PESTS INSIDE YOUR NEW HOME

Spotting pest damage inside a potential home often requires a keen eye and a little super-sleuthing. Don’t be afraid to open doors, ask questions, and take a hands-on approach.

Under Sinks

Examine pipes in the kitchen and bathrooms to ensure everything is sealed tightly. Many pests, including cockroaches, love to build homes near a quality water source. Check the surrounding areas for tiny black spots, which could be cockroach droppings.

In Bedrooms

Inspect areas under and around baseboards and electrical sockets for tiny brown stains that could indicate a bedbug problem. Even if the home is empty and clean, bedbugs could still be an issue. Pro tip: bedbug droppings often look like marks left by a felt-tip pen.

You should also keep an eye out for fungus, mold, or wood decay from moisture in the walls, which could indicate a variety of pest problems.

Attics & Basements

You may have to ask for a special tour of the attic, but it’s worth exploring in a new home visit.

Pests are drawn to warm, humid and seldom-visited spaces, so be sure attics and basements are cool, dry, and well-ventilated. In the attic, be sure no areas are left unsealed, as bats, raccoons, and squirrels can burrow into attic spaces. In and around the basement, look for cracked and bubbling paint, mud tubes, and hollow-sounding wood. These could be signs of termites or even wood-boring beetles.

SIGNS OF PESTS OUTSIDE YOUR NEW HOME

Pest damage isn’t limited to your home’s interior. You’ll definitely want to take a walk around the property, noting any branches that may need to be cut back and any lawn drainage issues.

Rats, squirrels, ants, and cockroaches nest in trees, so be sure branches don’t provide easy access to the attic or other entry points. Additionally, be sure the yard slopes away from the house, as backed up water running toward the home can mean uninvited neighbors in the form of termites and mosquitoes.

Windows

Water damage from a leak could cause windows to look soft or sunken -- a great home for ants and termites. Windows that don’t close tightly or have screens may invite common winter pests like birds, bats, and ladybugs as the weather cools down.

Decks & Patios

Wooden decks, patios, and railings are common sites for outdoor pests. Check for sawdust piles and tunnels to rule out a carpenter bee problem.

The Chimney

A fireplace can create a warm and cozy living space for humans AND unwanted friends. Check chimneys for wasp and bird’s nests that may have been built in the absence of a homeowner.

These common signs of pests are a great starting point when inspecting a new home. Of course, your area may come with a certain set of pest warnings, which can often be mitigated by adopting an integrated pest management strategy in your home.

If you’re unsure how to spot pests or potential problems, you may consider hiring a pest control expert when buying a new home. We can help inspect for current pests, identify damage from past infestations, and assess repair needs for your new home.

Whether you’re a first time home buyer or an experienced pro, we’d love to help you spot these signs of pests and live pest-free in your new space. Give us a call!