Before buying a home from a previous owner, you’ll likely have the home inspected to avoid hidden expenses later. But what about unwanted pests hiding in dark corners?
Pest inspections can tell you if a home is experiencing an infestation and where. Cracks in the foundation, windows, and doors could allow rodents and insects just enough room to sneak inside. Other pests could be hiding in the carpet without you know it.
The following are a few pests you should be concerned about before buying your next home.
Beware of Rodents
A homeowner could have a rodent issue and not know it. Mice can squeeze their bodies through tiny cracks in the foundation or walls and cause an infestation fast. Their gestation period is 20 days with the capability of 5-10 litters a year. If not taken care of early, rodent infestations can spiral out of control, that’s why it’s vitally important to get rodent control services.
Rodents typically leave signs such as dropping or bite marks on plastics. They’re known to hide in drawers or make their homes in cardboard boxes. A homeowner may be unaware of an issue if no visible sightings are present, or they may clean up evidence to avoid the topic.
Before buying a home, look for the warning signs and have the home thoroughly inspected for rodents.
The Furniture May Go, But Bed Bugs Could Stay
An even worse infestation that may not be visible or offer immediate warning signs is bed bugs.
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects and only the adults are visible to the naked eye. Bed bugs are typically active at night and feed off of the blood of humans. Most people don’t know they’ve been bitten by a bed bug until an itchy welt appears several days later.
While the homeowner’s furniture may be moved out, bed bugs could stay behind in the carpeting and cause an infestation in your beds and furniture. Before you move in, a pest control expert should examine the entire home looking for pests, including bed bugs, and use eco-friendly treatments to ensure your home and furniture are safe.
Termites Could Be Causing Structural Damage
Sometimes a termite infestation is visible, and sometimes infestations are hidden from plain view. An experienced pest inspector will search the inside and perimeter of a home to look for entry points and evidence of termites. Avoid dealing with an expensive problem later by searching for these unwanted pests before you buy.
Fleas May Be Multiplying in the Carpet
Fleas infestations often make their home in carpets and can be difficult to spot. They often catch a ride inside by animals and new eggs can hatch within 22 days.
If you don’t plan on ripping up carpets before you move in, make sure the home is thoroughly inspected. Fleas aren’t always visible to the eye until you experience their bite.
Before you buy a home, call the experts at Inman-Murphy for a thorough pest inspection. We offer professional services to locate pests and offer treatment plans to get rid of pest issues. Schedule an appointment today to get started. We serve the entire Memphis area, including: Millington | Collierville | Germantown | Bartlett | Atoka
