Spotting Pest Issues When Buying a Home
There are few things more exciting, when it comes to making purchases at least, than buying a new Waterloo Region home. But, you will find that your new home search is filled with plenty of decisions and “watch outs.”
However, most new home buyers rarely think about pests. Pest problems can be lurking beneath the surface and knowing what to look for could help you avoid expensive repairs and treatments after you’ve signed on the dotted line.
Home Pests 101
Termites are usually the one pest issue that home buyers DO know to look out for, and most home inspections done ahead of time will usually include looking for signs of a termite problem. And for good reason: the average cost of termite damage repair in Canada is $3,000!
But, other pests, such as rodents and wildlife, can cause severe and costly damage to homes too. Even more scary: pests including cockroaches, mice, rats, stinging pests, and fire ants can have serious human health impacts, ranging from allergies and asthma to life-threatening stings.
We’ve all spotted the occasional pest in our home from time to time, but if you’re considering buying a home, you want to make sure that more serious pest issues are resolved before you buy. As you go about the home buying process, don’t be afraid to ask about the history of pest problems in the home.
Pests are experts at hiding and often choose to infest areas that are out of the way or even hidden from view. Although spotting pests may be difficult, warning signs are often in plain sight. Here are a few that you can look for when touring potential new homes.
Bugs (common pests include cockroaches and ants)
Look for live or dead insects
Openings or gaps on the exterior of the home could give insects easy access – look for anything larger than ¼-inch
Don’t forget the yard: large ant mounds could signal fire ants
Stinging pests nests attached to the home or in the yard; look up in high trees, under overhangs on the structure, etc.; some nests may not be active, but you could ask to have anything removed that makes you uncomfortable
Termites
Mud tubes on the foundation, along basement walls, or in crawl spaces
Weak or hollow-sounding wood: termites typically feed on wood beneath the surface making the structure sound hollow when you knock or tap it
Yard damage: Decks and wooden fence posts in the garden may reveal problems
Carpenter ants
Carpenter ants will attack wood softened by moisture, so be on the lookout for signs of moisture damage
These pests can hollow out wood, similar to termites, which can be costly to repair
They’re big – carpenter ants are approximately ¼-inch to ½-inch long and a deep black color
In areas where carpenter ants are active, you may notice piles of what looks like sawdust near their entry holes
Mice, rats and wildlife
Droppings: mice and rodents leave behind tell-tale pellet droppings
Scratching noises, especially behind walls, or in floors or ceilings
Gnawed wiring
Open cabinets, pantries, and look behind appliances for any of these signs
Bed bugs are not as likely to be an issue in homes that are for sale. Infestations typically leave with belongings (beds, sofas, etc.). However, if you are purchasing a townhome or condominium that shares walls with other units, you could ask the property management about previous bed bug problems.
Your best bet is to use a qualified home inspector. Ask them to let you know of any potential pest problems or conditions that may be conducive to pest issues, such as moisture leaks.
You can also ask your realtor to recommend someone to inspect your potential new home before you buy. This will ensure that you can keep your new home free of pests for many years to come and you avoid costly pest related expenses.