Pest Control Advice When Purchasing a New Home

There are so many things to consider when buying a new home. How much work do you need to do? Is the location good? Will you have enough space for guests? Well, you will have space, but not always for the guests you want. Some of those guests can be termites or other pests, so here is some pest control advice for when you buy a new home.

First off, you should know a little bit more about termites. Commonly called the “silent destroyers,” termites have the ability to chew through wood and flooring undetected.

These maliciously masticating pests can cost an average of $3,000 in repairs for homeowners, but the extent of the damage can vary depending on what, and where, they ate.

Termites do more damage to homes annually than floods, storms, and fires combined. Termite colonies live in the ground and build mud shelter tubes to travel into the house.

A mature colony may consist of over one million workers and there may be several colonies in the house. Since termites come from underground, they may have been in the house for years in non-visible areas doing damage without any knowledge

Before closing on your new house, you should request a termite inspection by a licensed pest control professional, like one from Van Den Berge Pest Control. When we inspect we look for shelter tubes of termites, wings of termites, live or dead carpenter ants, frass (sawdust) from carpenter ants, frass/exit holes from powder post beetles, or damaged wood from any wood-destroying insect. If there are any problems sighted, there needs to be complete treatment done before the sale can be finalized.

You can also keep an eye out for possible signs of termites when touring the property. Firewood stacked next to or near the home can draw termites toward the home.

Clogged gutters attract termites because of the moisture, and pooling water can make insulation vulnerable. Trees and branches close to or in contact with the home create a bridge for termites to reach the house.

Because termites can cause immense structural damage with very little knowledge, be sure to have a licensed pest control professional assess and treat any termite infestation.

Trust the locally owned, widely renowned experts at Van Den Berge Pest Control for all of your pest needs. With over 100 years of combined experience throughout the Holland, MI-based pest control team, you know you’re in good hands with our state-certified experts.