When buying a home you want to ensure that it is structurally sound and bug-free. A home inspection can tell you the condition of a home but not necessarily uncover a pest issue. A home inspection examines the construction and systems, heating, plumbing, and electrical.
Here are ways you can keep your new home pest-free when an inspection finds a bug infestation.
1. Be vigilant inside and outside your home
Examine your property for all the warning signs of pests. Standing water, garbage, and firewood attract insects. Securing the outside of your home will protect the interior. Use a wire mesh to cover openings in the chimney, dryer vents, roof vents, and crawl spaces. You can set up pest traps outside your house to prevent mice and rodents from entering your home. There are many different types of traps on the market today such as electronic traps, ultrasonic repellents, snap traps, glue, and cage traps.
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2. A clean house will keep away the pests
Vacuum regularly and wash your floors. Keep counters and floors clear of food crumbs and ensure your food is stored in air-tight containers. Dirty dishes are a magnet for pests. Pet dishes also need to be clean and kept out only at mealtime. Eat your meals in the kitchen, keeping food in only one area of your home. The waste from insects is dangerous to humans.
3. Keep your house dry
Insects seek out water and damp bathrooms and basements attract and sustain insects. If your house is damp, a dehumidifier will help. Check your plumbing for leaks and ensure there is no sitting water in your basement.
4. Remedies to rid your home of pests
You can use home remedies for ants and insects like vinegar and soapy water, essential oils and spices. If the situation is beyond your control and you have an infestation problem you will need to call in a professional exterminator. A professional exterminator can spot problem areas and recommend a schedule to spray weekly or monthly to prevent new insects.
5. Seal up cracks and gaps
Insects will travel along with your basements and hide in nooks and cracks. Make sure to seal up all cracks and gaps to prevent them from living in your walls. Seal up any entry points around and inside cabinets and where the wall and floor connect. You can seal with a silicone or acrylic latex caulk and use enough to completely cover the crack.
6. Buying second-hand furniture
Avoid purchasing second-hand furniture that could be infested with insects or bedbugs. You could be inviting roaches and bedbugs into your home. Use mattress and box spring protective covers to eliminate hiding spots. Check the covers regularly for holes and treat them with pesticides should you have bed bugs.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
