How Often Should You Inspect Your Home For Pests?
Pest control is one of those things that most homeowners don’t like to think about or pay for, but it is of course an important step to take. Regular pest control and maintenance can help to save you money in the long run; damage from pests costs the average homeowner about $3,300 each year as compared to the cost of an inspection which will cost you anything up to $500.
If you are wondering how often should pest control be done, it depends on several factors, although in general at least once every year is recommended by most pest control experts. However, the area of the country in which you live can also affect the frequency of pest inspections; if you live somewhere where pests are more common, you may want to have your home inspected about every six months. Termites, for example, prefer warmer areas and are typically a bigger problem in the southern part of the country. And of course, if you are buying a house you will want to have your own inspection carried out, regardless of how recently the current homeowner did that.
Another factor that can affect how often should pest control be done is the age of your home. More frequent pest inspections may be called for if you live in an older home or if your home has a history of being vulnerable to pests. If your home has a wooden foundation or is largely constructed of wood, you may want to have an inspection carried out more frequently. Termites also thrive in damp or wet conditions; if the area outside your house is prone to flooding, or you have trees or rotting wood close to your home, it also pays to have an inspection more often.
Hopefully, any pest inspection will indicate that your home is free from termites and other pests. But if you do have your home inspected and you have a termite infestation, the inspection company may suggest following up with another inspection in a few week’s time. A follow-up inspection can ensure that the problem was addressed the first time and you won’t have another infestation on your hands. And different pests require a different approach when it comes to the frequency of inspections; rats, spiders, ants, and cockroaches typically take several visits to your home to inspect and adequately control the infestation, while removing and relocating a beehive or a family of possums generally only requires one visit. Of course, you can check your home for signs of termites and other pests yourself, although most homeowners just don’t know what to look for.
But regardless of how often you have your home inspected for pests, the importance of doing so shouldn’t be underestimated. Paying for regular and professional inspections can potentially save you hundreds, or thousands of dollars in repairing the damage caused by an infestation of termites or other pests. Damage to your home can not only be costly but can be dangerous too, leading to unsafe foundations or walls. Knowing that your home is free from pests not only gives you peace of mind but of course, can help to maintain your home’s value and increase the chances of selling it. Any infestation in your home would have to be disclosed to a potential buyer in a report and many buyers simply won’t want to proceed with the sale. The inspector will not only treat any infestation or pest issue but will also offer advice on how to protect your home against pests in the future. Having a better idea of what to look for and how to prevent pests can also save you money and time.
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