Looking For A New Town Home? 4 Steps To Make Sure You're Not Buying Bugs Too
Posted on: 8 June 2017
If you're in the market for a new townhome, you probably have a list of items to watch for. However, if you haven't added pest problems to your list of things to watch for, you might be setting yourself up for a real headache. The last thing you want to do is buy someone else's pest control problem. That's why it's important that you do a thorough inspection while you're touring local houses. Here are four tips that will help you identify pest problems in the houses you're touring:
Check the Windowsills
When it comes to looking for hidden pest problems, one of the first things you should do is check the windowsills. Even during a thorough cleaning, many homeowners will forget to remove the tell-tale signs of pest problems from their windowsills. Checking the windowsills will allow you to find the following evidence:
Termite Wings
Termites usually come out of the woodwork near the window frames. As they mature, termites go through several different sets of wings. As a new set grows in, the old set will be discarded. Check the windowsills for termite wings. If you find any, you should insist on a termite inspection.
Dead Bugs
While you're looking for termite wings, it's a good idea to check for signs of dead bugs. Finding a couple dead flies isn't something to worry about. However, if you find numerous dead roaches or termites, or see egg casings on the windowsills, it's a good sign that the home has a pest problem.
Open the Cupboards
Once you've checked the windowsills, start opening the cupboards. You can determine a lot about pest activity in a home by looking in the cupboards for:
Droppings
Pests, such as mice and roaches, will leave droppings wherever they travel. Check along the edges of the cupboards for signs of pest droppings. If you find droppings, you've also found a pest problem.
Pest Control Products
If the home you're looking at has a pest problem, chances are good that the homeowner has purchased pest control products. If the cupboards contain numerous cans of pest control products, the owner is aware of a serious pest infestation.
Leave No Stone Unturned
Pest problems aren't only visible inside the house. You can learn a lot about pest activity by spending some time in the yard too. While you're outside in the yard, take the time to turn a few rocks over, especially those that are located here the home. Pay close attention for roaches and water bugs. If they go scurrying when you kick the rocks, there's probably hundreds more hiding elsewhere in the yard, and in the house.
Don't buy someone else's bug problem. While you're searching for the perfect townhome to buy, use the tips provided here to identify potential pest problems. If you're looking for a custom townhome, contact your local real estate agent today!
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