Most Common Pest Problems Uncovered During Home Inspections
Real estate experts agree that a home inspection could be the single most important part of the home buying process. Knowing the condition of the electric, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, and structural components of a home can help a potential buyer understand the true health and value of the structure.
Understanding the main components of a home is just one aspect of a comprehensive home inspection. Careful examination of specific areas that are prone to pests and pest infestations is also a critical part to any inspection.
Licensed home inspectors know what signs to look for in terms of wood boring insects and pests. An experienced home inspector will inform potential buyers in his report and recommend further investigation by a pest expert who can determine whether the pests are active and the extent of damage.
How Frequently Are Pests Found?
The ugly truth is that most New England homes have some form of pest issue, from pesky ants in the kitchen, to termites eating away ravenously at your wooden frame. In our region of New England, it is believed that 1-in-5 homes have some sort of pest problem.
More broadly speaking, reports by the National Pest Management Association, suggest that more than 600,000 American homes suffer termite damage every year. That alone can total up to $5 billion is repairs or treatments for those especially damaging pests.
Given the frequency of pests in our area and that the purchase of a home is probably one of the largest financial investments a client will make in their lifetime, it stands to reason that identifying potential wood boring pest signs should be a priority of every home inspector.
Signs of a Pest Problem
During the comprehensive, step-by-step inspection of a home, a home inspector will be vigilant for signs of pests, especially in areas such as the basement, attic, chimney, crawl spaces, and other infrequently visited areas of a home.
The findings will be given to prospective buyers regarding suspected pest issues and the clients will have the option to hire a pest expert who can examine further to see if the pests are active and how extensive the damage may be. Remember that just because pests were discovered, does not mean that there will be irreparable damage. Some pest issues are minor in nature and can be remedied with proper treatment.
Some of the more obvious signs to be wary of include:
Pest dropping such as mice droppings, bat guano, and raccoon feces.
Evidence of nesting such as shredded paper, gnawed boxes, leaves, and other household debris.
Pest dropping odor.
Grease marks and grease tracks can indicate a (past or current) rodent infestation.
Holes and evidence of wood boring insects such as carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and termites.
Frass, termite tubes, and discarded wings indicative of a termite infestation.
Visible identification of a pest during the inspection.
Most Common Pest Discoveries in Massachusetts
Given the frequency that these insects, rodents, and wildlife can become a problem in our region, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most commonly found pests in our area.
Since wood boring insects can be the most damaging to a home, let's start with the short life of pests you should become acquainted with. These include: termites, powderpost beetles, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees.
Other proficient home invaders that can gnaw on your home’s structure and belongings include rodents that can cause a mess and a hazard should they begin chewing on your electrical work. These rodents include: mice, rats, and squirrels.
Wildlife like bats, birds, and even raccoons have been known to make their way into homes to nest and seek shelter from the weather. Fireplaces and attics tend to be prime locations for these pests and will be identified in a home inspection report.
A Final Thought on Pests
Finding signs that a home you have bid on (and hope to purchase) has pests can be a bit disheartening, but every pest issue is different. Determining whether a pest problem is major or minor can determine your next steps. You may decide to request further evaluation by a pest expert, inquire about financial compensation to solve the problem, or potentially take the bid down to accommodate any pest remediation costs.