When you've found a new home to purchase, making sure there are no pest infestations is important. With that in mind, there are some pests to inspect for when you're looking to buy a home. In fact your purchase agreement might require an inspection before the loan can be finalized. 

1) Termites 

These wood-eating pests are the most costly, destructive ones your home can fall victim to. Once termites settle in and make their home within your home the results can be catastrophic. They cause damage to homes and businesses across the country in astounding numbers. 

Some sign of termites:

• Visible mud tubes (small tunnels that subterranean termites build to access food)
• Piles of discarded wings often by windows 
• Moist wood that appears bubbled 
• Buckled or blistered paint

2) Rodents 

Rats and mice can infest a home quickly and often without being seen. They are experts at hiding and can squeeze through some very small spaces. These pests breed fast and cause more damage than you might think. 

Some sign of rodents:

• Chewed up wiring
• Droppings resembling black rice
• Shredded up packaging or paper 
• Scurrying sound within the walls

3) Carpenter ants

These pests can cause serious damage to wood within homes. Their name comes from how they create their nests. Carpenter ants burrow in wood and build smooth, narrow tunnels where they work and live. A severe infestation can cause significant structural damage. An inspection by a professional pest control company will identify any infestations of these pests and can then discuss a treatment plan to exterminate them. 

Some signs of carpenter ants:

• Piles of sawdust or wood shavings near baseboards, door jambs, and windowsills
• Ants that are flying since carpenter ants often have wings
• Ants that are larger than a normal sized ant
• A rustling sound in wooden structures, as carpenter ants move around through their tunnels 

What to expect from the pest inspection 

Once your home goes under contract, it's often contingent on the results of the home pest inspection. Your inspector will look in and around the home for signs of infestations that raise red flags like wood rot or moisture.

Difference between a home inspection and a pest inspection 

A full home inspection is often performed to ensure the home has no structural issues and is safe to live in. This type of inspection is separate from a thorough pest inspection. During a home inspection, rooms are inspected and an examination of high-risk areas like the sub-floor and roof are at the forefront.

During a pest inspection, an inspector checks the exterior and interior of your property for any signs of infestation, damage, or areas that are at risk of infestations. 

To sum it up, whether you are moving into a home or have lived in a home for years, if you see evidence of rodents, termites or any pest you should take immediate action. The longer a problem goes on the worse it will become as these pests multiply quickly and create huge problems for homeowners. A professional inspection, whether required or not, can give you the peace of mind that your home is pest free.

Oftentimes professional help is needed to battle a pest problem. Professionals know where to look and what to look for. Getting ahead of a pest problem before if gets out of control will help protect your home and your family,

Eagle Pest Services takes your safety and investment in your home very seriously. Contact us today 888-616-8739.