Finding out you have a pest infestation in your home is one of the worst things you can experience as a homeowner or renter. Getting rid of pests can be a frustrating process for many and sometimes means moving house for up to a week to exterminate pests. Some infestations, such as termites (white ants), can be even more serious.
If an infestation hits you while you’re living in your house or apartment, there’s often not much you can do other than go through the normal extermination routine. However, it is easy to prevent these types of problems before you move. Pre-purchase pest inspections detail whether or not you have an infestation and can prevent you from making a poor purchase decision. Some common pests that you may find inside or outside the home include:
ants
One or two ants are harmless enough, but a whole army could start giving you some trouble. Distant relatives of wasps, ants don’t usually harm humans, but they can be extremely annoying if they make their way into the kitchen pantry. Most DIY extermination sprays will kill ants in and around the house, but if there are too many of them, you may need to call an exterminator.
cockroaches
Cockroaches are all too familiar to humans and are perhaps one of the most frequently seen pests. Most people find professional roach exterminators to be effective; however, you can also use roach sprays or baits for a quick fix. To prevent cockroaches naturally, remember to seal all food and waste containers as best you can.
Rodents: rats and mice
Rats and mice are possibly the most feared household pests. They carry germs and are generally unsightly. If you have an infestation or nest in your home (usually located in basements or attics), call a professional exterminator to resolve the issue. Signs of rats or mice in the home are scratching sounds, droppings on the floor, and holes in cardboard boxes or plastic containers.
spiders
Spiders are just plain scary, but unfortunately, there is no real way to avoid them. Fortunately, spiders don’t usually roam in packs, so an infestation is unlikely. However, if you see a white egg sac, it’s best to destroy it before a bunch of baby spiders hatch in your home. If you experience a spider encounter, try escorting it outside, spraying it, or use the old shoe-smashing technique.
Termites / White Ants
Termites are the most damaging pest you can find in your home. In fact, most pest inspections are done efficiently to detect them. Also called white ants, termites have the ability to destroy entire wooden structures, which can be devastating if you find them in your wooden home. The best way to avoid them is to have your place thoroughly inspected before you move in.
wasps
Wasps are related to ants, but one of the big differences is that they fly and have a pretty nasty stinger. If you see wasps flying around your house, the only extermination step is to locate the nest and destroy it. This should be done by a professional wearing protective gear. DIY attempts with sprays and brooms can work, but are definitely not recommended.
Pre-Purchase Pest Inspections
As mentioned above, having your property inspected before you sign on the dotted line can save you a lot of trouble and also save you a lot of money. You may discover that the house you were planning to buy is infested with termites, which can save you from a bad purchase. Or, you may discover a simple roach problem that can be fixed before you bother to move. Either way, a pre-purchase pest report is an essential step when buying a home.