If you’re shopping for a new home, you have plenty to think about without the added fear of dealing with unwelcome pests. But the reality is that insects and other critters can make their way inside any property, and it’s important to make sure that your potential new home is clean before you sign on the dotted line. For that reason, hiring a pest control professional may be the best step that you can take.

When Hiring a Pest Control Professional Is a Good Idea

Why Should You Wait to Buy the House?

Prospective homebuyers should always be aware of any ongoing concerns that a property may have, including potential pest control problems that need attention. You don’t want to commit to purchasing the home, only to learn that it will require extensive pest removal services before you can comfortably move. A seller can either assume the responsibility of hiring a professional to inspect the property or negotiate the sale price with you to reflect your desire to have an inspection.

What Could an Exterminator Find?

If sanitation was poor during the construction of a new home, the site could be affected by ants, flies, bees, or rodents. Anything from an abundance of wood scraps to old food containers is a welcome invitation for these critters to invade a new build. An older home may invite pests if it wasn’t cleaned frequently or the yard wasn’t maintained.

During an inspection, exterminators will focus on more than just the presence of termites—they’ll also check for other wood-boring critters, like beetles and carpenter ants, and assess the condition of the home as it relates to potential pest infestations. They can then point out areas of concern, including damp wood or spots that show signs of previous outbreaks, that might drive your decision to purchase.

What Happens If There Is an Infestation?

You have a few options if an infestation is discovered. If you still want to purchase the home, have your agent step in to negotiate the purchase price or to add a contingency to the contract that includes your intent to buy or walk based on the inspection results. Or you might add a clause asking the seller to pay for residential pest control and the follow-up inspection before closing occurs.

The bottom line is that it’s always best to be safe before you move into a new home. Since 1992, locals throughout Maineville, Mason, Loveland OH and surrounding areas have put their trust in the exterminators at BUG-A-PEST, LLC. They’re members of the Ohio Pest Management Association and National Pest Management Association and are proud to offer thorough, effective inspections and treatments that tackle even the most stubborn pest control problems. Visit their website to find out more about their process, or call (513) 459-7700 to schedule an appointment.