If you were looking to buy a house and noticed a roach scurrying across the floor, mouse droppings in the corner, or hornets nests in the eaves, you’d probably be put off right away, even if the house is a good deal in a great neighborhood. No one wants to buy a home that shows any hint of infestation, so if you’re planning to sell a home, one of the first things you should do is get rid of the pests.

Here’s what you need to do to carry out a home pest inspection before putting your place on the market:

Start Your Home Pest Inspection by Identifying Problem Areas

When you’re beginning your home pest inspection, the first step is to identify any problem areas around the perimeter of your home. You’re looking for areas that are going to attract pests. Look for any tree branches or shrubs that touch the house as well as dense bushes and grass.

Are there pine needles near the home or standing bodies of water or moist spots nearby? Check to see if your gutters are blocked up by any leaves or debris. Look out for piles of leaves, woodpiles, or grass clippings as well.

Any of these spots can attract pests. In fact, you might discover a pest infestation has already taken place in a pile of leaves or in a blocked up gutter. These areas should all be cleared away in order to discourage pests and to prepare your home to sell.

Look for Points of Entry

After you’ve walked the perimeter of your home, the next step is to examine the home itself for points of entry. These are spots where roaches, mice, small birds, and other pests can get into the house.

Things to keep an eye out for include holes or tears in window screens, cracks in the foundation, especially near door frames and windows, and gaps around pipes, wires, or cables that lead into the home.

Take note of any missing vent covers that need replacing. Take note as you find these trouble spots and plan to repair them as soon as you can.

Identify Pests

The last step in a pest home inspection is identifying pests that are already present and taking action. Look for signs of an infestation including:

• Animal feces on the property either outside the home, in crawl spaces, or inside the home.

• Areas on the property that look like they’ve been disturbed including chewed wood, nesting materials, mounds in the lawn, holes that have been chewed leading into the house or garage.

• An actual pest spotting. If you see pests on the property, then you have a pest problem on your hands.

Once you’ve discovered that pests have likely already made themselves at home, it’s time to have pest control come to the home and get rid of the pests for you.

Help Your Home Sell

Getting your home ready to sell takes a lot of work and know-how. Aside from conducting a home pest inspection, let us guide you in how to prepare your home to sell quickly at a price you can be happy with. Contact us to learn more.