In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on areas to look for when you’re touring a prospective new home and want to ensure there are no pest concerns at play. While we’d like to believe sellers of homes would never conceal a pest issue, some unfortunately would to drive their price up – and more commonly, pest issues that exist without their knowledge might be present.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re here to help. Our residential pest control services cover several distinct areas, including assistance for first-time homebuyers who are on the market and want to be sure the property they’re narrowing in on is free of pest concerns, both current and previous. In addition to assistance from our team if necessary, here are several other areas of a property to keep an eye on while touring or considering a purchase, both to prevent termites and other pest forms from becoming an issue if you move forward.
Mulch Concerns
As you may have noticed, many parts of this series revolve around outdoor landscaping or property items. This is because these areas often serve as a primary location for pests before they attempt to invade your home, and the likelihood of such an infestation is far greater when these risks are near the home.
One such potential concern is mulch, which will be used in several gardening or landscaping areas. Mulch that’s at least 15 or 20 feet from the home isn’t an issue – however, many homes will include mulch right up against the foundation or siding. In these cases, this mulch may serve as a breeding ground and food source for termites and other pests. Ideally, wood mulch should be at least a couple feet from the home’s foundation.
Trees and Stumps
Another potential risk here, especially when it comes to termites, is rotting wood in any form, namely trees or stumps on the property. Especially if these are anywhere close to the actual home, rotting wood is a top food source for termites and will fuel the growth of their population, often significantly and to the point where they spread out and look to invade the home. If such dead trees or stumps exist on a property you’re considering, we strongly recommend discussing removal with the seller as part of the purchase agreement.
Branch Issues and Home Contact
Finally, while most tree branches or limbs aren’t a big concern when it comes to pests, one group will be: Those that contact the home itself. Overhanging branches or leaves provide a pathway for pests to move from trees onto the home structure, at which point they can invade and cause a host of issues. Speak to the seller about trimming or pruning in these cases.
For more on how to identify pest issues in a prospective new home you’re considering, or to learn about any of our pest control services, speak to the staff at A-1 Exterminators today.
