Importance Of A Pest Inspection Before Your Home Purchase

There are so many factors to think about when buying a new home, from conveyancing to deposits to solicitors' fees, but did you know that one of the most important elements that most people overlook is a pest inspection? It's risky to just assume that the property you're interested in will be free of unwanted guests.
 
Are you still not convinced a pest inspection is worth the time and money? Below we explain why you should invest in a pest inspection before your next home purchase.

What Can I Expect From A Pest Inspection?

While pest inspections usually don't last very long, the time an inspector spends in your future home will be crucial for protecting your family – as well as your finances. In around 30 minutes, the team will be able to carry out an inspection, uncovering any pests that might have infiltrated the property, such as termites and other wood-eating insects, rodents like rats and mice, and certain species of spiders. Not only can these critters create health problems, but they can also cause extensive structural damage if left to inhabit the space at their own will.
 
Another test that will be undertaken by an inspector is a moisture reading. This can detect the presence of mould and fungi in the property, which might otherwise be undetectable to the naked eye.

What Kind Of Pests Might Be In My New Home?

• Termites: These ant-like creatures are found in large colonies. They create mud tunnels to protect themselves from becoming dehydrated whilst they feed on your home’s internal structure. Doors, beams, tiles and furniture are all at risk from these pesky critters.
  
• Ants: Most kinds of ants will move into your home when they detect the presence of food, and they can quickly get out of hand with their rapid multiplication. Whilst they might not cause as many structural problems as termites, they can carry all kinds of diseases.
  
• Rats: Very similar in behaviour to mice, rats are larger rodents which can be somewhat aggressive to humans. Not only this, but they are highly sociable and tend to be found in groups. If you find one, there will likely be many more.
  
• Beetles: There are many species of beetles and while some are harmless, others do enjoy eating wood, causing similar issues as termites.

The Importance Of A Pest Inspection Before Your Next Home Purchase

Getting a pest inspection before buying any home is highly recommended, as it can help you make an informed decision about whether or not it’s the right fit for your family. Not only will you have peace of mind that you aren’t sharing your property with other unwelcome creatures, but you will also be protecting your investment well into the future as you're less likely to need structural repairs.
 
If you're still keen to buy the property, you may also be able to negotiate a lower asking price or request that the current owner pays for any treatments before you sign the contract.
 
To book a pest inspection at your new home, speak to us at Albury Wodonga Pest Control today.