There are several criteria that come into account when house hunting, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the proximity of services, or the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood. But it is also important to make sure, before buying, that the house you’re interested in is pest-free. Here are a few tips that will help you do that.
1. Inspect all rooms
Thoroughly check each room as well as closets, cupboards, walls, windows and mouldings for any sign of the presence of pests, such as droppings, small holes in walls or baseboards, or gnaw marks. Do not hesitate to bring a flashlight to inspect dark corners.
2. Examine the foundations
Watch for cracks or holes in the foundations, which intruders could easily use to get in. Remember that mice can get through openings as small as ¼ inch.
3. Look around the yard
Insects and rodents can also hide outdoors. They can often be found in garden sheds or firewood stacks, for instance. It’s important to take a few minutes to inspect those places as well.
4. Use your nose
Rodents and insects, including roaches, can leave a smell behind. It is possible to easily identify some problems just by paying attention to unusual odours such as urine or ammonia smells.
5. Watch for unusual stocks of pest control products
During your visit, keep an eye out for large quantities of pest control products such as sprays, traps or baits. This could indicate the current homeowners have had to deal with insect or pest problems in the past.
Happy house hunting!
