Santa Fe Pest Control Tips When Buying a New Home

There are not many activities that are more thrilling than buying a home, but a few measures need to be taken to ensure that the process goes off without a hitch. In addition to any visual modifications, you wish to make to your new home, it is crucial to consider any issues that might not be obvious to the naked eye. Infestations of termites are one example of such an issue. Getting a pest check before moving into a new house is essential.

The “quiet destroyers” that termites are

Because of their ability to devour wood, flooring, and even wallpaper without being noticed, termites are commonly referred to as “silent destroyers.” Each year, termites cause billions of dollars’ worth of property damage, typically not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Termites are commonly known as “silent destroyers.” A prospective buyer should always ask for a termite inspection, also known as a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection, to be performed by a licensed pest control professional before signing the dotted line. This will help the buyer avoid being responsible for expensive repairs after finalizing the transaction.

A standard home inspection evaluates the physical structure of a home, from the roof to the foundation. On the other hand, a termite new home inspection focuses on locating the telltale signs of termite damage and conditions that are conducive to infestations, such as cracks, crevices, and moisture. Termite new home inspections are typically more expensive than standard home inspections. After the work is finished, the professional pest control company will give a new home pest control report and make a recommendation for the next steps. When looking around a new house, real estate professionals strongly advise keeping an eye out for the following indications, any one of which could indicate the presence of a termite infestation:

• The house’s exterior is mud tubes, which termites utilize to travel to their food supply.
• Home furnishings made of softwood that, when tapped, has a hollow sound
• Wooden buildings that have become discolored or blistered
• Near a termite nest, you might see small mounds of feces that look like sawdust.
• Wings shed around doors or windowsills are a telltale sign that swarmers have invaded a residence.

Even if the earlier mentioned facts are indicators of an active termite infestation, people considering purchasing a home must also be aware of the conditions that might be luring termites to the property. If you decide to press forward with the purchase of the home, here are some more items you should look out for a while visiting it, as well as some suggestions for mitigating their potential adverse effects:

Firewood

Many homeowners put their firewood up against their houses, so it’s easy to get to. On the other hand, this could entice termites to the house and give a point of entrance for them.

A helpful hint is to keep firewood and wood piles at a distance of at least 20 feet from the house and store wood on raised platforms at least 5 inches above the ground.

Gutters

Termites are drawn to damp areas, and clogged gutters can cause water to collect, making insulation more susceptible to attack by termites. Termites are also attracted to the smell of decaying wood.

Tip: You can do two things to protect your home: installing downspout extenders to direct rainwater away from the foundation and splash blocks to prevent water from gathering and attracting termites.

Stumps

Although it may be simpler to leave a tree stump in your yard, you should be aware that decaying wood can provide a food source for termites, which may eventually lead to the infestation of your home.

Tip: If you have an excessive amount of wood on your property, it is recommended that you use a professional service to remove it.

Mulch

Termites are attracted to mulch because it supplies food and moisture for them. Mulch is typically utilized against the foundation of a property.

Tip: Use wood mulch sparingly and maintain a distance of at least 15 inches from the house’s base whenever possible. Keep an eye out for any evidence of termite activity in the mulch that is already in place, significantly below the surface.

Branches

Termites can access a property through the attic through tree limbs and leaves touching the roof or the house’s exterior.

Tip: If you want to make sure that nothing is touching your house, trim back any branches or vegetation that might be in the way.

Summing it All Up

Prospective homebuyers are strongly encouraged to conduct inspections and take preventative measures against termite infestations due to the highly destructive nature of these pests. It is essential to have a professional Santa Fe pest control inspection performed on any new property you purchase, regardless of where you stand in the housing market. We strongly advise contacting a qualified exterminator licensed to assess and treat termite infestations as soon as possible before the situation becomes more expensive and challenging to solve.