SmartHomeOwners

When buying an older home, you should be aware that older homes and buildings tend to have pest problems that will need to be controlled from day one.  Older homes may have food crumbs in hidden areas as well as nesting areas for certain types of insects and/or rodents.  It's difficult to see whether or not there's a pest problem when taking a quick tour of the home.  That's why it is wise to do a thorough check of the home before moving in to ensure there are no harmful pests to worry about.

There are two ways to handle pest control for an older home.  You can do it yourself or hire a pest control specialist to do the job.  A specialist can not only find insects and rodents, but can eliminate them through an extermination process.  This may be necessary if the home has numerous nesting areas for spiders, rats/mice, moths, etc.  Some older homes are also susceptible to ants, particularly fire ants.  While these usually do not build their homes within a structure, they can certainly invade any home and chew holes through clothing and other items that are stored away.  They may also invade the kitchen area!

Look for Pest-Infested Areas

Some signs that pests have invaded the home include multiple spider webs along walls and ceilings, wood shavings on floors or cabinets, acorns or other pest "goodies" stored in certain areas, droppings, trails through the dust and weak slabs of wood in flooring or under the home (possible termite damage).

Termites are usually taken care of if you order a home and termite inspection.  Most banks require a termite letter before closing on a home mortgage loan.  But in some situations such as owner financing, a bank may not be involved.  In this case, you'll need to take it upon yourself to demand a professional termite inspection.

Clean Thoroughly

A good way to tell if pests are present is to clean the home thoroughly before moving in.  Clean everything from inside the cabinets to lighting fixtures to the ceilings and floors.  Also, remove weeds and tall grass from around the foundation of the home.  This can reveal unseen pest problems as well.  If there are older appliances in the home, move these away from the walls to inspect underneath.

Wise Steps

Don't allow pests to continue invading your home.  Fill any cracks in the walls, structures, around piping and wiring, etc. with caulk to prevent further problems.  If you see a pest, follow it to see if it leads you to a nesting area or point of entry.  Use pesticide to spray the inside and outside of the home.  And don't forget to spray underneath the home, or hire a professional exterminator to do so.  If doing it yourself, use a safe indoor pest spray.  These are available at many stores and will usually state on the label "Safe for Indoor Use."  Spray along baseboards and in top and bottom corners where any two walls are joined.  Spray around window sills inside and out, and in the bath and kitchen areas where there's moisture.

With proper pest control, your older home purchase can bring you enjoyment for years to come!