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Pest Inspection 101: How to Spot Pest Problems When Buying a House

Nick Siebert • November 2, 2023

Here’s what you need to know about a pest inspection in NJ

Consider the following information for 2020: 5.64 million homes were sold. That same year, another 822,000 new homes were sold. If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, then you’re probably wondering if you need a pest inspection in NJ. You may also be wondering what to look for during a pest inspection and how to spot critters before you purchase the property. 


In NJ, you should have a termite inspection done before buying a house. Your real estate agent will recommend it and, in some instances, your mortgage lender may require it. This fast and easy inspection may save you thousands of dollars in damage that a
homeowner’s insurance agency likely won’t pay for. Since this type of pest infestation is considered preventable, you’d be on the hook for paying for any repairs. 


As you Google “Pest inspection near me,” you should also know what a pest control inspection consists of so you’re prepared when your home is inspected. 


Home Pest Inspection 101


If you’re working with a lender, you may need a pest inspection for a mortgage. It’s common for sellers to pay for any type of termite inspection, along with the repairs. Otherwise, they run the risk of the
seller backing out of the sale of the house


During your pest inspection in Sparta, NJ, or the surrounding areas, your pest inspector will look for several different critters and pests. This includes bedbugs, carpenter ants, silverfish, carpenter bees, beetles that destroy wood, moths, rodents, stinging insects, and spiders. If there are pests native to your area, your pest inspector will look for those creatures as well. 


Termite Damage 


Pest inspectors in Sussex County, NJ, also look for pests that can cause significant property damage or that can pose a hazard to your health. This includes termites, mice, bats,
stinging insects, and more. 


As the buyer, you can ask the seller to make all repairs before moving forward with the purchase of your prospective home. Even if your pest inspector finds something such as termite damage, you can work with your seller to correct the issue. 


The cost of termite damage varies, but termite damage on a medium scale can cost as much as $3,000, so it’s always a good idea to have this type of inspection completed before buying a house. 


Is The Whole House Inspected?


Generally, yes. A pest inspection includes your home’s interior and exterior. If there’s an area that’s prone to pests — such as a home’s foundation or attic — a pest inspector will focus on this area. 


You might be wondering why you can’t just look for signs of pest damage yourself. For starters, it’s easy to confuse wet wood with rotten wood. This means that you could easily miss signs of an infestation if you’re not trained to know what pest damage looks like. 


Pest inspectors are also familiar with the critters in your area and when they come out and cause issues for homeowners. They’ll look for signs of common household problems and if they spot anything, can let you know immediately. This is beneficial to the homeowner and prospective buyer, as
routine pest maintenance can reduce the incidence of an infestation. 


Complete a Home Pest Inspection Today


It’s important to have a home inspection completed for several reasons. Not only can it help homebuyers understand the intricacies of the property they intend to purchase, but also provides insight into the type of preventative pest maintenance plans a particular property might require. 


Serene Property Services can help you with all your pest-related needs. We service Sparta, NJ, and all of Sussex County, NJ. We also service Warwick, NY.
Contact us today to see how we can help you with routine and on-demand pest control.

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