The simple answer is yes. But more accurately, the lack of pest control can hurt property value. When selling or purchasing a home, the last thing you want is evidence of a pest invasion. There are so many essential things to consider in a home, pest control should not need to be one. Begin a pest control management program with your local exterminator to avoid a pesky surprise at inspection.
You see, a pest invasion can make potential homeowners feel as if the house is dirty, even if it is not. Seeing a mouse run across the floor or “sawdust” along wood seams sets off alarms in the inspectors, appraisers, and buyers’ minds. This can definitely hurt home value. What’s more, the hassle of pest elimination and remediation can be costly if the critters have caused damage to the home.
Avoid costly repairs and decreased home value with a trusted exterminator, like James River Pest Solutions.
How Do Pests Hurt Property Value?
Oh, the damage pests can do to the home. There are so many ways, but hopefully, you have gotten rid of them before they wreak havoc on your home sale. Both Rodents and Insects will do damage and leave lasting marks if not fully remediated. Here are the ways they will hurt property value in your home.
- Structural Damage
- Roof and Gutter Damage
- Insulation and Wiring Damage
- Curb Appeal Damage
- Crawl Space Solutions
Structural Damage
Whether you have termites or mice, carpenter ants, or squirrels, pests create a mess in the home. And some, like the ones listed here, can do significant structural damage.
Rodents like squirrels, raccoons, rats, and mice will chew and rip through almost anything to get inside your home. And if they do, those items will need replacement or repair. Then there are the drywall and ceiling to consider. When most rodents nest, they urinate and defecate in the same area. And the odor left behind is unbearable. Then when looking up in your home, if you see what appears to be a watermark seeping through the ceiling, you had better hope it is not a urine stain.
Roof and Gutter Damage
When rodents use the gutters and roofline to enter the home, they will pull and chew away whatever is in the way. They remove shingles, siding, and more to reveal an opening they can wiggle through. These breaches in the roof will cause a myriad of other issues to emerge, including a note on the docs from the inspector.
Insulation and Wiring Damage
If a mouse or rat chews on attic wires, a fire can break out. That is a danger no one wants to risk. You see, these pests will use just about anything to build their nests, including wiring and insulation. Even if you don’t end up with an attic fire, you will have other attic damage and even higher electric bills due to a lack of insulation.
If there is any light or outlet in the home that is not working at the inspection time, you better believe the inspector will check out the attic. If they suspect rodent damage, the homeowner will need to repair it before the sale. That just adds one more thing to the list you already have going.
Curb Appeal Damage
Your once well-manicured yard can become a mess overnight if moles and voles get on to your property and decide to “put down roots.” And it can happen so fast.
Also, chinch bugs, fire ants, and other insects will tear up a lawn. Keep insects out of the home and off the property with effective pest control solutions.
Crawl Space Solutions
There are all sorts of structural components, wires, pipes, and HVAC lines essential to the home’s functions. And the dark, damp space is perfect for pests of all types to hide and nest. It is protected from the elements, and it is an undisturbed area. In your crawl space, you may find the following critters and more.
- Termites
- Carpenter Ants
- Mice and Rats
James River Pest Solutions has the crawl space solutions for your home. The technicians will get rid of the pests causing the issues and repair the crawl space damage for you. Come time for inspection, no one will ever know you had problems living there.
What Pests Hurt Property Value?
As you probably know, pests have become quite adept at living with people. Although they are all a part of daily life, they can do significant damage to the structure of the house. And they will leave behind a mess if not dealt with as soon as possible. We do not have to accept them in our homes. A few of the critters and insects to be aware of and how they may hurt your home’s value are listed here.
Rodents
Rodents like mice and rats will destroy the interior of the house by leaving droppings and urine everywhere they go. They will tear up anything they find to make a nest. Then, the pests, the nests, and the entire area need removal, disinfection, and remediation.
Termites
Imagine termites gnawing on the wood in the walls of your home. Taking it a step further, termite damage is not always covered by homeowner’s insurance. When selling a home, eliminating termites and termite damage must happen before the house goes on the market for a successful sale. Because a home with termite damage is a huge red flag for buyers and inspectors alike.
When termites damage the home, they compromise the structure of the house itself. No one wants to buy a home with structural damage or termites.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants will go indoors to search for food and sweets. Then once inside, they will tunnel through the perfect piece of wood in your home to build their intricate nest.
Fire Ants
Fire ants make the backyard space unacceptable for play and enjoyment. And fire ants will destroy HVAC units and transformer boxes.
Roaches
No matter whether you see German Cockroaches or Palmetto Bugs, they are a significant turn-off to potential buyers. Roaches will get into anything and contaminate the home with their droppings. Not to mention, they are challenging to get rid of without professional treatment.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs spread so quickly and are very difficult to get rid of. If you encounter a bed bug issue, the house will not sell. Homeowners should call on a professional to rid the home of the bugs. And don’t forget to keep all receipts and records of the remediation for the inspection. You will need proof of professional bed bug treatment to make the home sellable again.
Ensuring Pests are Gone for Good
New homeowners don’t want to deal with an insect issue as soon as they move in. They want to think the house is all theirs, and they surely don’t want to share it with critters.
Here are some pest control solutions to keep in mind when preparing to sell any house.
- Pest control should remain in place until the day of the sale.
- Before leaving home for the final time, clean all cabinets and the pantry to ensure there are no food particles for insects to eat.
- Vacuum carpets and sweep floors after your furniture is all out of the house.
- Ensure trash cans stay outside or secured in the garage if they are staying with the home.
- Check the yard and exterior of the house for pests and pest entry points.
Finally, it is good to have a company like James River Pest Solutions treat the home when it is empty. Especially if the house will be sitting vacant for any time, pest control is necessary. This way, after you have vacated the home, pests cannot move in and ultimately hurt home value.
James River has the Pest Solutions That Will Help, Not Hurt Property Value.
Your realtor should inform you of any issues to have fixed before selling the home. Allow the agent to come through and assess your home and property value to ensure fair pricing within the local home comparison.
Let us get rid of the pests and seal the entry point for you and your home. For fast and friendly pest control solutions, contact James River Pest Solutions experts to know your house is pest-free and the home’s value will not be hurt by pests and critters.