The Importance of Hiring a Pest Control Company Before Buying a Home

Rodents

Rodents, such as mice and rats, are notorious carriers of diseases and pose other health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rodent droppings can transmit diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonella, and others, which can have severe health implications (CDC, 2022). Moreover, rodents can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals due to their droppings and urine.

Many homes have rodent infestations that the untrained eye may not see. These infestations can cause much more than disease and illness. With more than 25% of homeowners reporting rodent issues, you have a 1 in 4 chance of purchasing an infested home. In our professional experience, roughly 8 out of 10 homes we inspect show signs of current or previous rodent activity. This can be easily avoided when you employ the inspection services of a company like Four Seasons Pest Solutions to ensure you are buying a pest-free home.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are another common household pest that can affect health. Cockroaches transmit many diseases to humans including E. coli, salmonella, and Listeria. The allergens they produce can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that cockroach allergies are prevalent in urban areas and can lead to significant respiratory issues (ACAAI, 2020).

Although cockroach infestations are not as potentially life-threatening as rodent infestations, they are certainly capable of causing a serious financial burden from control efforts to cleaning up their remnants.

Mold

Although not your typical pest, mold often accompanies pest infestations, particularly in damp environments. In other words, homes with pest infestations are more likely to also have underlying moisture problems, and moisture leads to mold. Mold exposure can lead to serious infections along with causing immune system damage, respiratory problems, skin irritation, allergies, and in severe cases, death. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the health risks associated with mold exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations (WHO, 2009).

An experienced pest company will inspect the home you’re looking to purchase and find any underlying moisture problems, current or past pest problems, potential for pest problems, and any mold or fungus that is visibly present within the structure. All this can save you the headache of buying a home tainted with mold.

Termites

Termites are among the most destructive pests, capable of causing significant structural damage to a home. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) estimates that termites cause approximately $5 billion in property damage annually in the United States (NPMA, 2021). A certified service specialist from Four Seasons Pest Solutions can perform a detailed inspection to identify signs of termite activity, such as frass, mud tubes, discarded wings, or damaged wood.

Although termites don’t typically cause any health threats from their presence, their damage does. Termites can cause damages that lead to soft floors that an occupant might fall through leading to potentially serious injury. Besides structural damage, termites invite more moisture into a home, and more moisture means more allergens, more humidity, and more potential for mold and fungus growth.

To prevent purchasing a home with a termite infestation, Four Seasons Pest Solutions offers complete termite inspections to ensure you are buying a home, not a problem! Plus, we offer Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination so you CAN purchase a home and not worry about finding termites later!

Powderpost Beetles

Powderpost beetles can infest basements, crawl spaces, framing materials, hardwood floors, furniture, and other wood products, causing extensive damage. These pests tunnel through wood and create fine powdery dust as they feed. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences notes that early detection and treatment are essential to prevent severe damage (UF/IFAS, 2020).

These wood-destroying pests won’t likely cause too many health concerns unless they are incredibly numerous, but they will cost thousands, and potentially tens of thousands, to eliminate. This becomes a burden on a new home buyer and can cause severe stress that may lead to medical issues. Therefore, this beetle makes our list of pests that pose health hazards.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to invade homes and cause discomfort. Their bites can lead to itchy welts, burning sensations, blisters, hives, and allergic reactions. Here at Four Seasons Pest Solutions, a certified service specialist can identify signs of an infestation, such as live bugs, casings, blood spots on bedding, or indications of a previous infestation, and implement appropriate treatment measures.

When purchasing a new home, discovering bed bugs after settling in can be pretty stressful. In fact, we have noted many concerns that have plagued homeowners who have experienced bed bug infestations:

• Serious reaction to bites
• Sudden onset of allergies
• Sleepless nights
• Strain on marriage
• Lack of romantic time
• Financial burden
• Shame and embarrassment
• And more.

While these may not be the typical health concerns you think of, they can definitely lead to serious issues down the line. Why take the risk? A simple pest inspection can effectively prevent these problems before they start. Protect your home and health today.