PROPERTYSPARK ARTICLE

Using Preventative Pest Control to Help Secure a Sale

In response to concerns over pesticides killing other wildlife unnecessarily, one Canadian province has recently decided to temporarily ban the use of rat poison. While in the past vermin and insect invasions have commonly been controlled with the use of harmful chemicals such as rodenticides, property owners and pest controllers are increasingly looking for more natural ways to prevent pest infestations.  Household pests and vermin can cause considerable damage to properties, and obvious signs of infestation during a house viewing are likely to deter purchasers. At the same time, buyers dependent on selling their current property in order to move may have to delay a potential sale if they discover vermin or insects in their home. Being aware of less harmful but effective options for deterring household pests can help estate agents to oversee the pest control of their property listings and ensure homes are presentable to prospective buyers.

Tackling the Causes of Infestations

In a recent survey by Forbes Home, over 45% of people said a pest infestation had caused structural damage to their home. While unwanted vermin and insects can be harmful, it can be difficult for homeowners and housing managers to control them without relying on harmful chemical pesticides. The EPA recommends integrated pest management (IPM); a method of pest control that focuses on excluding pests from a property before they become a problem. By identifying the cause of invasions blocking entry points and eliminating potential nesting sites, pest infestations can be managed effectively without relying on harmful chemical pesticides.

Spotting Pest Activity in Properties for Sale

Damage caused by pests often only comes to light during a home inspection when it may cause a buyer to pull out of a purchase. However, during an initial viewing, there may already be evidence of pest activity such as mouse droppings behind furniture or termite tracks visible in exposed beams. By being able to identify the early signs of infestation, a real estate agent can help sellers to arrange for any pests to be treated promptly before any further damage puts a stop to a successful sale. With a reliable exterminator like Killingsworth Environmental Pest Control serving South Carolina and North Carolina, real estate agents can efficiently resolve pest issues.

Preventing Infestations in Vacant Properties

Some properties on the market may be vacant for some time before they sell, and infestations can take hold when there is no-one living in the property to actively manage pest control. While empty properties are vulnerable to pests, the risk of invasion can be minimized by removing sources of water around the house, screening vents leading outside, sealing gaps or cracks in the walls or baseboards and weather stripping doors and windows.  Outside, organizing the removal debris and pruning of overgrown plants will remove potential nesting sites as well as improve the curb appeal of the property.

Pest infestations can cause extensive damage to a property and hold up a successful sale. By checking on vacant homes, looking out for evidence of insect activity at viewings, and building a relationship with a reliable pest control company, like Turner Pest Control in Tampa, realtors can help to ensure any properties on their books are fit for viewing and ready to sell.