How much is your home worth?

Do you think potential homebuyers will be willing to pay the asking price for a home after noticing a pest infestation?

Searching for a new house can be stressful – and there are so many considerations that potential buyers contemplate when they visit real estate on the market.  Potential buyers are thinking about whether the roof needs to be replaced, if there are any electrical issues, and how many repairs or updates will be needed.  So, what happens when you add a bed bug problem to the mix?  Adding any type of pest infestation or problem is enough to push most buyers right out the door.

When we think about pests destroying our homes – and the value of our homes – we most likely think of termites.  According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage each year.  Moreover, property damage and the corresponding cleanup caused by pest infestations is not covered by home insurance.  That means that the homeowner is completely “on the hook.”  Consequently, if a potential home buyer notices any signs of a pest infestation, you can bet that your home will be off the list.

Pest Infestations that Lower Property Value

So, what critters and pests top the list as deal breakers?  Termites, also known as the silent destroyers, are at the top.  And what about bed bugs?  Even though bed bugs don’t spread diseases, they can quickly deter a potential home buyer.  Soiled bed linens and furnishings and the threat of biting bugs are enough to stop any logical consumer from purchasing a bed bug-infested home.

Another big problem for homeowners is rodents.  In fact, according to NPMA, nearly 30% of American homeowners have had a rodent problem in their home.  Rodents such as rats and mice can transmit diseases to humans.  They can contaminate food and kitchen surfaces and have also been culpable for chewing wires that cause fires.[1]

Cockroaches are yet another unsightly pest that can negatively affect the value of your home.  If a potential buyer comes across this a cockroach in your home, chances are that the potential buyer will lose interest — fast.

Other pests such as mosquitoes can spread diseases including Zika and West Nile virus.  Then there are silverfish, bees, ants, and the dreaded flea.  Additionally, South Floridians are becoming more familiar with the Giant African Snail that carry disease and multiply at alarming rates.

Infestation Clues

How do you know if you have an infestation?  If you notice any of the following, you may have an infestation.

• Wood that sounds hollow when you tap it; wings or pellets (feces) in drawers or in cabinets or on floor.
• Live or dead bugs around the window ledges or edge of flooring or carpet
• Raised ridges or piles of dirt or ant hills on the property
• Large areas of damage to the lawn or distinct brown spots
• Pest droppings around the house
• Nests that may found in small nooks, behind appliances, or inside narrow spaces
• Unusual odors such as musty or urine smells
• Rodents’ feet scurrying around in the attic
• Fecal droppings or tiny animal footprints outside the home
• Holes on the property or bite marks in wood or other materials near the home or on the property

 Protecting your Property:  PREVENTION

So, what’s the best way to protect your property?  Prevention.  Once you’ve seen evidence of pests, the best way to protect and maintain your property value is to contact a reputable pest control company today.  Here are the key points to follow to prevent pest infestations:

• Keep your home clutter free, clean, and dry.
• Similarly, keep your property clean and well-maintained.
• Seal any small access points.
• Keep your eyes and ears open; educate yourself on early signs of pest infestations.
• Contract a reputable company for regular inspections and exterminations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) is the reputable South Florida company that provides licensed, insured, and guaranteed safe and humane nuisance wildlife removal and complete pest control.

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, ticks, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, birds, rodents, and other pest infestations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

https://www.floridapestcontrolcenter.com/

Local: 954-945-5050

[1] National Pest Management Association NPMA Industry Fact Sheet, https://npmapestworld.org