Watch Out for These Signs of Bugs in a New House

If you're touring open houses, meeting with realtors, and checking out reviews online, then you've probably been hearing lots of advice on what to look for in a new home. Well, in addition to a saggy roof, cracked foundation, and leaky pipes, there is something we strongly recommend you always check for when moving some place new: signs of bugs in a new house.

There are various tell-tale signs that will clue you into a home with pest control issues, and we have laid the most common ones out here to give you an idea of what to look for, and to make your house hunting search just a little bit easier.

The #1 Sign of Pests is #2

All creatures defecate, and when it comes to pest issues, that is likely to be your first indication that you have bugs in a new house. Pest droppings are likely to be found behind appliances, under debris, and along baseboards. Be sure to learn the common types of pest droppings you’re likely to find in a home so that you can quickly and easily identify what sort of pest issues you may have.

Rats, mice, and other rodents all leave fairly obvious droppings, particular in and around cabinets and other places where food is stored. Even smaller pests such as roaches will leave some dropping as a sign of their presence, so be sure you know what to look for.

Spotting Termite Damage

Termites are one of the most costly and detrimental pests you can have in a home, and they are often the cause of sagging floors, drooping roofs, and other structural issues in and around the house.

If you can, try to get a look at the attic, crawlspace, or any other exposed framing studs of the house, as these will often be the places most prone to termite infestation. You’ll see the characteristic “swiss-cheese” holes on the wood, or droppings such as termite poop or shed wings.

You may also notice the dropping or sagging ceilings and floors, or pieces of wood that sound hollow when knocked on. These are all signs of that you should have the home inspected for termites before you sign any paperwork.

Signs of Rats or Mice

Rats and mice carry germs and spread disease, and can chew holes in just about anything to get to food, or away from predators. If you notice signs of mice or rats in a new home, you should probably seek expert advice to check the extent of the problem before buying.

Look for the tell-tale signs of rats in attics, and along baseboards. Rats and mice both have very poor eyesight, so they will frequently run along the edges of a room, leaving droppings and faint grease trails along the boundaries of a space.

You may also find holes in baseboards or gnaw marks on wires, pipes, and food containers that will all indicate the presence of rodents

Other Signs of Pests

Finally, you’ll want to be on the lookout for some of the signs of pests that may not be directly related to the pest themselves. For example, a dirty kitchen tends to attract roaches, mice, and rats. Unsecured food compounds the issue.

Cracks, crevices, and other gaps that lead into attics or basements are also prime entry points for everything from snakes to fleas and ticks. Leaky pipes can also be a major draw for animals that may otherwise have trouble finding water in such a dry climate.

Standing water on or near the property is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Piles of debris, construction materials, and other detritus near a house is a prime hiding place for all manner of critters.

In short, any house that looks like it might have pests, probably does. The messier a place is, the more most pests tend to like it. Be ever vigilant for this kind of thing when looking for a new home to avoid problems down the road.

Having a New Home Professionally Inspected

If you want to make sure the home you’re about to move into is as pest free as possible, call Signature Pest Control today! We have years of experience eliminating and preventing all manner of creepies, crawlies, and creatures. If you have any questions or concerns about bugs in a new house, or want us to take a look at any other pest issues you may have, let us know right away. We’ll be happy to help you fix any pest problems you may have.