A pesky bug problem can take a real bite out of your real estate transaction. Of all the creepy crawly varieties, termites are, by far, the biggest offenders, causing an estimated $2.5 billion worth of damage in American homes every year.
Getting rid of termites is not a do-it-yourself project, however. It involves the professional treatment of the soil surrounding your house with pesticides. Once treatment is administered, regular maintenance will be required — and of course there is the repair to any wood or structural damage that occurred. It’s a job best left to the professionals.
But what about the garden-variety pests that can make their way into your home? These unwanted guests can show up at the most inopportune times, and you’ll want to avoid these unpleasant encounters while your home is on the market. Before you call an exterminator, try the following preventative tips recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Remove extraneous water from your home. Like all living creatures, pests need water to survive. Take away their life source by fixing leaky plumbing and removing excess moisture. Water in trays, buckets or even under the refrigerator, can attract bugs.
Remove open food. Store food in sealed glass or plastic containers, and keep your kitchen clean. Residual cooking grease and oil are a haven for pests. Even pet food left out for hours can attracted unwanted critters. Empty your kitchen garbage can frequently, and store garbage in sealed, animal-proof cans.
Seal indoor pest hiding places. Caulk cracks and crevices to control pest access. Bathe pets regularly, and wash any mats and surfaces frequently. Install screens on all floor drains, windows and doors to discourage crawling and flying pests from entering your home. Place weatherstripping on doors and windows. Finally, try to keep doors shut when not in use. A little common sense every day will help to keep the bugs away!