Pest Control Tips When Selling Your Home

When it comes to selling a home there is a lot of front-end work that needs to be accomplished so that your home grabs the attention of a buyer. One of these things is making sure that your home is pest free before you place it on the market. Here are some pest control tips to help you when selling your home. 

Invest In A WDO Report 

As a seller in Oregon and Washington, you can provide potential buyers with the peace of mind that your home is WDO-free! A WDO is a specific inspection that looks for wood-destroying insects and/or organisms. Many people know this inspection as a termite inspection but a valid WDO will inspect and give a detailed account of ALL wood destroying insects and organisms. 

When it comes to a WDO report it’s important that you research your pest control companies when looking to have a WDO report done. They should be licensed according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and be able to provide proof of insurance as well as a treatment plan that details the types of pesticides they use and any environmentally friendly alternatives. 

Keep in mind that a home inspection is not the equivalent of a WDO report. Even if the home inspection offers a pest inspection as part of its plan they are treated equally with a WDO report. A WDO report looks for specific pests that can be destructive to a building or structure and are performed by skilled technicians that have a trained eye to see the signs of these particular pests.

Have Your Crawlspace Inspected

It’s easy to overlook the crawlspace. Most homeowners will never go into their crawlspace until they absolutely have to and even then they will most likely hire someone to do it for them. This is understandable as many homeowners are not aware of what to look for once they’re down there and most crawlspaces in homes built in Oregon and Washington can be very tight and hard to get around in. 

However, the crawlspace can give a lot of clues into certain issues the home may have even if the homeowner is unaware. Stagnant water that breeds mildew and mold can be sitting in your crawlspace slowly causing unseen damage. Water close to structural wood framing can break down the wood and slowly affect its structural integrity. A crawlspace is also a hot spot for pests such as rodents, raccoons, opossums, and ants. Having your crawlspace inspected before placing your home on the market can save you from dealing with unforeseen issues at the last minute. 

Go The Extra Mile With Your Yard And Exterior Maintenance

This may seem like a no-brainer but there’s more to this step than some may think. Cleaning up your yard so that the house has curb appeal is one thing but cleaning up the entirety of the exterior of your home is another. 

When buyers come to look at a house in Oregon or Washington they notice details that we may not notice so putting in the extra time can pay off. Not only should basic yardwork be done but trimming back limbs and shrubs close to the home can prevent concerns for buyers. For example, overhanging limbs may cause buyers to be concerned that there is damage to the roofing system or that the home is at risk of roof damage. 

Trimming up shrubbery close to the home also allows for clear visibility of the foundation of the home. Here buyers can easily see that the foundation is in good shape and that little details like foundation vents are in tack and secure. If foundation vents have been damaged this is an easy way for wildlife and pests to get into your crawlspace. Trimming back shrubs and trees will also give your home a greater visual appeal. 

Don’t Forget The Attic

The attic is another overlooked space as most attics are used for storage that is forgotten about. If the attic is used regularly then it is most likely being maintained but an unused attic space can easily become a problem since they are an area of the home where pests can hide. Pests such as raccoons, bats, opossums, birds, and rodents can find their way inside your attic space, and once they do they can cause damage before you even notice. 

As a seller, the last thing you want are surprises for your buyers so checking your attic space for signs of pests is a good idea. If you are unsure of the stability of your attic space you will want to call a professional pest company to have someone come out and inspect the area for you. They can quickly provide this service alongside inspecting your crawlspace. 

Another noteworthy tip is to have them check for possible entry points for pests on top of checking for pests themselves. This will not only ensure that your attic space is pest free but that everything is sealed tight to prevent air leaks or water damage during the rainy season in Oregon and Washington. 

As a home seller in Oregon and Washington you want to get the best price for your home which means that it needs to appeal to potential buyers. Being able to show that your home has already been checked for pests and is proven to be pest free will be an added asset for you as a seller so that your home meets the demands of buyers and is sold.