Nobody wants to deal with pests infesting their home. Rats, ants, termites, oh my! Be sure your home is safe from pests by using our top tips to finding the best-in-class pest inspector.
Hire a pest inspector as part of the sale of your home, and then find a new place to call yours. Get a free home appraisal to know what your expected seller proceeds will be once you’re moved on to bigger and better things.
Why do you need to hire a pest inspector?
You may be wondering why you need to hire a pest inspector. In some states in the U.S. a pest inspection is a required part of a home sale process. In other states, a pest inspection isn’t required. Even if an inspection isn’t necessary in your location, it’s always a good idea to have one if you suspect there may be a pest problem before you sell, or if your home is older.
A pest inspection can help ensure your sale is completed without issue and can also protect you from future legal issues down the line after the sale.
How to find a trusted inspector
To find a trustworthy pest inspector we recommend looking for a referral as a great starting place. Referrals are recommendations from people you may know who have had a positive experience with a particular company or contractor. Look to friends, coworkers, family, and neighbors to see if any of them recommend any pest inspectors.
Another great place to go for referrals is your local chamber of commerce. Give them a call and ask if they endorse any pest inspectors.
Some things to consider before you hire a pest inspector include:
- Check to be sure their license is in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Call a local pest control company for a referral on an inspector
- Look up online reviews on trust websites such as Yelp.com or Angi.com
Red flags
Be sure to be on the lookout for red flags when selecting a pest inspector. Red flags include not having a working website or phone number, going door-to-door looking for business by stating there have been “pests found in your area”, or those stating they are “endorsed” by the EPA.
Conduct an interview
Before selecting a pest inspector to trust with your home, be sure to ask some interview questions to ensure the person you are hiring is trustworthy. Some questions to ask include:
1) Are you licensed and bonded?
2) Is your license in accordance with the EPA? Local guidelines?
3) How long have you been in business?
4) Do you guarantee your work?
What may a pest inspector ask you do?
If you get a pest inspection, it’s important that you listen to their recommendations. They may request that you remove any standing water which can attract pests such as mosquitoes. They may also request you cut your lawn to reduce ticks, remove debris, which is a perfect spot for pests, or fix drainage issues in your yard.
