Pest control ranks high on the list of priorities for homeowners, as unchecked infestations carry serious consequences. Experts find that homeowners should conduct annual pest inspections at least once every 12 months. Some say every six months and some say even more frequently than that! If you’ve been putting it off or just haven’t thought about it at all, here are our top five reasons to get a yearly pest inspection.
1. Protecting Your Investment
Your home is often your greatest investment. It provides financial leverage and can build value as you maintain it. An infestation of pests can quickly ruin that investment. Whether you’re trying to sell your home or ensure that you can enjoy it for years to come, keeping the foundation clear of harmful pests is essential. Carpenter ants and termites can especially cause serious damage by boring into structural wood and destroying your home from the inside out. The cost of unwanted repairs can skyrocket in a short time and your ability to sell your home at a good price can quickly deteriorate if insects aren’t managed.
2. Cost Saving
The average annual pest inspection averages between $75 - $200 but it can potentially save you thousands of dollars in treatment. Identifying infestations early can allow for less invasive and cheaper options to get rid of the problem.
3. Health and Sanitation
A lot of critters that get into your home, like roaches and ants, can often spread diseases. The germs they pick up from the unsanitary paths they travel can contaminate food and surfaces throughout the house, leaving family members vulnerable. Keeping them at bay means fewer germs and less worrying about your family’s health.
4. Finding Other Problems
The presence of pests can sometimes be traced to underlying issues with your home. For instance, you may discover termites that were attracted to excess moisture in your foundation, which by itself is extremely damaging to your home. Finding unwanted pests can reveal plumbing, ventilation or other structural issues needing to be addressed.
5. Professional Knowledge
Pests can be difficult to spot and their nests hard to identify unless you’re a professional. While you may be unable to notice an infestation before major damage happens, experts can spot signs that lead to a fast, effective response. They have special testing equipment and the knowledge to recognize the pests, remove them safely and provide helpful information on prevention. If you feel it’s time to have a yearly pest inspection done in your home, contact Midwestern Termite & Pest Control today to schedule an appointment.