A pest inspection costs an average of $100 but can run the gamut from $75 to $300. However, some companies offer free pest inspections if the inspection is not associated with a home sale.
When you move into your new home, it’s expected that the previous inhabitants vacate the property. And while the human ones tend to do, it’s the multi-legged (or sometimes, no-legged) ones that tend to stick around. Yep, we’re talking about pests. These critters do a lot more than give you the heebie-jeebies; left unchecked, a pest infestation can cause your home to lose 25% of its value and seriously threaten its structural integrity.
Thankfully, pest inspections are relatively affordable and an effective preventative measure that can save you thousands. And Jerry
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What is a pest inspection?
First of all, let’s get one thing straight: what exactly do we mean when we say pest? It’s kind of a catch-all term that, simply put, refers to any critter that you don’t want lurking under your floorboards. Some, like termites, threaten the structural integrity of your home, while others, like bed bugs and cockroaches, make living in your home downright uncomfortable.
During a pest inspection, an inspector will typically look for signs of the following:
Not only does a pest inspector look for evidence of a current infestation, but they’ll also flag areas that are potential breeding grounds for future pests.
How much does a pest inspection cost?
The national average cost of a pest inspection is $100, but you could pay up to $300. That said, you could get a thorough pest inspection for as little as $75, or even for free. There are a couple of different factors that determine your total pest inspection bill:
Home size and value: The size and overall value of your home are an inspector’s baseline for determining cost.
Risk: The higher the risk for pests, the higher your total bill will be. A pest inspection in Florida
is likely to cost you more than one in South Dakota. Real estate transactions: If you’re already a homeowner and want to get a preventive pest inspection, many companies offer complimentary ones. But, if you need a pest inspection to close a real estate deal, you’ll pay more.
A pest inspection is typically included in a home inspection. However, in most cases, it’s offered as an add-on service that you’ll need to pay a little extra for to get that added peace of mind.
Do I need a pest inspection?
A pest inspection is always recommended, but sometimes it is a legal requirement depending on your location and mortgage type. In South Carolina, for instance, a CL-100 Wood Infestation Report
is a requirement for any home sale, and some states require a pest inspection if you have a VA loan. When in doubt, ask your real estate agent about the local regulations to clarify whether or not you need one during a real estate transaction.
States where pest inspection is required for a VA loan
If you receive a mortgage through the Department of Veteran Affairs, pest inspections are required in the following states:
Not surprisingly, many of these states are located in the south. That’s because the warmer, humid climate seen in much of the southern United States is the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of pests—making homes in these states much more susceptible to damage.
Pest inspections are not required in Alaska
, Colorado
, Idaho
, Maine
, Minnesota
, Montana
, North Dakota
, Oregon
, South Dakota
, and Washington
as a part of VA loan. If you live in one of the following states, the requirements vary county by county: Who has to pay for the pest inspection? In most states, the cost of a pest inspection is covered by the seller. However, the buyer is only allowed to pay for the inspection for their VA loan if they’re purchasing property in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, or Texas.
Pest inspection for FHA loan
The guidelines for pest inspections with FHA (Federal Housing Administration) are a little looser. If your lender requires it, which they typically do if you’re living in a high-risk pest zone or if there’s an active infestation, you will need to get a pest inspection with an FHA loan.
Signs of pest infestation
Even if you’re not in the process of buying or selling your home, a routine pest inspection is always a smart idea. We recommend getting a yearly pest inspection if you’re in a high-risk area. If you live in a less pest-prone area, you can get away with getting an inspection once every two years.
Either way, that’s a long time between inspections. In the meantime, you can be vigilant and keep an eye out for the following signs of a pest infestation:
Piles of wings: Especially on windowsills
Damaged wood: This is a telltale sign of everyone’s favorite pests—termites. There’s nothing these pesky bugs love more than making a meal out of the wood structures in your home. Hollow-sounding or weakened wood indicates a termite problem.
Mud tubes: Another major indicator of termites, especially if you spot them along the side of your home.
Bubbling or cracked paint: It could be water damage, or it could be from an insect.
Droppings: Pests aren’t potty trained—so seeing termite or mouse droppings around the home means you’ve got some unwanted guests.
Gnawed wiring: Rodents love to chew on any wires they can get their paws on.
Small openings along walls: Mice can squeeze into your home through a hole no larger than a dime.
Tiny blood spots: Especially on sheets, these are signs of bedbugs
Nests in gutters: Piles of leaves, twigs, and other debris in your gutters make for cozy homes for mice, rats, and insects
Scratching or clicking sounds in the walls: If it’s not a ghost, it’s likely a pest making those spooky noises.
Grease marks: Mice and rats tend to leave a greasy trail in their wake, especially on the floor and lower parts of the wall.
Outdoor damage: Chewed-up plants, patches of lawn damage, and mole holes all suggest a pest or two on the premises.
You can purchase countless bait traps and repellents online, but these DIY treatments can only do so much. They can help deter pests, but if you’re noticing any of the signs listed above, it’s probably best to call a professional to handle it.
Pest treatment costs
The price of pest treatment depends on the type of pest you’re dealing with, the complexity of the eradication, and the size of your home. For example, termites tend to be on the more costly end of the spectrum and can cost up to $2,500 to mitigate. Bed bugs are also on the pricier end of the treatment spectrum, costing upwards of $3,500.
Keep in mind that these estimates are only for residential buildings. A larger commercial building could cost around $30,000 for bed bug fumigation.
The costs can add up fast, but thankful there’s quite a bit you can roll up the welcome mat and keep pests at bay:
Seal all cracks and entry points outside your home, especially gaps where utility pipes and wires enter your home.
Store firewood 20 feet away from your home and at least 5 feet above the ground
Repair loose mortar and weather stripping around your windows, doors, and basement foundation
Trim shrubbery and tree branches so that they are far enough away from your home
Repair rotted roof shingles
Regularly clean your gutter to avoid standing water from building up
Check your home for plumbing leaks
If you have an outdoor dining area (like a patio or deck), make sure you do not leave food scraps out there
Secure your garbage in a rodent-proof bin
Securely store all food in your home—including pet food!
This may seem like a lot of effort on your part, but it’s time well spent if it means that your home is less likely to be invaded by pests.
The best pest control companies for a pest inspection
If you find yourself in need of pest fumigation treatment or are just looking for a company you can rely on for your regular pest inspections, check out our top picks:
Orkin
(BBB rating A+): Orkin is a large national company that offers a money-back guarantee and a promise of re-treatment if the first round doesn’t get the job done. However, their services are much pricier than smaller, local companies. HomeTeam Pest Defense
(BBB rating A+): After Orkin and Terminix, HomeTeam Pest Defense is the largest pest control company in the nation. Similar to Orkin, they offer a guarantee of re-treatment. Ehrlich
(BBB rating A+): Whether it crawls or slithers, the nationwide team at Ehrlich has the resources and expertise to get it out of your home. Arrow Exterminators
(BBB rating A+): Based in the south, this regional family-owned pest control company can also deal with wildlife. Western Pest Services
(BBB rating A+): This company exclusively services the mid- and North Atlantic region
If you are not getting a pest inspection as a part of your home inspection, you can get a free pest inspection with any of the companies listed above here.
How to save on homeowners insurance
By getting regular pest inspections, you can sleep soundly in your home, knowing there aren’t any creatures scuttling about your home at night or wreaking havoc on its structure. And while Jerry
can’t find you an invisible forcefield to keep pests out, we can help you with the next best thing: a great homeowners insurance
policy. All you have to do is download the app, answer a few questions, and Jerry will take care of the rest. We’ll do a comprehensive cross-analysis of policies from the top, name-brand insurers to make sure you have a policy that suits your needs. Choose the policy you like, then we’ll do the hard work for you—that means handling all phone calls, paperwork, and renewals
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