When it comes to selling a home, there are a lot of things that can affect the sale price. From the condition of the property itself to the state of the housing market, there are a lot of factors that come into play. But did you know that pests can also have an impact on your home’s resale price? Read our article to learn how pests can negatively affect your property value and what you can do to prevent them.
Pests in the Home During Winter
Nobody wants to find pests in their home. Whether it’s mice, spiders, roaches, or ants, these unwelcome visitors can be a major disruption. Not to mention, they can also be dangerous to your health and the health of your family.
Certain pests are especially common during the winter months, when colder temperatures drive animals toward the warmth of our home’s interiors. Be on the lookout for the following species this winter in Colorado:
House Mice
House mice prefer to nest in dark, low traffic areas, like attics and basements. They can cause significant structural damage by chewing through wood and wiring. They can also pose health risks by transmitting parasites, viruses, and bacteria (salmonella is common).
To help prevent house mice, make sure you seal any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation and around windows. Clear boxes and other debris from the garage, basement, and attic floors, since mice like to make nests in clutter.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are much smaller than their American or Oriental counterparts. Their smaller size means it is much easier for them to find their way into your home through even the tiniest of openings. German cockroaches often enter the home as stowaways on grocery bags or secondhand clothing.
German cockroaches are most often found in the kitchen and bathroom. To prevent German cockroaches, make sure to thoroughly vacuum and sweep up crumbs in the home and wipe up any spills immediately. Make sure to sanitize second hand items before using them and check for any signs of eggs.
Norway Rats
Also called “brown rats,” Norway rats can pose a significant problem in Colorado homes. They are much larger than common house mice, which means the damage can also be greater. Rats are extremely destructive and have been known to chew through virtually any material, from wood to metal. Like mice, they are also vectors for a number of parasitic diseases. Their urine and droppings can also be a source of dangerous illnesses, such as the hantavirus.
To avoid a rat infestation, follow a similar protocol as you would for preventing mice: seal openings and clear floors of clutter to discourage nesting. Make sure your trash cans have lids and check frequently for droppings and signs of chewing.
Why Pests Are Bad for Property Value
In addition to turning off potential buyers, pests can also cause significant physical damage to your home. Mice and rats like to chew on wires and wood, which can lead to serious damage over time. Termites and carpenter ants eat away at wood, which can weaken structural support beams.
Cockroaches and silverfish love moisture and often congregate in bathrooms and kitchens where they contaminate food and spread disease. All of this damage will need to be repaired before you put your home on the market, which means more time and money spent on getting your house ready to sell.
What To Do If You Have Pests
So what can you do to prevent pests from affecting your home’s value? The best thing you can do is to be proactive about pest control. If you do have a pest problem, make sure to get rid of them before putting your home on the market.
Even if you don’t have a current pest problem, you may need to disclose any past pest issues to potential buyers.
Consider obtaining a pest inspection from a professional before putting your home up for sale. This will let buyers know that your home is free from any current pest problems.
Pests and Property Values
As you can see, pests can have a significant impact on your home’s value—both in terms of scaring away potential buyers and causing physical damage to your property. So if you’re thinking about selling your home, make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of pests and get rid of them as soon as possible!
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