OUR PEST INSPECTION SERVICES IN Baton Rouge, LA

TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {Baton Rouge, LA includes a look for bugs and other critters that can cause damage to the structure of your property, a health threat or both. One usual structural issue is due to termites that obtain their nutrients from the wood in your house, but various other bugs and rodents can also cause problems.

What Does a Pest Inspection in Baton Rouge, LA Entail?

A pest inspection usually takes place near the same time as a home inspection or appraisal. Indeed, one of the instances it might be required is when an appraiser sees signs of a potential pest problem. Nevertheless, homeowners can have pest inspections done when they’re anxious they might have an issue.

Generally, pest inspection and mitigation services are given by the same kinds of companies that do extermination. If you believe a problem and you can identify where it’s coming from, it may be possible to do some do-it-yourself inspection and mitigation. But, this is an aspect that’s usually best left to pros. If your mortgage program requires a pest inspection, you will need to engage a professional.

With few exceptions for specific states and counties within states, you typically need a pest inspection if you’re getting a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. One notable exception is the VA Streamline (also known as an interest rate reduction refinance loan or IRRRL), unless an appraiser feels there’s a problem.
Let’s have a deeper dive into what’s involved in the inspection next.

A Comprehensive Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in Baton Rouge, LA will look through the interior and exterior of your home for all types of critters that could be a risk. Depending on the region you live in, these consist of but aren’t limited to the following:

• Subterranean and above-ground termites
• Bed bugs
• Cockroaches
• Bees and other stinging insects
• Carpenter ants
• Several kinds of rodents
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Scorpions
• Moths
• Wood-destroying insects
Evidence of these critters can include items from damaged wood to small accumulations of insect droppings or gnawing marks on furniture.

An Evaluation of Any Structural Damage

Insects and other pests get into your house in some way, typically by exploiting and/or causing structural damage to your home. The inspector will look for evidence of damaged floorboards, baseboards, walls, siding and more. After rooting out the pests from their hiding place, the structural damage will have to be fixed.

A Detailed Pest Report

Once the inspector is done, they’ll give a pest inspection report that is provided to the appraiser. Although states use different forms and there are pests they look for based on the climate, they do share some common elements.

Each inspection form will provide a brief summary of the pests found. They’ll also mention where they were found and any damage done. Finally, they’ll go over necessary treatments.

Instructions for Treatment And Damage Repair

In most cases, the problem requires to be treated and any damage resulting from the infestation needs to be repaired to the satisfaction of the inspector before you can continue with the loan if the inspector or appraiser had previously noted the problem. Effective treatment might involve a simple one-time visit from an exterminator, or if more intense structural damage is found, a longer treatment plan may be put in place.

Regardless, they’ll do another inspection to ensure that the problem has been addressed.

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in Baton Rouge, LATake?

Most pest inspections normally take 30 minutes to an hour to conclude. But, the actual length could be longer based on what the inspector has to search for, and the size and layout of the house. For example, if you have a crawlspace or attic that is more difficult to access, that can take some more time.

The paperwork also needs to be sent to your mortgage company and that might take a day or two to handle. Beyond that, if damage repair or mitigation is needed, it depends on how fast you can get that scheduled. Once completed, another inspection to confirm damage repair and eradication of the problem is usually necessary. But the faster you get the damage repaired, the easier it can be.

How Much Does A Pest Inspection in Baton Rouge, LA Cost?

Per HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. But, the cost can change quite a bit according to the size of the home and what’s being checked for. Additionally, sometimes you might be able to get a bundle deal if you also have a regular home inspection done with the same company.

With most loan options, it doesn’t matter who pays for the pest inspection. The one that’s different is the VA, and that’s important because it’s also the only loan where pest inspection is required required.
Purchasers, sellers or lenders can pay for a pest inspection under a VA loan in the subsequent states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Texas

In the remaining states and Washington, D.C., either the seller or lender need to pay for the pest inspection on a VA loan.

Should I Get A Home Pest Inspection in Baton Rouge, LA?

A VA loan termite inspection is mandatory in many states. If your appraiser mentions signs of a pest problem, a pest inspection will be needed. If you do not get a pest inspection, you may not be able to be eligible for the mortgage.

After that, no one wants to share their new home with uninvited guests, particularly if those guests have more than four legs. Having a pest inspection is well worth it for peace of mind alone. You’ll feel confident that your new home is a clean and safe place to reside in.

Home Pest Inspection FAQs

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about home pest inspections.

Are pest inspections in Baton Rouge, LA required?

There are a few circumstances in which a pest inspection may be required. If you are going for a VA loan or if a home inspection displays signs of a pest infestation, a professional pest inspection will likely be required.

Who pays for a pest inspection in Baton Rouge, LA?

In some cases, like VA loans, the seller may cover the cost of a pest inspection. On the other hand, if the buyer’s home inspector mentions signs of pests they may decide to get a pest inspection before continuing with the process.

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in Baton Rouge, LA will help guarantee that no unpleasant creepy crawly has made your home their own. This comparatively cheap inspection can be required to get a mortgage in some instances and it’s also there to provide you reassurance that the home you’re living in is secure and sanitary.

We hope you learned a little bit more about pest control. A pest inspection and a general home inspection are always important, but they can be especially necessary when you’re purchasing a house that’s sold as-is.

Call us now to arrange your home pest inspection in Baton Rouge, LA.