OUR PEST INSPECTION SERVICES IN Cambridge, MA

TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {Cambridge, MA includes a look for bugs and other organisms that can cause damage to the framework of your property, a health hazard or both. One usual structural problem is due to termites that get their nutrients from the wood in your house, but different other bugs and rodents can also cause problems.

What Does a Pest Inspection in Cambridge, MA Entail?

A pest inspection typically takes place about the same time as a home inspection or appraisal. In fact, one of the situations it might be required is when an appraiser notices signs of a potential pest problem. But, homeowners can have pest inspections done whenever they’re anxious they might have an issue.

Usually, pest inspection and mitigation services are provided by the same types of companies that do extermination. If you believe a problem and you can identify where it’s coming from, it may be feasible to do some do-it-yourself inspection and mitigation. But, this is a task that’s often best left to pros. If your mortgage program requires a pest inspection, you will need to employ a professional.

With limited exceptions for specific states and counties within states, you usually 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 look into what’s included in the inspection next.

A Comprehensive Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in Cambridge, MA will look through the interior and exterior of your home for all manner of critters that could be a hazard. Depending on the region you live in, these comprise but aren’t limited to the following:

• Subterranean and above-ground termites
• Bedbugs
• 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 gatherings of insect droppings or gnawing marks on furniture.

An Evaluation of Any Structural Damage

Insects and other pests enter your house in some way, usually by taking advantage of and/or causing structural damage to your home. The inspector will look for evidence of damaged floorboards, baseboards, walls, siding and more. After eliminating the pests from their hiding place, the structural damage will need to be fixed.

A Detailed Pest Report

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

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

Instructions for Treatment And Damage Repair

In most instances, the problem needs to be treated and any damage resulting from the infestation has 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. Proper 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 implemented.

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

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in Cambridge, MATake?

Most pest inspections normally take 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Nevertheless, 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 harder 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 process. After that, if damage repair or mitigation is needed, it is based on how quickly you can get that scheduled. Once finished, another inspection to confirm damage repair and eradication of the problem is usually necessary. But the quicker you get the damage repaired, the easier it can be.

How Much Does A Pest Inspection in Cambridge, MA Cost?

Based on HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. But, the cost can differ significantly depending on the size of the home and what’s being checked for. Furthermore, sometimes you might be able to get a combined deal if you also have a regular home inspection done with the same company.

With most loan options, it doesn’t make a difference who pays for the pest inspection. The one that’s different is the VA, and that’s crucial because it’s also the only loan where pest inspection is typically required.
Homebuyers, sellers or lenders can pay for a pest inspection under a VA loan in the next states:

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

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

Should I Get A Home Pest Inspection in Cambridge, MA?

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

After that, no one wishes to share their new home with intruders, particularly if those guests have more than four legs. Getting a pest inspection is valuable for peace of mind alone. You’ll feel confident that your new home is a neat and safe place to dwell in.

Home Pest Inspection FAQs

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

Are pest inspections in Cambridge, MA required?

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

Who pays for a pest inspection in Cambridge, MA?

In some situations, like VA loans, the seller may pay for the cost of a pest inspection. On the other hand, if the buyer’s home inspector mentions signs of pests they may choose to get a pest inspection before proceeding with the process.

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in Cambridge, MA will assist make sure that no undesirable creepy crawly has made your home their own. This comparatively cheap inspection can be essential to get a mortgage in some instances and it’s also there to provide you peace of mind that the home you’re living in is secure and sanitary.

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

Contact us now to schedule your home pest inspection in Cambridge, MA.