OUR PEST INSPECTION SERVICES IN Durham, NC

TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {Durham, NC includes a search for bugs and other critters that can lead to harm to the framework of your property, a health threat or both. One frequent structural problem is caused by 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 Durham, NC Entail?

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

Usually, pest inspection and mitigation services are given by the same kinds of companies that do extermination. If you think a problem and you can spot where it’s coming from, it may be possible to do some do-it-yourself inspection and mitigation. However, 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 few exceptions for certain states and counties within states, you typically need a pest inspection if you’re getting a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. One important 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 take a deeper look into what’s involved in the inspection next.

A Thorough Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in Durham, NC will examine the interior and exterior of your home for all manner of critters that could be a risk. Based 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
• Various kinds of rodents
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Scorpions
• Moths
• Wood-destroying insects
Evidence of these critters can include things 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, often 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 have to be fixed.

A Detailed Pest Report

Once the inspector is done, they’ll give a pest inspection report that is offered to the appraiser. Although states use different forms and there are pests they seek 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 discuss 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 needs to be treated and any damage caused by 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. Efficient treatment might entail a simple one-time visit from an exterminator, or if more severe structural damage is found, a longer treatment plan may be established.

Nevertheless, they’ll do another inspection to confirm that the problem has been addressed.

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in Durham, NCTake?

Most pest inspections normally take 30 minutes to an hour to finish. However, the actual length could be longer depending 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 tougher to access, that can take some more time.

The paperwork also has to be sent to your mortgage company and that might take a day or two to process. Beyond 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 faster you get the damage repaired, the easier it can be.

How Much Does A Pest Inspection in Durham, NC Cost?

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. However, the cost can differ quite a bit depending on the size of the home and what’s being looked 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.
Buyers, sellers or lenders can pay for a pest inspection under a VA loan in the following 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 Durham, NC?

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

Beyond that, no one wants to share their new home with uninvited guests, particularly if those guests have more than four legs. Obtaining a pest inspection is worthwhile for peace of mind alone. You’ll be 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 Durham, NC 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 probably be required.

Who pays for a pest inspection in Durham, NC?

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 points out signs of pests they may choose to get a pest inspection before proceeding with the process.

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in Durham, NC will aid make sure that no unwanted creepy crawly has made your home their own. This comparatively cheap inspection can be necessary to get a mortgage in some cases and it’s also there to give 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 particularly necessary when you’re purchasing a house that’s sold as-is.

Call us now to book your home pest inspection in Durham, NC.