OUR PEST INSPECTION SERVICES IN Lakeland, FL

TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {Lakeland, FL involves a look for bugs and other creatures that can lead to harm to the structure of your property, a health risk or both. One usual structural problem is due to termites that derive their nutrients from the wood in your house, but different other bugs and rodents can also lead to issues.

What Does a Pest Inspection in Lakeland, FL Entail?

A pest inspection typically 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 observes signs of a potential pest problem. Nevertheless, homeowners can have pest inspections done anytime they’re worried they might have an issue.

Generally, pest inspection and mitigation services are offered by the same kinds of companies that do extermination. If you believe a problem and you can spot where it’s coming from, it may be feasible to do some do-it-yourself inspection and mitigation. However, this is a task that’s typically best left to pros. If your mortgage program requires a pest inspection, you will need to engage a professional.

With limited exceptions for certain states and counties within states, you usually 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 believes there’s a problem.
Let’s dive into a deeper dive into what’s entailed in the inspection next.

A Comprehensive Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in Lakeland, FL will look through the interior and exterior of your home for all kinds of critters that could be a threat. Depending on the region you live in, these include 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 comprise 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 invade your house in some way, often by exploiting and/or causing structural damage to your home. The inspector will search for evidence of damaged floorboards, baseboards, walls, siding and more. After getting rid of 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 provide a pest inspection report that is offered to the appraiser. Although states use different forms and there are pests they search for based on the climate, they do have some common elements.

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

Instructions for Treatment And Damage Repair

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

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

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in Lakeland, FLTake?

Most pest inspections typically take 30 minutes to an hour to finish. However, the actual length could be longer based on what the inspector has to look 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 handle. Following that, if damage repair or mitigation is required, it is based on how quickly you can get that scheduled. Once completed, another inspection to confirm damage repair and eradication of the problem is usually necessary. But the sooner you get the damage repaired, the more straightforward it can be.

How Much Does A Pest Inspection in Lakeland, FL Cost?

Based on HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. However, the cost can change quite a bit based on the size of the home and what’s being looked for. Moreover, 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 matter who pays for the pest inspection. The one that’s different is the VA, and that’s significant because it’s also the only loan where pest inspection is usually required.
Purchasers, 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 rest of the states and Washington, D.C., either the seller or lender must pay for the pest inspection on a VA loan.

Should I Get A Home Pest Inspection in Lakeland, FL?

A VA loan termite inspection is mandatory in many states. If your appraiser mentions 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 qualify for the mortgage.

Beyond that, no one desires to share their new home with uninvited guests, notably if those guests have more than four legs. Having a pest inspection is worthwhile for peace of mind alone. You’ll be confident that your new home is a tidy and safe place to reside in.

Home Pest Inspection FAQs

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

Are pest inspections in Lakeland, FL 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 Lakeland, FL?

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

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in Lakeland, FL will assist ensure that no unpleasant creepy crawly has made your home their own. This fairly cheap inspection can be necessary to get a mortgage in some situations and it’s also there to provide you confidence 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.

Call us now to book your home pest inspection in Lakeland, FL.