OUR PEST INSPECTION SERVICES IN Plano, TX

TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {Plano, TX involves a hunt for bugs and other critters that can cause damage to the structure of your property, a health threat or both. One frequent structural issue is caused by termites that obtain their nutrients from the wood in your house, but different other bugs and rodents can also cause problems.

What Does a Pest Inspection in Plano, TX Entail?

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

Generally, pest inspection and mitigation services are given by the same kinds of companies that do extermination. If you think a problem and you can identify 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 usually best left to pros. If your mortgage program requires a pest inspection, you will need to engage a professional.

With limited 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 significant exception is the VA Streamline (also known as an interest rate reduction refinance loan or IRRRL), unless an appraiser thinks there’s a problem.
Let’s take a deeper exploration into what’s involved in the inspection next.

A Thorough Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in Plano, TX will inspect the interior and exterior of your home for all kinds of critters that could be a threat. According to 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
• Various kinds of rodents
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Scorpions
• Moths
• Wood-destroying insects
Evidence of these critters can consist of everything from damaged wood to small accumulations 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 utilizing and/or causing structural damage to your home. The inspector will seek out 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 issue a pest inspection report that is given to the appraiser. Even though 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 give a brief description 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 situations, the problem needs to be treated and any damage due to 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. Proper treatment might involve 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.

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

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in Plano, TXTake?

Most pest inspections usually take 30 minutes to an hour to complete. But, the actual length could be longer depending on what the inspector has to check, 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 extra time.

The paperwork also needs 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 soon you can get that scheduled. Once done, another inspection to confirm damage repair and eradication of the problem is normally necessary. But the faster you get the damage repaired, the easier it can be.

How Much Does A Pest Inspection in Plano, TX Cost?

Based on HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. But, the cost can vary quite a bit based on the size of the home and what’s being inspected for. Moreover, sometimes you might be able to get a package 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 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 remaining 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 Plano, TX?

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 qualify for the mortgage.

Beyond that, no one wants to share their new home with intruders, especially 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 concerning home pest inspections.

Are pest inspections in Plano, TX 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 reveals signs of a pest infestation, a professional pest inspection will probably be required.

Who pays for a pest inspection in Plano, TX?

In some instances, like VA loans, the seller may cover the cost of a pest inspection. Alternatively, if the buyer’s home inspector mentions signs of pests they may opt to get a pest inspection before moving forward with the process.

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in Plano, TX will aid guarantee that no unpleasant creepy crawly has made your home their own. This comparatively cheap inspection can be essential to get a mortgage in some cases and it’s also there to give you confidence that the home you’re living in is safe and sanitary.

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

Reach out to us now to arrange your home pest inspection in Plano, TX.