TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {Santa Rosa, CA includes a hunt for bugs and other creatures that can lead to harm to the structure of your property, a health risk or both. One common structural concern is due to termites that derive their nutrients from the wood in your house, but various other bugs and rodents can also be problematic.

What Does a Pest Inspection in Santa Rosa, CA Entail?

A pest inspection usually takes place around the same time as a home inspection or appraisal. Actually, one of the times 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 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 think 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 typically best left to pros. If your mortgage program requires a pest inspection, you will need to hire 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 believes there’s a problem.
Let’s dive into a deeper dive into what’s involved in the inspection next.

A Comprehensive Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in Santa Rosa, CA will inspect the interior and exterior of your home for all kinds of critters that could be a risk. Depending on the region you live in, these comprise 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 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 invade 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 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 given 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 overview 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 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. Efficient treatment might include 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 ensure that the problem has been taken care of.

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in Santa Rosa, CATake?

Most pest inspections usually take 30 minutes to an hour to conclude. However, the actual length could be longer according to 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 deal with. Following that, if damage repair or mitigation is required, it is based on how fast 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 Santa Rosa, CA Cost?

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. However, the cost can differ 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 count 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 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 rest of the 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 Santa Rosa, CA?

A VA loan termite inspection is required in many states. If your appraiser notes 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.

Beyond that, no one wants to share their new home with uninvited guests, notably if those guests have more than four legs. Obtaining a pest inspection is worthwhile 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 often asked questions concerning home pest inspections.

Are pest inspections in Santa Rosa, CA 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 reveals signs of a pest infestation, a professional pest inspection will likely be required.

Who pays for a pest inspection in Santa Rosa, CA?

In some cases, 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 continuing with the process.

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in Santa Rosa, CA will help guarantee that no unwanted creepy crawly has made your home their own. This relatively cheap inspection can be necessary to get a mortgage in some instances and it’s also there to offer you reassurance that the home you’re living in is safe and sanitary.

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

Call us now to schedule your home pest inspection in Santa Rosa, CA.