OUR PEST INSPECTION SERVICES IN St. Petersburg, FL

TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {St. Petersburg, FL involves a look for bugs and other critters that can lead to harm to the structure of your property, a health threat or both. One usual structural concern is caused by termites that derive their nutrients from the wood in your house, but different other bugs and rodents can also cause problems.

What Does a Pest Inspection in St. Petersburg, FL Entail?

A pest inspection often takes place around the same time as a home inspection or appraisal. In fact, one of the times 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 offered by the same types of companies that do extermination. If you suspect 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 typically best left to pros. If your mortgage program requires a pest inspection, you will need to hire a professional.

With limited exceptions for specific states and counties within states, you normally 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 thinks there’s a problem.
Let’s have a deeper exploration into what’s included in the inspection next.

A Thorough Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in St. Petersburg, FL will inspect the interior and exterior of your home for all types 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
• Bedbugs
• Cockroaches
• Bees and other stinging insects
• Carpenter ants
• Different kinds of rodents
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Scorpions
• Moths
• Wood-destroying insects
Evidence of these critters can include 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, typically 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 give 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 summary 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 cases, the problem needs 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 severe structural damage is found, a longer treatment plan may be established.

Nonetheless, they’ll do another inspection to verify that the problem has been taken care of.

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in St. Petersburg, FLTake?

Most pest inspections usually take 30 minutes to an hour to finish. But, 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 harder to access, that can take some additional 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 needed, it depends on how fast you can get that scheduled. Once done, another inspection to confirm damage repair and eradication of the problem is typically necessary. But the faster you get the damage repaired, the easier it can be.

How Much Does A Pest Inspection in St. Petersburg, FL Cost?

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. But, the cost can change 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 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 usually required.
Purchasers, 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 need to pay for the pest inspection on a VA loan.

Should I Get A Home Pest Inspection in St. Petersburg, FL?

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.

Outside of that, no one wants to share their new home with uninvited guests, especially if those guests have more than four legs. Obtaining a pest inspection is valuable for peace of mind alone. You’ll feel confident that your new home is a tidy and safe place to dwell in.

Home Pest Inspection FAQs

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

Are pest inspections in St. Petersburg, 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 most likely be required.

Who pays for a pest inspection in St. Petersburg, FL?

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

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in St. Petersburg, FL will assist ensure that no undesirable creepy crawly has made your home their own. This relatively cheap inspection can be essential to get a mortgage in some situations and it’s also there to provide you confidence 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 constantly important, but they can be especially necessary when you’re buying a house that’s sold as-is.

Contact us now to schedule your home pest inspection in St. Petersburg, FL.