Does Your New Home Have A Pest Or Wildlife Issue?
The home buying and selling process can be a daunting task. Once the process is over, most home buyers are relieved to finally settle into their new home. However, sometimes there may be pest, wildlife or other animal issues which are identified during, or shortly after, the home buying process.
Realizing that you aren’t the only residents in your new home can be extremely frustrating. Whether you hear a noise in the attic area, notice structural damage, or see the offending pests, it’s time to get these critters out. While this nuisance may cause some distress, the good news is that the issue can be taken care of, and you can regain your peace of mind about your new home.
Common Home Pest & Wildlife Infestations
The types of issues Minnesota homeowners find most frequently are carpenter ants, spiders, bats, mice, woodpeckers (and corresponding insect food sources), squirrels, raccoons, roaches, bedbugs, boxelder bugs, snakes, wasps, moles, voles, and even aquatic species contributing to shoreline erosion.
Pest and wildlife technicians are trained to inspect structures for precisely these kinds of issues. They can inspect the interior and exterior, top to bottom, including both the attic and roofline areas (weather allowing), noting all observed and potential issues.
These issues can come in the form of animal damage to your home, disease vectors such as wildlife intrusion and their waste products, tunneled insulation, and sometimes water damage or gaps and cracks produced by temperature fluctuations because of seasonal temperature changes. Recommendations are given to the home or business owner to aid in decreasing harborage, habitat or foraging, as well as disinfection recommendations for areas where droppings, nesting, refuse and other damage may exist.
Home Pest & Wildlife Control Inspections
A comprehensive estimate would detail the location and activity level of various entry points, as well as the cost for each repair. A good pest and wildlife control company will always be willing to check rooflines in good weather, even above 25 feet, and attics whenever entry is suspected. Ensure whomever you call is willing and able to do both as many companies will not be insured or able to work above 25 feet.
It is usually possible to contract out as few or as many of those repairs as you desire. Oftentimes, companies will allow you to select repairs a la carte, skipping those you would rather defer or gamble on. Despite this, it is best to complete all necessary repairs. Damage to your home’s exterior compromises energy retention, and water damage is always a risk when certain areas are compromised.
Entry points noted during the inspection as active and inactive do not mean they will remain so. If an animal is habituated to your structure (or yard), they will continue to seek new ways in. Thus the preventative recommendation for a chimney cap, builder’s gap, or vent could suddenly become active.
Paying to trap out these animals a second time is never a welcome expense. Pheromone trails will sometimes even lead new animals of the same species into a previously compromised, unsealed entry point.
Preventing Pest & Wildlife Entry Into Homes
The classic fix for mouse and small wildlife entry issues used to be spray foam. It’s cheap and gives the appearance of being effective in the short term. It is not a long term solution, however, so pest and wildlife companies like Abra Kadabra have moved on to a post-spray-foam world.
Sturdy materials such as metal, mortar and high grade sealants cannot be chewed or scratched through like foam can. These new products we use ensure energy loss and water damage are simultaneously addressed in a lasting manner.
If you live in the greater Twin Cities area and have experienced a pest or wildlife infestation in your newly purchased home, call Abra Kadabra Environmental Services today at 763-537-0330. Our phones are monitored 7 days a week, with after hours and weekend technicians available in emergencies. We can also be reached at info@abrakadabraenvironmental.com or using our web form.
