Tampa Home Inspector Talks Pest Inspections

A pest inspection is not part of a typical home inspection. Granted, a home inspector will note in their report if they discover any indication of pests during a home inspection; however, not all pests may leave obvious signs of their presence. Home insurance typically excludes pest-related issues, and the cost of pest control can be significantly more than the cost of a pest inspection.

When Do I Need A Pest Inspection?

Pest inspections are recommended for

• older homes,
• homes that have sat empty for years, and
• homes where signs of a potential pest presence were discovered

What Happens During A Pest Inspection?

An AcuSystem certified pest inspector will review the interior and exterior of the property for signs of pest. This includes looking for:

• Pest Attractants (moisture, food sources, etc.)
• Pest Activity (tunneling, droppings, or shed skin or discarded wings)
• Pest Damage (chew marks, wood damage, etc.)

Some of the most common pests in Florida are termites, cockroaches, and rodents, but other pests can also plague homes such as wasps, bees, spiders, and carpenter ants.

Following the pest inspection, your AcuSystem Inspector will provide you with a detailed report that includes their findings—problem areas and recommended pest control treatment.

Do I Need A Pest Inspection Before Buying A Home?

You are not required to have a pest inspection done before buying a home in Florida, although some lenders may want one if the home has had a history of pest, especially termites.

It is important to have a home inspection completed of the property you are looking to buy. This will be the first step in identifying any potential concerns—signs of pest activity visible during the home inspection can help you determine if further investigation is necessary with a pest inspection.

Depending on the findings and our schedules, we may be able to perform a pest inspection immediately following your home inspection if there are signs of a potential pest infestation. We can discuss any concerns you have about pests or other findings on the home inspection report as soon as we are completed with our inspection.