It's every homeowner's worst nightmare: You get up in the middle of the night to get a glass of water and something scatters in the kitchen. It's small, fast, and has more legs than a city marathon.

Often, people buy a home that looks clean and bug-free only to discover unwanted guests living in cabinets, the ceiling, and the floor. This tends to happen when houses sit vacant for a while, providing ample time for critters to enter and multiply. It also happens in older, dilapidated houses that haven't been sealed in some time.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to keep a home entirely pest-free. That said, there are active measures you can take to control vermin and maintain a sanitary and livable environment.

Keep reading to learn more about how infestations work, some common signs to look for, and tips for treating pest problems.

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Termites and Cockroaches and Bed Bugs, Oh My

No matter where you live or what kind of house you buy, pest control is a top challenge for homeowners. In fact, 76% of homeowners report experiencing a recent pest issue — with 60% worrying significantly about the problem. Unsurprisingly, concern for infestation is higher among pet owners (65%) and parents (70%).

The pests you experience on your property can vary depending on your location. Some common household pests in the United States include:

Depending on where you live, you may also experience larger critters like raccoons, iguanas, snakes, or even alligators.

Almost all homes have minor nuisances like ants or wasp nests. Some pests are seasonal while others can bother you year-round. Infestations are much more than minor nuisances — they indicate a sustained and sizable presence of pests within or around the house.

🏡 Researching a new neighborhood? Use our Neighborhood Explorer to learn about the area before you buy.

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How Infestations Impact a House

Infestations may seem harmless at first. But left untreated, pests can quickly multiply and turn into a much larger issue. What starts as a minor inconvenience can become a significant financial and emotional burden. Over time, it can also lower your property value.

Structural Damage

Certain pests can target a home's overall structure, including critical support beams. For example, wood-boring beetles, termites, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees all target wood and can weaken the integrity of buildings, decks, and other wooden structures.

Additionally, wood-decaying fungi and mold can also break down the cellulose in wood, making it weak and brittle. This type of growth tends to occur in damp, humid environments with relatively high moisture levels.

Cosmetic Damage

Pests can also cause cosmetic damage to property. For example, some pests may target furniture, walls, and floors and require costly repairs or replacements. They can also target belongings like books, upholstery, clothing, and food.

Health Hazards

Your health is your greatest asset. Unfortunately, pests can pose health risks as well. For example, cockroaches and rodents may transmit diseases or trigger allergies with their droppings. Some people are also sensitive to chemical treatments, making removal increasingly burdensome.

What's more, pest issues may contribute to emotional distress and anxiety for homeowners and occupants.

Odors

Certain types of pests may emit odors that can permeate a house, making it highly unwelcoming. Odors may arise from feces or pests dying in crevices or crawl spaces.

Legal Concerns

In some cases, pests can lead to legal issues when they infest areas with shared spaces — like condominiums and apartment complexes. Certain infestations can trigger mandatory reporting, potentially leading to regulatory actions like fines or even foreclosures.

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Infestation Signs to Look For

When it comes to detecting pests, homebuyers are at a disadvantage. Most buyers only get a few chances to view a property. As such, it's critical to use your time wisely and be on the lookout for potential signs of pests.

Droppings or Tracks

One of the best ways to detect pests is to look for droppings from insects, rodents, or other critters. You may see small, pellet-like droppings or trails of fecal matter in places like cabinets, windowsills, and baseboards.

Eggs or Casings

Keep your eyes peeled for small eggs or casings. This may indicate the presence of pests like cockroaches, spiders, or beetles. You will typically find these items in places that are damp or out of view.

Unusual Noises

Spend some time walking through the property, and listen for sounds like scratching, squeaking, and scurrying. This could indicate the presence of unwanted critters.

Pet Behavior

If you have a furry friend, bring them along for a home visit. Your dog may be able to pick up on scents, sounds, or visual clues that you won't be able to detect. If your pet acts unusual by barking, sniffing excessively, or scratching, it could indicate that other creatures are present.

Gnaw Marks

Watch out for gnawing or chewing marks on walls, furniture, wires, and walls. Other indicators can include holes or entry points in ceilings, floors, and panels.

📋 Buying your first home? Use our Homebuyer Checklist to make sure you don't miss critical inspection steps.

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How Do You Treat Pest Problems?

If you buy a house with a pest problem, the best thing you can do is take action — and quickly. Most pest problems are treatable if you catch them early and follow through with an effective eradication method.

1. Consult With a Professional

If you suspect that your house has an infestation, consult with a professional pest removal service. Attempting DIY pest removal can potentially make the problem worse. And if you don't know what you're doing, you could damage your property or create additional health hazards.

Working with a professional service can also help avoid local environmental violations. Certain types of pests cannot be legally removed due to conservation laws and regulations.

💬 Need expert advice? Browse our Expert Directory to connect with home inspectors and contractors in your area.

2. Identify the Pests You Are Dealing With

A professional pest removal specialist can tell you what you are dealing with and the severity of the situation. After the initial inspection is complete, ask for an official report for your records.

3. Set a Course of Action

After an initial inspection, a pest removal company will likely issue a remediation plan. Home pest control solutions and costs can vary — an initial pest control visit can cost anywhere from $150 to $350 or even more, while monthly or annual visits can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Depending on the type of infestation, a company may recommend:

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The Pros and Cons of Pesticides

Pesticides are chemical substances that can help you eliminate common household pests. 75% of U.S. households use at least one pesticide product indoors.

The Pros

The Cons

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What to Look for in a Professional Pest Control Company

If you have a severe infestation, hiring an experienced pest control company is likely your best option.

Licensing and Certification

Ensure the pest control company has proper licensing and certification and meets local standards and regulations.

Reputation

Check online reviews and testimonials from other customers. Look for a company with positive feedback and a strong reputation.

Transparent Pricing

Request detailed pricing information before work begins. Watch out for hidden fees like extra treatment charges, preparation fees, and after-hours fees.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Consider asking the vendor about their use of environmentally friendly methods or products.

💰 Worried about unexpected costs? Use our Affordability Calculator to plan your budget for homeownership expenses.

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Should You Buy a Home With Pest Problems?

At the end of the day, there isn't such a thing as a perfect house. Your decision to buy a house with pest problems will ultimately depend on the severity of the problem, the cost of remediation, and your willingness to address the issue.

Some homeowners can manage small infestations, while others need a pest-free environment for peace of mind. It's important to be honest with yourself before agreeing to buy a house.

If you suspect that a house has a pest problem during your home search, don't hesitate to ask your real estate agent for guidance. And keep in mind that you can still back out of a deal after you submit an offer if an inspection reveals a need for large-scale pest treatment.

🎓 Keep learning — visit our Education Hub for more guides on home inspections, maintenance, and smart homeownership.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is offered for educational purposes only. Visitors are advised to consult with qualified experts before making any financial decisions.