By Lizzie Weakley
Pest problems can be especially burdensome when trying to sell a home. If you're ready to put your house on the market, but are experiencing a setback because of pest damage, there are things that you can do to resolve the issue so that you'll be able to list your home with greater peace of mind.
Related: 4 Signs That Pests Are Wrecking Your Roof
Here are some of the best ways to go about cleaning and repairing your home if you've experienced a pest infestation and are trying to sell:
Seal Holes and Cracks
Holes, cracks or any other openings in walls, ceilings or floors around your home may have been caused by pests chewing through the materials. In addition to making your home less visually appealing, these eyesores can be used as entryways for other pests to invade your home. A caulk gun that's loaded with high-quality caulking can be used to seal many of these openings.
For smaller holes that may still let in bugs and other tiny pests, try using spackling paste and a putty knife to seal them.
Clean the Messes
Pests can leave a lot of messes behind with their urine, droppings and hairs, and you'll want to clean in the most thorough manner possible in order to remove the germs that could make home occupants sick. A store-bought disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water can be sprayed in areas where pest waste is found. Be sure to wear rubber, latex or vinyl gloves to pick up droppings and hairs with a paper or cloth towel.
If you find a dead rodent, the CDC recommends spraying it with a mixture of bleach and water before placing it inside a sealed plastic bag and then placing the plastic bag inside another sealed plastic bag for disposal.
Hire Pest Control Experts
If pests are still inside your home, hire pest control professionals to remove them. Experts know how to eliminate pests safely using advanced equipment and methods. All infested areas of the residence can be targeted thoroughly to keep the problem from recurring. Hiring professionals will also save you from having to do the work yourself and can help you avoid certain dangers that you might encounter if you try to get rid of the critters on your own.
Fix Damaged Wood
Termites and other pests can cause extensive damage to wooden structures within your home, and this can make living at your property dangerous. Any sections of damaged wood that you notice should be repaired immediately to avoid hazards. If you're unable to repair the structures right away, you might be able to secure it by adding a wood support next to the damaged area.
Selling your home will be much easier once you've gotten your pest problem under control. Fixing and cleaning a home that has been impacted by pests can often be done easily if the best solutions are implemented!
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her three-year-old Husky, Snowball. Looking to hire a pest control professional? Weakley recommends working with Allstate Pest Control.
We often deal with damage done by pests, dry rot, fungus, etc., here in the NorCal market. A few buyers might be willing to tackle a minor problem, but most tend to see every pest-control issue as anything but minor. Best advice above? Hire a professional.