Why Home Buyers Should Ask About Wildlife History

During the excitement of buying a new home, it's easy to overlook crucial concerns that lead to major problems down the road - such as the presence of wildlife. As you tour new homes, your focus will likely be drawn to the layout, finishes, and spatial details. The home inspection will identify general structural and mechanical issues, but it can overlook past or even current wildlife infestations. Asking about wildlife history can reveal vital details about a home's condition. Here's what you should know.

You Won't See the Evidence

Animals, such as birds, squirrels, and rats, exploit small gaps and weaknesses to access rooflines, vents, and soffits. They leave minimal evidence of their entry points in areas that are difficult to inspect. 

Potential Structural Damage

Once in attics, crawl spaces, or wall voids, rodents chew through wood, insulation, and wiring, creating structural and mechanical dangers that are invisible until they require costly repairs. Damage such as insulation disruption, weakened structural components, and even wiring issues can go unrecognized in a typical inspection. 

Existing Entry Points Can Invite New Animals

Entry points that haven't been sealed can invite new animals into the home. Scent trails and vulnerabilities invite nesting behavior that creates a cycle of animal inhabitants, causing further damage to the home. 

Health Hazards

Rodent and bird droppings can contain pathogens and microbes that can affect the occupant's health over time. While air quality issues aren't likely to be noticed during an inspection, droppings and the related moisture can lead to mold growth and dangerous particles in the air that affect respiratory health.

Insurance Issues

Unaddressed wildlife issues and even the residual effects of a previous wildlife infestation are typically considered neglect. As a result, insurance policies may limit coverage for damage caused or new conditions that arise as a result of previous damage. 

Gain Negotiating Leverage

If a home has an unresolved wildlife history, you may be able to request remediation or demand concessions to cover the cost of repairs. Ask if wildlife removal, contamination cleanup, and structural damage have been addressed and if any preventative measures have been implemented. Ensure that all entry points have been sealed to prevent future infestations. 

If wildlife infestations have been a concern in the past, you can take steps to prevent future infestations. Check out our wildlife control solutions for homeowners to find safe and effective ways to prevent future wildlife infestations. For more information about our wildlife control products and how they can help prevent future infestations, contact us today.