The prospect of renovating an older property can be an exciting venture, filled with opportunities to imbue a bygone era structure with a modern touch. However, it’s essential to consider that the renovation journey may not come hassle-free. One significant issue to anticipate and address is the presence of pests, which can feature prominently in older estates.
If not handled properly, these pests may not only pose a health risk but also cause costly damage to your newly renovated property. Hence, before swinging that hammer, here’s a guide on how best to handle pests in an older home renovation.
The Importance of Pest Inspections
A crucial starting point is conducting a comprehensive pest inspection. The goal is to exterminate pests from your home before the renovation begins. Ignoring this step could result in significant structural damage because pests, particularly insects and rodents, have been known to chew through walls, woodwork, and even electrical wiring. Various pest control services can do a meticulous sweep of the property, identify any infestations, and then eliminate them.
Identifying the Type of Pests
The nature of the pest control service required will largely depend on the type of pests identified. The most common kinds include roaches, rodents, bedbugs, termites, and fleas. Each type calls for a specialized extermination approach. For instance, rodents might require traps and bait stations, while bed bugs might require heat treatment.
Professional Pest Control Services
Professional pest control services are often the best go-to solution to ensure a comprehensive extermination. These services employ experts who are well-versed in pest behavior, breeding patterns, and harborage areas. They utilize advanced techniques and equipment, including pesticides that are safe yet effective, to provide lasting solutions.
DIY Pest Extermination Options
If the infestation is minor and you prefer a do-it-yourself approach, there are a number of options. Glue traps, light traps, and bait stations for rodents and roaches, as well as aerosol pesticides, are readily available. However, caution must be exercised when using pesticides without professional guidance, due to potential health risks.
Seal Possible Entry Points to Prevent Re-infestation
Post-extermination, it’s vital to ensure measures are taken to prevent future pest invasions. This involves sealing any gaps or crevices, fixing leaks, and ensuring no food is left lying around to attract the pests. The renovation project itself provides a unique opportunity to correct structural faults that might otherwise offer easy access for pests.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Even after successful extermination, it’s not a guarantee that the pests won’t reappear. Conducting regular inspections and opting for preventive pest control can go a long way in keeping the property pest-free.
Consider the Landscaping
Finally, while concentrating the effort indoors, don’t forget the outside. Overgrown vegetation, wood piles, and standing water can attract pests. A professional landscaper can help ensure the outdoor environment doesn’t become a breeding ground for pests.
Renovating an older property is a task that demands due diligence, and as part of this, handling pests is a critical step that cannot be overlooked. Remember, it is not about hastily removing the pests. Instead, the goal should be to devise an enduring solution to keep the property pest-free beyond the renovation process. By taking into account factors such as the type of pests and control methods, and enlisting expert help when needed, you can ensure the success of your home renovation without the added worry of pest infestations.
Published by HOLR Magazine.