If you’re buying or selling a home in Florida, getting a home pest inspection is crucial because evidence of pests or conditions that could attract them can delay or even derail a sale. Working with a professional company like Florida Pest Control will give you one less thing to worry about, allowing you to move forward with confidence, not stress.
A thorough home pest control inspection is a smart investment, whether you’re a buyer, seller, or real estate agent. As part of our commitment to protecting Florida homeowners, we offer dependable real estate pest management services, including WDO reports, so that you can make decisions with greater certainty.
Professional Pest Control Inspections
In Florida’s competitive real estate market, you need to be sure a property is free of pests, both past and present. Based on industry figures, a reasonable estimate suggests 30% to 70% of Florida homes show signs of pest activity in any given year. Our real estate pest control inspections are conducted by trained technicians to help minimize the chances of an infestation.
We inspect all accessible areas of the home, including:
- Crawl spaces: These dark, often damp areas beneath a home can harbor various pests, from moisture-loving insects like termites and carpenter ants to rodents seeking shelter. We carefully inspect for signs of activity, moisture ingress, and structural damage.
- Basements: Our specialists examine walls, floors, ceilings, and stored items for evidence of infestations, paying close attention to areas with water leaks or high humidity.
- Attics: Often neglected, attics can become home to rodents, squirrels, raccoons, and insects. We look for droppings, nesting materials, chewed wires, and entry points that indicate wildlife or insect presence.
- Garages: Garages, with frequent opening and closing, are easy targets for pests. We inspect for signs of rodents, spiders, and other insects seeking refuge or food.
- Closets: Dark and undisturbed, closets can harbor pests that prefer secluded environments. We check for signs of moths, carpet beetles, and other fabric-damaging insects, as well as rodent activity.
- Exterior structures: Decks and porches provide cover and protection for rodents and insects.
Our technicians will identify current or past pest activity and moisture problems, cracks, or wood damage that could leave a property open to infestations. If you’re wondering how often you should get your home checked, our team can provide guidance based on your location and the age or condition of your property.
Understanding WDO Reports
Wood-destroying pests are a huge problem for homes in Florida due to its close proximity to water and tropical climate. Equally, extreme weather and poor maintenance increase the chance of water leaks and rotting wood, which could lead to a wood-destroying pest infestation. The resulting structural damage can be expensive to fix, and it can take time to eliminate the pests responsible.
A wood-destroying inspection looks for visible evidence of live organisms, infestation, and existing property damage. The resulting Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) Report is often required by many mortgage lenders to ensure the property’s structural integrity before a sale can go ahead.
During our real estate pest inspections, a Florida Pest exterminator will look for evidence of the following wood-destroying pests to create a WDO Report:
Termites
Termites eat wood from the inside out. Often, you won't see any damage until the problem is severe. Both subterranean (underground) and drywood termites are major threats in Florida. Subterranean termites usually come from the soil, while drywood termites directly infest wood. We look for mud tubes (tunnels made of dirt), frass (termite droppings), discarded wings, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Wood-boring Beetles
When they are young (larvae), these beetles tunnel through wood, creating many paths that weaken its structure.
Telltale signs include small, round holes on wood surfaces and powdery sawdust (frass) near these holes.
Some beetles, like powderpost beetles, can infest hard and soft woods, causing damage that can be minor or very serious.
Wood Decaying Fungi
These aren't insects, but they're still a big concern because they cause wood to rot. This rotting wood then attracts termites and other wood-destroying insects. Fungi grow well in wet places with water leaks, poor drainage, or high humidity.
We look for signs of fungus growth, soft or discolored wood, and moldy areas. Evidence of these indicates decay that could lead to more pest problems.
Our WDO Reports reveal a property’s risk level by carefully checking and recording these specific threats, helping buyers make informed choices and protecting their investments.
How Much Does a Pest Inspection Cost in Florida?
The cost of a pest inspection for home purchase in Florida can vary depending on the size of the property, its condition, and the level of inspection required. Generally, homeowners can expect to pay between $75 and $150 for a standard home pest inspection, but larger properties or those requiring specialized reports may cost more.
It’s important to note that this cost is minor compared to the potential expense of untreated pest problems. Termite damage alone can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Investing in a detailed pest control inspection up front helps avoid significant costs later.
Florida Pest Control offers transparent pricing and flexible pest control packages designed to meet your needs. Remember that inspection costs may be waived or reduced if bundled with other services. Florida Pest Control offers affordable pest control packages that include treatment and prevention, making it easier to maintain long-term protection without breaking your budget.
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Pest Control Inspections You Can Trust
Real estate pest inspections are incredibly important for anyone buying or selling a home. No one wants to buy a house riddled with pests, as this can lead to unexpected costs and major headaches down the road. Moreover, sellers benefit from inspections early in the selling process, allowing them to spread the costs of repairs in the event of an infestation. At Florida Pest Control, our exterminators are highly professional and experienced, so you can trust them to inspect every part of your property for pest warning signs.
A detailed pest control inspection documents existing issues. This can be especially helpful for buyers planning renovations, highlighting any areas that should be sealed or treated first. We also offer guidance on year-round pest protection plans once you’ve moved in. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your investment and avoid pest-related delays!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Included in a Home Pest Inspection in Florida?
Home pest control services in Florida include a detailed check of all accessible areas for signs of pest activity, damage, or conditions that attract pests. This typically covers crawl spaces, attics, garages, basements, and outside areas. Technicians document their findings in a formal inspection report and may recommend next steps.
How Do Pest Control Inspections Differ From Regular Home Inspections?
A regular home inspection looks at the structure and systems of a house. In contrast, a pest control inspection focuses on signs of pest activity, damage from wood-destroying organisms, and conditions that could lead to future infestations. For real estate transactions, both types of inspections are essential.
Do I Need a Pest Inspection Before Buying or Selling a House in Florida?
Buyers, sellers, and even lenders often require a home pest inspection in Florida due to the high risk of termites and other pests. A WDO report helps avoid delays, builds trust, and ensures any issues are addressed before closing.