Fixer-Upper Pest Problems

There’s something about the allure of an old home—the high ceilings, the elaborate trim, the heart-pine floors—they just don’t make them like they used to. But having an older home comes with its own set of problems, and not just the ones involving creaky boards and rusty pipes. A fixer-upper may be full of charm, but it also may be full of pests.

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Why are old homes more prone to pest problems?

Though old homes and buildings may be sturdy and built to last, unfortunately, the older a structure is, the more likely it is to be infested with bugs and other pests.

Here’s why:

• Homes constructed before the 1950s were built using different standards than the newer construction regulations we have today. They were less stringent in regards to building materials and construction components. 
• Because of these differences in construction standards, older homes are more prone to settling and a general breakdown of construction materials.
• When a structure settles, this creates gaps in foundations and around doors and windows, leaving the perfect entryway for pests.

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Signs of pests in a fixer-upper

Many pests are hard to spot upon first inspection, but with a keen eye and an idea of what to look for, you may be able to detect even the most elusive invaders. Here are a few common signs of an older home’s most troublesome pests.

Termites

• Excessively squeaky floorboards
• Discarded wings
• Hollow sounding wood
• Peeling paint that resembles water damage

Roaches

• Tiny black droppings (less than a millimeter wide)
• Shed skin
• Clusters of egg capsules
• Smear marks on floors and walls

Mice

• Signs of chewing on food packages
• Droppings in cabinets and pantries
• Small holes in walls used as entry points (mice can get into a house through a hole as small as a dime!)
• Shredded paper or fabric used as nesting material

Spiders

• Webs in our around the exterior of the house
• Excessive flying insects inside
• Egg sac clusters
• Seeing spiders in the home—odds are if you can see one, there are many you can’t see
   

How to get rid of pests in an older home

If you’ve identified signs of pests in your fixer-upper, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to throw in the towel and look for a newer space. There are several ways to rid your old home of these unwanted nuisances:

• Seal up all cracks around the home’s perimeter
• Repair any leaks in a basement or crawlspace
• Eliminate any water source around the home, including full gutters and standing water in pots or pools
• Keep an eye out for additions on an older home—these could have been added without following codes for efficient roofing, correctly installed plumbing, or moisture barriers
• Ensure that doors and windows can seal shut properly

Having an older home can come with its own set of challenges, but pest problems shouldn’t be one of them. While you’re busy working on paint and flooring in your fixer-upper, let us worry about getting rid of any unwanted invaders. Whether your home is old or new, Thompson Brothers specializes in keeping your space free from bugs and rodents. Call us today to set up a free consultation, and we’ll take care of the rest!

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