Buying an old house may come with a significant history. However, one drawback that can often be found with this type of home is insects or rodents residing within its structure. In houses roughly 100 years old, there tends to be more infestation than in newer homes. This article will outline measures you can take to avoid ending up with any creepy crawlies—or hazardous chemicals—when purchasing an older home.
Common Pests in Older Homes
Older homes are much more susceptible to pest infestation due to age in their structure. Such points of hiding hardly get tapped, and as a home owner, one should have an idea about them and how they may be able to drive away the undesired tenant(s).
Below is a detailed overview of the most prevalent pests and their impacts:
| Pest | Common Areas Found | Damage/Concerns | Signs of Infestation |
| Termites | Wooden beams, foundations, walls | Structural damage to wood; expensive repairs | Hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, discarded wings |
| Cockroaches | Kitchens, bathrooms, basements | Contaminate food, spread bacteria, trigger allergies | Droppings, unpleasant odor, sightings at night |
| Rats | Attics, basements, wall cavities | Chew electrical wiring, damage property, spread diseases | Droppings, gnaw marks, scratching noises |
| Bed Bugs | Mattresses, furniture, crevices | Bite humans, cause skin irritation, difficult to eliminate | Red welts on skin, small blood stains on bedding, eggshells |
| Silverfish | Bathrooms, attics, basements | Damage paper, wallpaper, fabric | Silvery, wriggling insects in dark, damp places |
| Mosquitoes | Near stagnant water, lawns, basements | Carry diseases like malaria and dengue; irritate with bites | Buzzing sounds, itchy bites, larvae in standing water |
| Flies | Kitchens, garbage areas, damp spots | Carry pathogens, contaminate food | Frequent sightings, buzzing, eggs or maggots in garbage or food sources |
Addressing these pests effectively can help resolve many problems with old houses and maintain their historical charm.
Tip: Refer to the ‘Signs of Infestation’ column to identify potential red flags when evaluating old homes.
Best Pest Control Tips For Buying A Historic House
When purchasing a historic home, preventive measures and proactive pest control are essential. Below are the most common pest concerns you might face, along with practical tips for each.
Termite Damage Prevention and Control
One of the problems the 100 year old houses are termites, which eat up most of the wooden members, costing hence a lot in the working repair. The problem becomes drastically serious in case of historical edifices as they form an important constituent of Tourist attraction.
While traditional chemicals remain effective, biological alternatives have gained more attention over recent years. Essential oil extracts, plant-derived biocides, fungi, and nematodes represent non-toxic, environmentally friendly approaches for the control of termites. Such solutions best suit historic properties that require the conservation of initial fabric.
To prevent termite infestation in an older property:
- Inspect Regularly: Conduct thorough inspections of wooden structures, particularly in basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
- Control Moisture: Termites thrive in damp environments. Ensure proper drainage, fix leaks promptly, and consider dehumidifiers.
- Use Treated Wood: Where possible, incorporate termite-resistant or treated wood for repairs and renovations.
Rodent Infestation
Rodents often chew through walls and foundations, leading to significant pest issues in older homes. Here are some rodent control strategies you can look into:
- Rodenticides: Modern rodenticides, such as Brodifacoum, are effective but should be applied strategically to avoid unintended critters.
- Traps: Mechanical traps offer a humane alternative but work best in combination with other methods.
- Biological Controls: Introducing natural predators or disease-causing agents can limit rodent populations, though this method requires careful ecological consideration.
- Genetic Engineering: Emerging technologies like RNA interference and gene editing hold promise for long-term population control by targeting reproduction, though they remain in development.
To prevent these unwanted visitors, start by decluttering storage areas, storing food in airtight containers, and maintaining cleanliness. Remember, rodents thrive in dirty, food-rich environments, so keeping everything clean keeps them at bay.
Cockroach Infestation
To keep such strong insects off, one only needs to practice cleanliness and conduct regular checks or simply use exclusion methods.
Let there be no garbage that could provide a nice hiding spot under the sink or some other places, and remove the trash fairly frequently! Dispose of any remnants daily and store all food, including pet food by the way, in airtight packages or containers!. Outdoors, ensure that dustbins are clean and kept away from the house.
Seal cracks around doors, windows, plumbing, and walls to block entry points. Regularly inspect hiding spots, like stacks of paper, cardboard, or firewood, and keep them away from your home.
Bed Bug Infestation
In modern conditions, bed bug infestation is on the rise, especially in old houses. It is not easy to defeat the insects that live deep in the house and sometimes, one can feel that all the means of prevention taken are inadequate-what to do in this situation?
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This approach combines monitoring, understanding the signs and behavior of bed bugs, and non-chemical treatments.
- Proactive Monitoring: Regular inspections are crucial to catch pests early, especially in older homes where hidden cracks and gaps may be present.
- Community-wide Programs: In a neighborhood, a coordinated pest management program is more sustainable and cost-effective than relying on insecticides alone.
Benefits of Professional Pest Control Services
We spoke with Luqman Butter who owns and operates Pestend Pest Control based in Toronto. In our discussion with him, he had some solid reasons why professionals are always a better hire when the intention is to tackle stubborn pests. Here, he details benefits associated with professional pest control:
- Expertise and Experience: Professionals have the knowledge and training to deal with all types of pests. They understand the behavior of pests and know the most effective methods for elimination.
- Advanced Equipment and Techniques: With access to the latest tools and treatments, pest control experts can address infestations more efficiently than DIY methods.
- Long-Term Prevention: Professionals not only eradicate pests but also help prevent future invasions through strategies like sealing entry points and providing guidance on home maintenance.
- Safety: Professional services use eco-friendly and safe treatment solutions to protect your family and pets.
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re not satisfied with their extermination services, pest control companies will fully refund your payment (granting you have followed their recommendations).
In summary, while DIY solutions may seem cost-effective, working with a professional pest control service like Pestend ensures a thorough, long-term solution for keeping your newly bought old home pest-free.
Conclusion
While one can most definitely appreciate the character and the history that come along with any old house, actually such buildings happen to be quite vulnerable toward pest manifestation. To have that old house of your most beautiful dream, it becomes necessary for you to practice 2 things-anti-infestation precautions and involvement with professional pest control service. This blog will be helpful if you ever need to revisit how to keep pests out of your home.
