The National Pest Management Association shares pest control advice for homebuyers during National Homeownership Month.

If you are looking to buy a home this year, you are not alone. About 28 million Americans plan on purchasing a home in 2023, according to the NerdWallet Home Buyer Report. Homeownership is a significant financial and emotional investment that remains a primary goal for many Americans. With that, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is highlighting the importance of pest inspections during National Homeownership Month.

Wood-destroying insects like termites and carpenter ants can quickly turn a dream home into a nightmare, making pest inspections an integral part of the home-buying process. Termites, also known as silent destroyers, can severely damage the structural stability of a building, chewing away at a house often without anyone knowing. “These pests are one of the most devastating insect species, causing an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage each year, when adjusted for current inflation,” said Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for NPMA. “These costs are not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance policies, but rather passed on to the property owner, illustrating the importance of taking precaution before signing the dotted line.”

Whether a decade-long homeowner or looking to join the fold, pest inspections are an absolute must to ensure a safe and structurally sound home. NPMA recommends paying attention to these signs that could indicate the presence of a termite infestation:

• Presence of large numbers of flying termites (often confused with flying ants)
• Mud shelter tubes (used by termites to reach a food source)
• Damaged wood containing mud or dirt
• Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Blistered paint on wooden surfaces
• Small piles of pellets near or underneath damaged wood

No matter what side of the housing market you’re on, termite control is not a DIY endeavor. So, if any of these signs are present, it is essential to contact a qualified pest control professional to properly identify and treat the problem. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or TinyTermiteHouse.PestWorld.org

About the National Pest Management Association

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube.

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Homeownership is a significant investment that remains a primary goal for many Americans. With that, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is highlighting the importance of pest inspections during National Homeownership Month.