Got bugs? If you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, there are five common bug problems in San Diego that might be an issue for you.
While it’s not illegal to sell your home if it has a bug infestation, you are required to disclose the problem to potential buyers. And once you do that, it’s fairly difficult to sell your house.
That’s why it’s important to deal with bug infestations before putting your home on the market. Here are some of the most common bug problems you might encounter in San Diego:
Ants
The most common ants in California homes are Argentine ants and carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are especially worrisome since they can damage the wood in your home. (Although they don’t eat wood like termites do, they do make tunnels for their nests.)
If you try to kill ants one by one, getting rid of the infestation may prove impossible. But a pest control professional can place a small amount of a sugary gel in your home where the ants are so that the workers will eat some and take it back to the queen. Once the poison has reached the queen, the colony quickly dies out. There are also bait traps you can place yourself.
Termites
Like carpenter ants, termites can harm the wood structure in homes if left unattended.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to see the signs of termites in your home until the damage is already extensive. If your house has a wood structure, porch, or furnishings, then hiring a San Diego professional to do a termite inspection may be a good idea.
To prevent an infestation, get rid of all wood that’s in contact with the ground, since termites often live in rich soil. Watch for cracks in your wood siding, doors, window frames, and porches. If your home is already infested, you may need to move out for several days and have your house tented.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches may be one of the most scream-inducing insects, and unfortunately, they’re pretty common here in San Diego.
One of the most common cockroaches in California is the German cockroach. Since these roaches are attracted to food in the home, they tend to live in food-preparation areas like the kitchen. They can get into your house from infested food you bought at the grocery store or from nearby houses and structures that are already infested.
Other popular cockroaches like the Brownbanded aren’t attracted to your food, but they do enjoy hidden crevices and feast on starchy food like the glue on your envelopes. While there are some bait traps you can set yourself, it’s best to deal with cockroach infestations by calling a professional.
Fleas
You might find fleas on your pets or even in your home all year round in Southern California, but they’re even more bothersome during the summer. The best way to prevent a flea infestation is by treating all your furry friends regularly. (If you have fleas in your home and don’t have a pet, then you might have yet another infestation issue to deal with… one that involves small, furry animals.)
If you already have an infestation, then immediately vacuum and wash heavily infested areas. Wash any of your pets’ bedding and throw rugs, vacuum upholstery, and spray flea killer on all your carpets and unwashable furniture. Flea killer works on larvae and adult fleas, but not pupae, so keep spraying for up to two weeks.
Bed Bugs
As kids, many of us heard our parents say, “Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” (Who can sleep after that?)
Bed bugs are certainly the introverts of the bug world. You likely won’t see the actual bugs on your mattress since they only come out at night.
Instead, look for these signs of a bed-bug infestation: red, itchy bite marks on exposed areas of your skin; small blood smears on the sheets; bed-bug fecal matter; and hatched egg shells, especially near the corners of the mattress.
If your home has bed bugs, it’s important you work to eliminate the infestation as quickly as possible. Start by washing all your sheets, curtains, pillow cases, washable blankets, and clothing in hot water. For items you can’t wash—such as pillows, comforters, shoes, and stuffed animals—put them in the dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Scrub your mattress with a stiff brush to knock off bed bugs and eggs before thoroughly vacuuming the rooms.
Encase your mattresses and box springs in a zippered plastic or tightly woven cover for at least a year to make sure any bugs inside are dead.
Once you’re free of these common bug problems in San Diego, it’s time to put your house on the market.
We can help with that! Contact my team to learn how we can help you sell your house for top dollar in San Diego County.
Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash