American homes have a huge problem with pests. According to the Census Bureau, 14 million homes have seen cockroaches, and 14.8 million rats or mice. Furthermore, according to CBS News, failing waste management processes are causing the widespread growth of vermin nests across the country, especially in larger cities. This is creating a real risk of property value damage; pests, even if not seen on the surface, can cause deep seated structural problems in the home that will emerge at the survey stage - and, often, well past the remediation window. Accordingly, it is crucial to tackle potential pest problems today.

Repelling rodents

The pest that attracts the greatest amount of fear from homeowners is the rat, and, sometimes, the mouse. They damage food supplies, chew through practically every substrate, leave hazardous urine trails and droppings around the home, and can even attack pets. What’s more, they’ve become brazen over the past few years; according to NBC News, the lack of easily acquired food in the streets has made rats more bold and more likely to attack. It’s somewhat difficult to prevent rats taking an interest in the home entirely - they are attracted to warmth - but there are steps you can take to repel rodents. Many of the most important principles concern prevention - cover up holes in the home, keep the inside clean to deter investigating rodents, and consider the use of specialized materials, such as micro-metal fiber caulk, to protect wiring.

Pushing away the insects

Rats and mice are, at least, easy to see in their impact. When it comes to insects, however, the impacts can be more insidious and cause greater long-term damage. High on the list of the most damaging insect species is the termite. According to Texas A&M AgriLife, termites cause a huge $5 billion in property damage every year, boring into joists and other key areas of the home. Keep a look out for the species of insect you see around; if you identify a termite, consider if they may be nested in your home, and look for remediation.

Avoiding cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the biggest turn-offs for any home-owner. While it’s true that they follow dirt and dust, and it’s important that floors are kept clean - hoovered and scrubbed - and that food sources are kept locked in boxes, they also do occur naturally, and will find their way into anywhere that even a little crumb may be available. Like with the approach to rodents and other insects, ensuring that the home is only as accessible as it needs to be for airflow, and sealing cracks with caulk or fittings, is the key.

Pests are one of the biggest threats to the value of your home - and they’re on the rise, in the volume and size of infestations. Their deleterious impact often isn’t felt until it’s too late. Taking proactive measures now will ensure your property value is protected for the foreseeable future.