TIP 1 PURCHASE A PUMP SPRAYER

Mixing concentrate chemicals and treating yourself only takes a few minutes. Treatments can be applied as infrequently as every couple months and remain effective.

Self treatment requires a pump sprayer you can purchase at any hardware store. The metal ones work best but may need special ordered.

Note: You will need a second sprayer to mix interior chemicals if you plan on treating inside of home as well.

TIP 2 PURCHASE CONCENTRATE PEST TREATMENT

Whatever you purchase for exterior treatment should be capable of treating for termites. You will mix this with water in your sprayer. You will also want to purchase (1) respirator and (2) eye protection.

Real ALL instructions and safety notices on chemicals. Regardless I recommend covering up with long sleeves, long pants and boots, eye coverage, wide brim hat, gloves, and respirator. Clean all cloths when complete.

Once per month or if you are lazy like me, when you see bugs:

1. Mist your sill plate so that covers ground, plate, and a few inches above plate.
2. Spray openings to house such as AC condensate lines, dryer vent, stove vent, door sweeps, below window weep holes, and garage vents.
3. Spray around garage door.

TIP 3 SPOTTING EVIDENCE OF TERMITES

Termite tubes are easily spotted on side of foundation just below sill plate. You will see a small mud tube extending from the dirt to the sill plate along the foundation (this is actually made of termite feces).

Spotting a tube means your termite barrier is no longer effective in that spot. It will need reapplied and foundation treated in that spot. Having a termite warranty means all you have to do is call your termite company and they handle the rest.

NOTE: Foundation / Sill plate inspection is only ONE way of spotting termites. There are numerous others that require equipment and professional assistance to spot.

TIP 4 KEEP BEE AND HORNET KILLER ON HAND

Hornets and bees come and go. You may have never had them then discover an infestation the next day.

Periodically walk the outside of your home and look for evidence of infestation along eves and patio ceilings. Your home can be completely destroyed if they establish a hive in your attic space. I would recommend hiring a professional if you spot them inside the attic.

At first sign apply killer and reinspect to ensure they are gone. Should they be inside the attic you need to also find and close off the spot they used to gain access.

TIP 5 LOOK FOR HOLES IN EXTERIOR OF HOME

If there is evidence of holes in your eves, on roof, exterior walls, along sill plate, etc have them patched. Rodents can gain access through these holes and eat your home. Quick story, a rat gained access to my friend’s home through a small hole in the roof. He ate the poly-pipe / plumbing in the attic and cost them $15,000 in plumbing and water damages.

Don’t let pests complicate a sale

Everything on the transaction settlement statement goes to the lender. This could wreck your deal. Only send invoices through escrow when expressly required.

Otherwise the lender may request inspection reports and repairs you never desired as a buyer or seller. They may even call off the entire sale.