Protect Your Home from Pests During Renovation

During home renovations, materials may be exposed to the elements prior to installation in the home, which can result in pest infestation. Keeping pests out of your home during renovation is vital to protecting your investment. Rats, mice, roaches, ants, termites, wasps and beg bugs are some of the pests that can become a problem during renovation and even invade your home. You can protect your home during the project by taking a few simple precautions.
Make sure the area is free of pests.
It is best to have the area checked and if necessary, treated to eradicate pests prior to beginning the renovation. It is much easier to stop a pest problem before it becomes out of control. Make sure there are no easy food sources that would attract pests to the area.

Store materials safely.
Materials should not be stored in an area where there are known termites, rats or mice. Materials should be kept outside for as little as possible prior to using them in the renovation.

Ensure areas exposed to the outside are properly sealed.
During installation, it is also important to make sure that the construction is done in such a way that prevents future pest infestations. Make sure areas around doors or windows are properly sealed. These areas as well as those near vents and chimneys can sometimes have gaps large enough to let in insects.

Check for damage when removing materials.
Damaged areas are most often discovered when materials are moved or stripped away during a renovation. It is easier to see what is happening inside walls and underneath flooring after these materials have been removed or exposed. Many homeowners do not discover termites until they have already done extensive damage and irreparably lowered the value of their home.

Call in a pest control professional.
If you discover pests in or near your home, or when in doubt about the possibility of a pest infestation, call an exterminator. Exterminators like those at ICE Pest Control and Wildlife Removal can do inspections using advanced thermal technology to look inside your walls and see if any damage has been done. A pest control professional can also provide guidance regarding materials and assessing vulnerable areas of your home.

Prevention and regular inspection can help protect your home from pests. A renovation can be a great opportunity to have your home fully inspected and make sure that you are taking care of your home properly.