Do Home Inspectors Check for Bugs?

When purchasing a home, one of the most important steps is ensuring it’s free from damage or infestations. A general home inspection evaluates the structure, plumbing, and safety issues, but does it include pests? If you’re buying a property in Nebraska, it’s essential to schedule a pest inspection for home purchase to uncover any hidden termite or insect problems.

Home inspectors look for some of the most important things that can increase (or drop) the estimated value of a property. This can include structural faults, leaks, cracks, and other serious or cosmetic issues they are trained to note. But, do home inspectors check for bugs and signs of an infestation?

While bugs can devalue a house, it’s not necessarily part of the job description for all home inspectors. Here’s what you should know about hiring a home inspector, or buying a house that has been recently inspected.

Need a Home Inspector?

How do you know when it’s time to hire a home inspector?

Home inspectors are part of the larger real estate industry, and you are required to hire a home inspector before a value is attached to a recently-sold property.

A home inspector can be hired at any point, but it’s the most common to have a professional inspect your home before or after the sale.

If you are buying or selling, speak to the real estate agent in charge before you make any moves. Real estate agents can often help you to find a quick and affordable certified home inspector.

Find a Home Inspector

Finding qualified inspectors requires research and verification of credentials. The best approach involves checking professional associations and local licensing boards.

Key steps for finding inspectors include:

Check licensing requirements in your state
Verify certifications from recognized organizations
Read customer reviews and testimonials
Compare pricing from multiple professionals
Ask for sample reports to review their work quality

A Home Inspector’s Job Description

A home inspector’s job description includes a lot of different things that are important to buying and selling a home. Property inspectors are sight-trained and look for anything that can change the value of the property.

The average home inspector has their hands full. There can be a lot of different things to consider in a home inspection.

Are bugs going to be one of the things a home inspector looks at?

The Short Answer: No, But…

Home inspectors do not typically check for bugs during their standard evaluations. Regular property inspections focus on structural and mechanical systems rather than pest identification.

However, inspectors will note obvious signs of pest damage they encounter. They might identify:

Wood damage from insects
Structural weakening caused by pests
Entry points where animals could access the home
Moisture issues that attract insects

If you would like to have your house assessed for a bug problem, then it is better to call a local pest control company for a pest inspection.

The Next Step

If a home inspector has taken a look at your property and found everything in order except for the bugs, then the next step before you want to list the property is likely going to be calling a local pest control company.

Bug experts can help to identify what kind of pest problem you might have in your house, and eradicate the bugs.

Professional Help for Bug Eradication

Bugs can be a problem, and it’s the one thing that nobody who is buying (or selling) a house needs in their lives.

In many cases, it can be a good idea to call a pest inspector before you call a home inspector – especially if you suspect a bug problem. This can save a lot of time and can save you several calls to the home inspector or real estate agent.

Professional Pest Inspections and Exterminators in Omaha and Lincoln, NE

Don’t take chances when buying or selling a home. The team at ABC Termite & Pest Control provides thorough pest inspection and termite control services in Omaha and Lincoln. Our licensed exterminators detect, eliminate, and prevent pest infestations to keep your home safe before, during, and after your purchase.