When you buy a new home in Atlanta, GA, the first things on your mind probably run more toward the aesthetic side of things than maintenance. You’re probably focused on what color you want to paint the walls and trim before you move in and how long it will take to get that worn-out carpet up and put some nice, smooth hardwoods down. There are a few housekeeping items you need to stop and think about before settling in, however. One of these things is an ongoing method of pest control.
Setting up a Plan
When you set up a pest control plan, it’s best to do it with long term prevention in mind. Before you can do this, however, you may need to make a plan to eradicate any existing pests. It’s best to purchase a home that already has a pest control program in place, but this isn’t always an option. In this case, pests, such as termites, which are prevalent in Georgia, may have already moved in and begun breaking down certain areas of the home. This circumstance commonly occurs in areas like crawl spaces or wooden siding. If your inspector finds that insects or rodents have already moved into your new home and caused damage, there are a few things you should put on your list of priorities to get taken care of straight away.
1. Get the home treated so pests can be brought under control and eradicated immediately. This is one of things you shouldn’t put off, because the longer you do so, the more time they will have to damage your home.
2. Get a pest control service to put you on an ongoing maintenance program. This type of program will include the installation of bait stations around your house and periodic (usually quarterly) inspections of the bait stations and of the areas around your home that could attract insects or rodents.
3. Repair any damage that has already been done to the structure. If termites have damaged portions of wooden siding, go ahead and replace them both for aesthetic reasons and so that the bugs don’t feel the need to inhabit the space again after the first round of them has been eliminated. If mice have chewed holes in insulation or drywall, you should also replace these components, as damaged materials are a magnet for pests.
Keeping up with Treatments
Once you have eradicated pests, made repairs, and contracted with a pest control company in Atlanta, GA, you should plan on making the quarterly treatment and assessment visits part of your long-term home maintenance plan. The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is especially true when it comes to protecting your new home from pests that can cause costly damage. You should expect a quarterly charge from your maintenance company, and many businesses can simply make a withdrawal from your account so you won’t have to worry about writing a check after each visit. There may also be an initial setup fee, so be prepared for that.