Avoid Buying into Bats A Thorough House Inspection Includes Checking for Sign of Bats
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Finance -> subcategory Real Estate.
Avoid Buying a Home with Bats: Essential Inspection Tips
When purchasing a home, thorough inspections are critical to avoid unexpected issues. As first-time buyers, my husband and I believed we were well-prepared. We hired a reputable building inspector who diligently evaluated every aspect of our new house. Despite its age, built in 1965, the house only showed minor concerns?"until we discovered bats.
We hadn't anticipated bats, yet there they were, flitting around our living space. My husband’s frantic attempts to shoo them away, paired with my own panicked retreat, spurred us into immediate action. We consulted experts for help. Removing bats can be costly and poses health risks, so it’s crucial to recognize warning signs before purchasing a home.
Understanding Bats
Contrary to common belief, bats aren't pests. In many places, including most U.S. states, they're protected and play vital roles in ecosystems by controlling insect populations. Unfortunately, homeowners unknowingly hosting bats may face significant expenses. Thus, avoiding this problem starts with recognizing bat presence in a potential home.
Signs of Bats in a Home
If you're considering purchasing an older home, make sure your building inspector looks for signs of bats. Here’s what to watch for:
Staining
Check for brown or gray stains near potential bat entry points, such as attic vents, cracks in eaves, chimney junctions, and where pipes enter the home. These stains are oil-based and hard to remove.
Guano
Bat droppings, known as guano, are found around roosting sites. Resembling pellets, they often emit a strong ammonia or musky scent, particularly noticeable in summer. These droppings pose a health risk as they can carry fungal spores that cause lung infections like histoplasmosis.
Chirping
Bat sounds can resemble those of birds. If your inspector hears chirping, ensure it’s not emanating from a bat colony.
Handling a Bat Problem
It’s not just about avoiding the creepy factor; bats are tricky to remove. Since harming them is illegal, professional services use exclusion methods to safely relocate bats and close re-entry points. Depending on the size and duration of the infestation, cleanup and repairs can be both costly and time-consuming.
Big Bat Facts
- Bats are the only mammals capable of natural flight.
- They can eat 500-1,000 insects per hour.
- Bats account for nearly a quarter of all mammal species.
- Bats use echolocation to navigate and find food.
- They're gentle but may bite in self-defense if handled.
- Bats can enter through openings as small as 1 cm.
- 80% of the bat population has declined over the last 20 years.
- Consider building a bat house nearby to attract them away from your home.
In conclusion, while bats are essential for our ecosystem, ensuring they don’t roost in your home can save you time and money. Always be proactive in identifying potential issues during a home inspection to avoid unwelcome surprises.
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