by Carolyn Capalbo
When we think about the summertime, we usually envision backyard barbeques, trips to the beach and cooling off in a swimming pool. What people forget about is the annual swarm of insects that occurs during the hottest months of the year. While insect infestations are a pain for any homeowner, they can be especially harmful if you are trying to sell your home.
If you hold an open house and prospective buyers see bugs in your home, a powerful message is conveyed. They may think that your home is unclean or that there are cracks and other openings that are allowing the pests to get in. Buyers may get scared off of the purchase because no one wants to buy a home that has a bug problem. Buyers will think about the costs involved with fixing the situation, and will want to knock these expenses off the purchase price. In addition to the expense, insects are just plain creepy, and will unfortunately be the most memorable part of your open house.
Here are a few tips to keeping the bugs out of your home this summer:
1. Get caulking! You can substantially reduce the number of insects that get inside the house by blocking off their access points. Sealing cracks and holes is affordable and easy to do, and has the added benefit of making your home more energy efficient by reducing drafts and heat loss.
2. If your home doesn't already have screens installed on every window, now is a good time to do it. You will love the freedom of being able to keep windows open all summer long without having to worry about being besieged by half the bugs in the county. You can also buy solar window screens that not only keep insects out, but they also block much of the summertime heat. Potential buyers will appreciate this addition to your home because solar screens can reduce home cooling costs, increase privacy, and of course keep bugs at bay!
3. Tidy up. Clean up crumbs and liquid spills as soon as possible. Insects have an amazing knack for knowing when there's a tasty treat sitting on your floor or countertop. Sensing that there's a meal waiting for them, insects will make a beeline for your house. If you keep things spick and span, there'll be nothing to attract pests to your home.
4. Change your garbage frequently to reduce the number of flies and ants that enter your home. It's a good idea when in the process of selling your home to keep the bins clean anyway, but in the summertime it's especially important because as the temperature rises, waste spoils much quicker and can foul up the air.
5. Fruit flies can be extremely irritating in the summer. One day a bowl of bananas is sitting quietly on the countertop; the next, there is a sea of fruit flies hovering above the bowl. These insects can be difficult to get rid of, and just one female can lay about 500 eggs. In order to prevent an infestation, refrigerate as much of your produce as possible. For non-refrigerated items like bananas, be sure to eat them before they have a chance to become overripe.
6. Don't forget about entranceways. Move firewood and garbage away from the front door, or else you'll end up with a variety of nasty characters inside your home. It's also a good idea to change any outside lights that are near doorways to yellow bulbs, as moths and other light-loving bugs can't see them. If they can't see them, they won't hover around your entranceways, ready to slip inside the house at a moment's notice.
With just a few simple adjustments, you can keep your home bug-free all summer long. This will make the house much more comfortable for you and your family, and will keep potential buyers focused on the great things your home has to offer, and not on the bugs.
About the Author
Carolyn Capalbo is an expert military relocation specialist and real estate agent serving Northern Virginia real estate. Visit Just4Real.com to find updated market information about areas in Prince William, including Fairfax Station real estate.
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