There are few things more dispiriting on moving into a house than finding that it's got issues that weren't clear when you moved. Equally, if you've been living there for a while and a new issue develops, it's hard to deal with. An extensive issue in your home can cost money to solve and cause logistical problems. For the duration of the problem, it can flat-out ruin your life.
The worst thing about living in a home is finding out you're not alone. Obviously, this doesn't mean your family. Most of the time you'll want them there. It's the unwelcome co-tenants that you didn't realize you were sharing roof-space with. When you find your prize home has an infestation, it's hard to feel comfortable there. It can happen even in clean homes, but it feels like the whole place is dirty when it happens.
The Intruders Are Small, But Make Their Presence Felt
An infestation of what we'll call "creepy crawlies" can be very stressful to deal with. Termites, for example, can be present in your home for a while without you knowing. You may blame the previous tenant or the surveyor for not disclosing their presence, but sometimes it's not easy to know.
Image by Discott
If you see signs of termite activity (this may be small piles of wings, a visible swarm or evidence of nests), you need to act. They can do real structural damage to your house, your health, and your children’s health. A call to the professionals like MightyMite Termite Services or similar and the invaders can be gone. No need for the big tent over your house or harsh chemicals. No need to move out. Freedom.
The Intruders Are Larger, And They Squeak
Among the most unsettling things to find out about your home is that it has rats or mice. Keeping the place clean and tidy should keep them at bay, but it's not 100% certain. You'll know you've got them because they're not quiet. They'll scramble behind baseboards and they'll squeak their presence night and day. Mostly night.
Photo taken by Erika Stockenhofen
If it's just mice, setting traps and cleaning up should do a lot of the work. A motivated cat can do much of the rest. But if it's a rat or rats, then it's unfair to expect much from your cat. Some of them are almost the size of a cat, and they've got sharp teeth. Let Mittens sit this one out and call a rat control service. They can remove the intruders humanely and for good.
The Intruders Aren't Intruders, They're Mold
An organism doesn't need to have a brain or a central nervous system to make your home uncomfortable. If you see signs of mildew or mold after moving in, it's got to go. Letting it develop can damage your home structurally. If it gets airborne, it can make you very ill.
Fortunately, with bleach and water, the mold can be removed without the need for intervention. Tea tree oil is also good. But if it has gone too far for you to remove, call in the professionals. That stuff needs to be gone ASAP, for the good of everyone.
Once these unwelcome intruders are gone, you can sit back and relax in your home, and even have visitors around. But bear in mind, when they outstay their welcome you'll need to reason with them. There's noone you can call for that.
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