If there’s one thing Buyers and Sellers agree on, it’s that roof pests are a no-go. Helping them identify and address these problems at any stage of home ownership is a good way to differentiate yourself. Here are three of the most common and bothersome roof pests, along with ways to help your clients identify and eliminate them.
Termites: The scourge of roof pests
Termites are possibly the worst pest for homeowners. They can easily destroy homes, from the foundation up and roof down. Even worse, most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover termite damage and removal. Worst of all, most homeowners don’t spot termites until they’ve done tons of damage.
To prevent termites, recommend that your Buyers and Sellers do three things.
- Seal access points. Drywood termites tend to enter homes through cracks in exterior woods. A wood sealant can prevent the kinds of water damage and cracks that give termites access.
- Check the gutters. Clogged gutters are a leading culprit for attracting pests. They can weaken wood and provide the moisture termites need to survive.
- Keep woodpiles away from the home. Storing wood near the house or in crawlspaces gives termites easy access to the roof.
To spot existing termite problems on the roof, recommend that your clients look for small piles of frass, which looks like sawdust. If your clients haven’t done projects that produce sawdust but still see it, termites could be the cause. Other more obvious signs, like a sagging roof or spots that look like water damage, are more serious signs of termites.
In all cases, be ready to recommend a pest control expert if your clients have suspicions about termites.
Birds: In gutters and chimneys
Birds are much less nefarious than termites, but they can still cause roof problems (especially if your clients have insects living up there). They will peck and claw at siding and shingles looking for food and shelter. This can expose the house to the elements, causing longer-term water and mold damage.
Similarly, nest-building birds can cause a double whammy of problems. If they take residence in gutters, they can cause clogs, which can allow water to seep in behind walls. Other birds, like swifts, like to build nests in chimneys. This gives them access to the inside of your house, which can bring other pests—like fleas, mites, and sometimes baby birds—inside.
To prevent these problems, routine gutter maintenance is important. Once again, having a good pest control partner is important to help your clients avoid damaging infestations.
Bees: Faux-friendly roof pests
Bees can be great allies for gardens. But when they take residence on a roof, they can be mortal enemies to homeowners.
Unlike wasps and yellow jackets, bees can do devastating structural damage when building their nests. The weight of the hive, honey, and bees themselves can strain a roof’s support systems. They can attract other pests. And of course, if homeowners try to remove a hive themselves, bees will aggressively sting. It’s important—for both safety and the beneficial side of bees—to have a professional remove their hives.
The good news is that bees don’t chew their way into roofs. They use cracks and holes that already exist to gain access. So, preventing bees from doing roof damage means sealing cracks and holes in the structure. It can also mean replacing shingles.
Go even farther to help your clients with a Home Warranty Service Agreement from 2-10 HBW
As we continue navigating an extreme Seller’s market, it’s important to continue providing added value to your clients. Helping your clients avoid, identify, and eliminate roof pests is a good way to show your value. Another good way to show your value is by providing or recommending a Home Warranty Service Agreement from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW).
A Home Warranty Service Agreement protects Buyers and Sellers against unexpected breakdowns to important systems and appliances. Additionally, with 2-10 HBW’s Roof Leak option, you can help Buyers and Sellers address the kinds of routine wear and tear that foster roof pests. While it won’t directly solve roof pest problems, it can resolve common roof problems that are at the core of roof pest introduction.
2-10 HBW offers comprehensive systems and appliances home warranties to help protect your clients from unexpected repair and replacement costs. Contact us to learn more.
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