Home invaders: How it can affect the sale of your home

By Richie Vraux

They say that summer is just around the corner. I think we are all eagerly waiting for that to happen. While the weather starts getting warmer there are some things you should consider prior to listing your home on the market.

The local insects and rodents are gearing up to create havoc, making your home their own. They are looking for any easy passage to get in to make your lives miserable. While you are taking special care to make your home look it’s best, these little nuisances are working against you. Signs of ants and other insects along with mouse droppings will work against all your valiant efforts to keep your house clean.

There are, however, effective products out there that will keep them all at bay but be careful and read some of the harmful effects using these products can bring, especially the young children and your pets who live with you and play in the yard.

Of all the human cases of pesticide poisoning in the United States, half of them are under the age of six years old. Be careful of what you put on your lawns. There are many new products out there today that are children and pet safe. Make sure when buying these products to treat your lawns, trees and your home that they are safe for the environment – but just as importantly – safe for your children and pets.

There are natural plants and shrubbery that those pesky insects and rodents do not go near as they don’t like the smell. Some effective plants include spearmint and chives as well as other powerfully scented plants. Simply place the herbs on the outside perimeter of your home. Not only will it help prevent pests from making themselves comfortable in your home, but it will add beauty to the landscape as well as to your many summer recipes. It’s been my experience that these herbs work in pest prevention.

Keep your home in picture perfect condition-both inside and out- get it sold.

Richie Vraux is a Broker/ Realtor with more than 20+ years’ experience and a

team member with Maine’s Premier Team at Better Homes and Gardens- The Masiello Group.

Call Richie at 207-317-1297 if you need real estate advice.