Buying a home in the historic neighborhoods of Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a big step. The city has beautiful row homes and classic architecture, but these older buildings have their own set of rules.
Because of our local humidity and seasonal changes, basements are often the first place to show signs of trouble. You should always look past the fresh paint when you do a walkthrough.
Check the dark corners and the floorboards for any small hints of unwanted guests. If you see something that looks like an infestation during your tour, it is wise to reach out to professional Allentown pest control services to get an expert opinion before you buy.
Identifying Termite Damage in Allentown Basements
Termites are a major concern for anyone living in the Lehigh Valley. In Allentown, we mostly deal with subterranean termites that live in the wet soil around the foundation. When you are in the basement, take a flashlight and look at the wooden beams.
You are looking for mud tubes, which look like thin lines of dried dirt climbing up the walls. These are the tunnels termites use to stay moist while they move. You can also tap on the wood with a tool.
If the wood sounds hollow or feels soft like wet cardboard, it is a bad sign. Even if the termites are gone, the damage they leave behind can be very expensive to fix.
Watching for Carpenter Ant Debris
Allentown is famous for its tall, mature trees, but these trees can act as bridges for carpenter ants. These ants do not eat wood as termites do, but they dig into it to build their homes. In a local basement, you should look for something called “frass.”
This looks like a small pile of sawdust tucked away in a corner. If you look closely, you might see bits of dead bugs or insulation mixed in with the wood shavings. These ants love damp wood, which is common in many older Allentown basements.
Finding these piles near windows or door frames usually means there is a colony living inside the structure of the house.
Spotting Rodent Entry Points
Mice and rats love Allentown basements, especially when the weather gets cold in the winter. They look for any warmth they can find near your furnace or water heater.
When you are inspecting a house, look for small, dark droppings along the base of the walls. You should also look for dark, greasy stains on the walls. These “rub marks” happen when rodents run along the same path every day.
Take a look at where the pipes go through the wall. If there is a hole big enough for a pencil, a mouse can get inside. In many older stone foundations found in the city, small cracks are perfect doorways for pests.
Evaluating Moisture and Mold Hazards
Almost every pest problem in Allentown starts with a moisture problem. Many of our local homes are built with limestone or old concrete that lets water seep in. Look for a white, powdery crust on the walls called efflorescence.
This shows that water is moving through the foundation. If a basement is wet and dark, it will attract centipedes and other creepy crawlies. Check the area around the sump pump for standing water or bad smells.
A dry basement is usually a pest-free basement. If the air feels heavy or smells like mildew, it is a sign that the home is at high risk for infestations.
Protecting your investment starts with knowing exactly what you are buying. Presto Pest Control helps Allentown residents keep their homes safe by finding and stopping these local pests.
Their team understands the specific challenges of Lehigh Valley homes and provides honest, effective solutions. If you find a red flag in your potential new home, Presto Pest Control is ready to help you clear the way for a fresh start.