Should You Buy a House with Bats in the Attic?

Buying a house with bats in the attic might seem like a strange idea, but it’s not too far-fetched, as long as you know what you’re getting into. Most of the time, this is a problem that can be resolved without expending too many resources. But if you’re not prepared to deal with it properly, you should probably look into another offer.

Bats alone should not disqualify a potential offer

If the only problem noted by the seller is the presence of bats in the attic, the situation isn’t that bad. You can generally get rid of a bat infestation cheaply and without touching the bats yourself.

Make sure to start looking for a qualified specialist as soon as you’ve decided to go forward with the purchase though. Don’t leave this for the last minute, because you’re going to want to ensure that you’re getting someone with the appropriate experience.

Have a plan to deal with the problem immediately

Know exactly how you’re going to approach the issue before you’ve even moved in. As having undetected bats and other critters like mice can cause noises in your loft that may spook your family. Look through the available pest/animal control specialists in your area and try to get a quote from as many of them as possible.

If you’re not planning on moving in immediately after purchasing the property, this can work in your favour. It will give you more time to deal with the problem and ensure that the home is up to standard for occupation. You also won’t have to be around for the actual removal process, which can interfere with your daily schedule if the situation is more complicated.

Keep your eyes open for other problems

Sometimes a dishonest seller might intentionally disclose one issue to divert your attention from another. If you’re negotiating the purchase of a house with a confirmed bat infestation, keep your eyes open for other potential problems like mice hiding in the attic.

It’s a good idea to get a full evaluation of the home in this case. Don’t directly trust everything the seller has to say about the property and do your own research. While these situations are rare and most sellers on the market are honest, there’s still a risk of getting scammed if you’re not careful.

Always insist on seeing the bat infestation with your own eyes as well – taking necessary safety precautions, of course. You should have a clear idea of what you’re dealing with and how serious the problem is.