Posted on June 6th, 2024

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with its own set of responsibilities and concerns.

One crucial step that often gets overlooked is checking for bed bugs. These tiny pests can cause significant distress and financial burden if not detected early.

As new homeowners, it is essential to know how to check for bed bugs at home and understand what actions to take if you find them.

How Do I Know If The Home I Just Purchased Has Bed Bugs?

Identifying bed bugs in your new home is critical to prevent potential health risks and financial losses.

These pests can hide in various places and cause significant distress if not detected early. Here are some key signs to look out for:

Small, Red, Itchy Bites

One of the most common signs of bed bugs is waking up with small, red, itchy bites on your skin.

These bites often appear in clusters or a linear pattern. If you notice unexplained bites, it’s time to inspect your home thoroughly.

Dark Spots or Bloodstains on Sheets and Mattresses

Bed bugs leave behind telltale signs, such as dark spots (their excrement) or small bloodstains on your bedding and mattress.

These stains are usually found near the seams or tags of the mattress and on the sheets.

Live Bed Bugs or Eggs in Cracks and Crevices

Bed bugs are experts at hiding. They can be found in cracks, crevices, and other hidden areas.

Inspect your mattress, box spring, bed frame, and other furniture for live bugs or their eggs, which are small and white.

Checking for bed bugs in your new home is crucial because of the potential health risks, including allergic reactions and secondary infections from scratching bites.

Additionally, the financial impact of an infestation can be significant, with costs for extermination and replacing infested items.

Finally, the emotional distress caused by a bed bug infestation can be overwhelming, affecting your overall well-being.

Can Bed Bugs Live in an Empty House?

A common misconception is that bed bugs cannot survive in an empty house. Unfortunately, this is not true.

Bed bugs are resilient pests that can live for months without a host. They hide in cracks, crevices, and other secluded areas, waiting for the next opportunity to feed.

Hiding in Cracks and Crevices

Bed bugs can conceal themselves in tiny spaces, such as wall voids, electrical outlets, and baseboards.

These hiding spots make it easy for them to survive undetected for long periods.

Feeding on Other Insects or Small Animals

In the absence of human hosts, bed bugs can sustain themselves by feeding on other insects or small animals, prolonging their survival in an empty house.

Surviving on Stored Food or Other Organic Matter

Bed bugs can also survive by consuming organic matter present in the environment, including stored food crumbs or even dead skin cells.

Even if the house you just purchased was vacant for a while, it’s important to check for bed bugs.

They can quickly spread to other areas, and an undetected infestation can lead to re-infestation once you move in, putting your household at risk.

What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs in Your New Home

Discovering bed bugs in your new home can be alarming, but it’s important to handle the situation promptly and legally.

Addressing the issue early can help mitigate health risks and financial impacts.

Legal Implications

Finding bed bugs in your new home can have legal implications. You may need to prove that the infestation existed before your purchase, which requires thorough documentation and proof.

This can be crucial if you decide to take legal action against the seller or previous owner.

Seeking Legal Advice

Consulting a real estate attorney is essential in such situations.

A legal expert can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a homeowner, guide you through the necessary steps, and advise you on how to proceed with potential claims or negotiations.

How Law Offices Of Radley Baine Can Help

Allow the Law Offices of Radley Baine to represent you and make your home-buying process a breeze.

As a reputable legal team with decades of experience, we are well-versed in the intricacies of real estate law, ensuring that your interests are protected at every step of the home-buying process.

From reviewing contracts and negotiating terms to conducting due diligence and ensuring a smooth closing, we've got you covered.

Our commitment to providing sound legal advice and transparent communication sets us apart from the rest.

We take the time to understand your needs and tailor our services accordingly.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, we’ll guide you through the process with expertise and care.

If you find bed bugs in your newly purchased home, the legal implications can be daunting.

We help new homeowners navigate these complexities by documenting proof of the infestation and advising on the best course of action.

Our team ensures that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities, and we guide you through any potential legal claims against the seller or previous owner.

Don’t let the complexities of real estate transactions overwhelm you. Take the first step towards homeownership by reaching out to us today.

At the Law Offices of Radley Baine, we are dedicated to protecting your investment and making your home-buying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Wrapping Up

Moving into a new home is exciting but comes with responsibilities, including checking for bed bugs.

These pests can cause distress and financial burden if not detected early.

As new homeowners, it's essential to know how to check for bed bugs and understand what actions to take.

If you find bed bugs in your new home, the legal implications can be daunting.

The Law Offices of Radley Baine can represent you and simplify your home-buying process with a flat fee structure, ensuring transparency and no hidden surprises.

With decades of experience in real estate law, we protect your interests from contract reviews to smooth closings.

Take the first step towards homeownership by reaching out to us at (917) 656-0050 or [email protected].

At the Law Offices of Radley Baine, we are dedicated to protecting your investment and making your home-buying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.