Surveyor Report - Pests

[fastgerman]

Sorry, another one from me...

So, I've had a surveyors report back, which knocked me for 6 as I'm used to new builds and the house is a 1960's chalet style next to a field.

After reading the 10 items on the urgent list, I'm tackling those related to health and safety first as have an 8 month old son.

I have been advised by some that I should negotiate on price, however don't feel comfortable going down that route as feel the property is at a good price for the area and was advertised as needing some work.

What I am requesting the seller to do is the following as listed in the surveyor report:

1) remove a wasps nest.
2) professional in to sort out wood boring beetle in airing cupboard (this is in a cupboard within a dormer so likely poor ventilation).
3) professional to sort out 'vermin/rodents' in attic and clean + provide a report.

In my opinion, it is a reasonable request when taking into account I'm not negotiating on price and our forecast move in date is 3-4 weeks away.

On the above:
1) should be approx £50
2) I'll probably buy a de-humidifier and leave next to the airing cupboard with the door open and clean/hoover but not use any strong sprays due to the little man
3) heard about ultrasonic plugins that may be better than smelling poisoned rotting mice

Thoughts/recommendations appreciated :-)

Oh just to add, the estate agent said my request was unreasonable/unusual

Edited by fastgerman on Thursday 26th November 11:53

[fastgerman]

Thanks for replies All

The comments are under the Urgent list to resolve, however this report seems to be worded a bit strong compared to those who have seen the property and then seen the report - surveyor covering themselves keeps being quoted.

Wasps nest and beetles I think I won't push too much on but the vermin/rodents is a problem, especially with my 8 month old son. If it's rats, then we aren't doing any deals until its sorted.

I've hit the ball firmly back so will wait on responses

[fastgerman]

Issi said:

fastgerman said:

Thanks for replies All

The comments are under the Urgent list to resolve, however this report seems to be worded a bit strong compared to those who have seen the property and then seen the report - surveyor covering themselves keeps being quoted.

Wasps nest and beetles I think I won't push too much on but the vermin/rodents is a problem, especially with my 8 month old son. If it's rats, then we aren't doing any deals until its sorted.

I've hit the ball firmly back so will wait on responses

Although I haven't seen the report, I'm curious about people stating that the Surveyor is just 'covering' himself.

If he saw one mouse dropping in the attic, he really should say 'signs of vermin present' as if he didn't he could be sued for not mentioning it.

The same goes for one isolated beetle hole or a gold ball sized wasp nest.

It's not worth not mentioning anything anymore as people are always far too willing to sue.

As an example, I visited a house last week where they had lived for nine months and had suddenly developed damp problems, I investigated and found that the gutters were blocked with moss and other debris.

The owners first words to me were -

'Can I sue the surveyor for not noticing this 9 months ago?'

From the report:

There is evidence that rodents/vermin are in the roof space. As electrical cabling, insulation and indeed health could be harmed, the roof space should be cleaned through and sealed as much as possible. Rodents/vermin should be eradicated via a pest control specialist and electrical wiring should be the subject of a safety check.

[fastgerman]

Harry H said:

As has been said, I'd have a look yourself. If you're moving somewhere rural for the first time get used to mice. Sealing a house to keep em out is no easy task. I'm forever killing the buggers in the loft space above the garage.

When we fist moved out of town into the country we thought the world was about to end when one night there was a plague of beetles attacking the house. Think of that Mummy movie. Millions of them, massive as well, bouncing off the windows making a right din. Wife took a dead one in a match box down to the local garden centre to be told they're May Fly's. Happens every year apparently but as a townie I'd never seen one before.

Haha this, I'm definitely a 'townie'. If you've seen Withnail and I, I'd have the shotgun going fishing :-)

[fastgerman]

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies and all going well, we are moving in on Monday.

Pest control has removed the wasps nest and advised the beetles are no longer present. They were in a boiler room outside the main house but attached so not too much of a concern if some timber had to be replaced.

Confirmation that only mice in the attic and the third round of bait trays have been placed there. 10 in the attic, 1 under the sink in the kitchen and 2 in the garage. The ones in the attic have been 'covered over', which is apparently something mice do. The ones in kitchen and garage haven't been touched so advised to cut all hedges down touching the house in case mice are climbing up.

Electrician coming over on Thurs to check wires in attic.

Any other suggestions on stopping mice? Pest control says they see mice droppings in houses that have the sonic plug ins so don't think they work. Some have been around the plugins.