As summer heats up in Victoria BC, the last thing you want to do is head ‘up there.’

But what you ignore now could come back to bite you later.

That’s because your attic makes a cozy home for a number of common local pests — from squirrels, raccoons, and rats to carpenter ants, wasps, and termites.

An infestation up above can go undetected for months, even years. And as time goes on the destruction to your rafters, insulation, vents, and wiring could end up costing thousands in repairs and restoration.

It isn’t always easy to detect these uninvited house guests — even for a trained eye — but there are some tell-tale signs that a diligent home inspector will know to look for, like ripped up insulation, moisture-damaged wood, and fine sawdust-like shavings called “frass.”

Carpenter ants, in particular, are notorious for vanishing and re-appearing during hot and cold spells. If your home inspector flags a problem, ​make sure to call in ​a​ pest control pro to remove these destructive intruders for good.

And next time you’re looking to buy or list a home, make a point of asking your home inspector about signs of pests in the attic, even in the heat of summer!