Pest Control

Vacant properties in probate are an open invitation to pests—rodents chewing through wires, insects nesting in walls, and wildlife burrowing into attics or crawlspaces. These infestations can cause significant damage, from electrical fires to structural decay, while also posing health risks like disease transmission or allergen exposure. For estate attorneys, managing pest control is a critical part of fulfilling fiduciary duties, as unchecked infestations can diminish the property’s value and expose the estate to legal liability. At DBD Estate Services, our Pest Control service is designed to address these challenges, coordinating with professionals to eliminate infestations and prevent future issues, ensuring the property is safe and ready for its next phase, whether sale or habitation.

The risks of pest infestations in probate properties are both immediate and long-term. As properties sit vacant, often for months or years, they become vulnerable to a wide range of intruders—rats, mice, cockroaches, termites, bees, spiders, and even larger wildlife like squirrels or raccoons. These pests can cause extensive damage: rodents can chew through electrical wiring, creating fire hazards; termites can weaken structural beams, compromising the home’s integrity; and bees or wasps can pose safety risks to anyone entering the property. We’ve seen cases where a probate property’s attic was infested with rats, causing $8,000 in damage to insulation and wiring, or where a termite infestation went unnoticed for years, requiring a $15,000 foundation repair. From a legal perspective, estate attorneys must ensure that the property is maintained in a safe condition, as failure to address pest issues can lead to allegations of fiduciary negligence, especially if the damage reduces the estate’s value or delays the probate process.

This challenge is often exacerbated by the condition of the property prior to vacancy. As people age, their ability to maintain their home can diminish—senses fade, physical capabilities decline, and financial resources may become limited. Small gaps in doors, windows that don’t fully close, or cracks in walls provide easy entry points for pests. Food left in pantries, trash not properly disposed of, or clutter in basements can attract insects and rodents, creating a problem that worsens over time. Once the property is vacant, the situation can become extreme, with infestations growing unchecked in the absence of human activity. We’ve encountered probate properties where cockroaches had taken over the kitchen, or where a family of squirrels had nested in the attic, leaving behind droppings and chewed insulation. These scenarios highlight the need for professional pest control, a task that DBD Estate Services is uniquely equipped to manage.

Our process begins with a thorough inspection of the property, identifying signs of pest activity and vulnerabilities that may have allowed entry. We work closely with estate attorneys to understand the property’s condition, any known pest issues, and the goals for the estate. Our inspection covers every part of the property—interior, exterior, and grounds—checking for droppings, nests, chew marks, or structural damage caused by pests. We also assess entry points, such as gaps in the foundation, holes in the roof, or unsealed vents, that need to be addressed to prevent future infestations. In one case, we inspected a probate property that had been vacant for six months, finding a severe rat infestation in the basement and a wasp nest in the eaves. Our plan addressed both issues, ensuring the property was safe and habitable.

With the inspection complete, we coordinate with licensed pest control professionals to eliminate the infestations, managing every detail to ensure a thorough and safe process. We don’t mind spiders, snakes, bees, rats, cockroaches, or any other unwelcome guests—our team is prepared to handle them all. For rodents, we use traps and baits to remove the population, followed by sealing entry points to prevent re-entry. For insects like termites or cockroaches, we employ targeted treatments, such as fumigation or chemical barriers, to eradicate the infestation. For larger wildlife, such as squirrels or raccoons, we use humane removal methods, ensuring compliance with local wildlife regulations, and repair any damage caused by their presence. We also implement preventative measures, such as installing mesh screens over vents, sealing cracks in the foundation, and removing attractants like standing water or debris. Throughout the process, we provide regular updates, delivering a detailed report with photos, a timeline of the treatments, and the preventative measures implemented, giving you a clear record for probate proceedings.

In one case, the infestation of multiple forms of pests was so extreme that the entire house had to be tented and fumigated. Specially licensed contractors were selected and hired by DBD Estate Services, and numerous varieties of insects and rodents were eliminated. Afterwards, DBD managed the clean-up process, leaving the home safe and habitable once again.

Our service is designed to address the unique needs of probate attorneys, focusing on minimizing liability and protecting the estate’s assets. We understand the legal implications of unchecked pest infestations—significant damage can lead to financial losses, disputes among heirs, or lawsuits from neighbors, all of which can delay probate and strain client relationships. Our thorough pest control ensures that the property is safe, habitable, and ready for its next phase, whether that’s a sale or occupancy. In one memorable case, we handled a probate property with a severe termite infestation that had damaged the wooden framing. We eliminated the termites, repaired the damage, and implemented preventative treatments, preserving the property’s value and allowing it to sell at market price, a success that benefited the estate and satisfied the heirs.

We also recognize the emotional weight of this process for heirs, who may feel overwhelmed by the state of the property. A pest-infested home can be a distressing reminder of neglect, especially if the decedent struggled to maintain it in their later years. Our team approaches every project with empathy, ensuring that the pest control process respects the decedent’s legacy while meeting the legal needs of the estate. We work closely with heirs to address any concerns, such as ensuring that specific areas of the property are protected during treatment, while ensuring that the infestation is fully resolved. In cases where heirs are unable to participate, we act as their proxy, making decisions with their best interests in mind while keeping you informed at every step.

At DBD Estate Services, we’re committed to helping estate attorneys navigate the complexities of probate with ease. Our Pest Control service ensures that every property is free of infestations, giving you the confidence to manage the estate without fear of damage or liability. We take pride in our professionalism, our attention to detail, and our commitment to supporting the probate process. Whether you’re dealing with a minor insect problem or a severe rodent infestation, we have the expertise to handle the pest control with care and precision. Contact us today to learn how we can support your next probate case with our expert pest control services.

That’s where we come in. We don’t mind spiders and snakes (or bees, or rats, or cockroaches, or …). Contact us today to find out how we can help to make, and keep, your probate property pest free.