Pests and Environmental Hazards
17
A home inspector should recognize problems in the home that are related to insects and animal infestations, because these home invaders can weaken the structural members of the home and make it uninhabitable. In addition, home inspectors may encounter problems caused by biological contaminants (fungi) or environmental hazards. Specialized training is required to evaluate deficiencies caused by pests, fungi, and environmental hazards. Yet, a knowledgeable and alert home inspector can add value to his or her services by being able to report evidence of the presence of any of these problems. This course will identify characteristics of insects that may infest a house and list animals that may damage a house, as well as evidence of their presence. In addition, this course will list characteristics of biological contaminants and name environmental hazards that may affect a house.