How to Do a Home Pest Inspection: A step-by-Step Guide
A practical walk-through you can follow to spot trouble.
If you're just getting started in pest control, mastering the home inspection is one of the most important skills you’ll develop. A thorough inspection sets the stage for an effective treatment plan and shows clients you know what you’re doing. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide tailored for new service techs.
🧤 Step 1: Gear Up Before You Start
Before you step foot on the property, make sure you’ve got:
PPE (gloves, flashlight, knee pads, etc.) required but the label
Inspection tools (mirror, probe, notepad, moisture meter)
Smartphone, tablet or notepad to take notes and/or photos
Treatment tools for the job (de-weber, sprayer, duster, etc.)
Always introduce yourself and ask the client about recent pest activity before beginning. The more information you have going into an inspection the better.
🚪 Step 2: Start With the Exterior
Walk the perimeter of the home and look for:
Entry points (gaps, cracks, broken screens, weep holes)
Moisture issues (leaky gutters, downspouts, AC units)
Pest harborage areas (wood piles, mulch beds, tall grass)
Food supply (accessible garbage, pet food, food left out, etc.)
Signs of activity (droppings, webs, mud tubes, chewed wood)
Take photos and note any areas that need sealing or treatment.
🛋️ Step 3: Inspect Interior Hotspots
Move inside and focus on common pest-prone areas:
Kitchens: Check under sinks, behind appliances, and pantry areas
Bathrooms: Look for water leaks and moldy spots
Basements/Attics: Dark, damp spaces are pest havens
Garage: Cluttered storage areas often attract rodents and insects
Use your flashlight and mirror to peek into tight spots. Look for live pests, droppings, nests, or damage.
🌡️ Step 4: Check for Moisture & Entry Points
Pests love moisture, so use a moisture meter around sinks, baseboards, and crawlspaces. Check for:
Soft wood
Moldy smells
Dripping pipes
Outdoor water features
Stagnant water
Also check doors, windows, and vents for gaps that pests can squeeze through.
📝 Step 5: Document Everything
As you go, take notes and pictures. Mark:
Pest sightings
Areas of concern
Conditions contributing to infestations (sanitation, etc.)
This will help you build a clear treatment plan, explain your findings to the client with confidence, and communicate the information with your team.
📣 Step 6: Communicate With the Client
Once the inspection is complete:
Go over your findings in plain language
Show photos if possible
Explain the treatment strategy and answer any questions
Offer prevention tips (sealing cracks, food storage, moisture control)
Clear communication builds trust—and helps prevent callbacks.
Final Tip
A good inspection is more than just looking around—it’s about finding clues, asking questions, and putting the puzzle together. The more detailed your inspection, the better your treatment results.
**Always follow local, state, and federal laws when applying pest control products. Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and strictly adhere to all product label instructions—the label is the law.
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