What Does a Pest Inspection Include? The Full Checklist
A pest inspection includes a visual check of the exterior, roofline, attic, garage, kitchen, bathrooms and crawl space for live pests, droppings, damage, entry points and moisture. The inspector identifies the species, maps where it enters, and explains the conditions that support it. The result is a written summary with a treatment and prevention plan.
What Areas Does a Pest Inspector Check?
A pest inspector checks seven areas of a home, in this order:
| Area | What the inspector looks for | Pests usually found |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior and foundation | Mud tubes, ant trails, gaps at pipes and vents, soil against siding | Subterranean termites, ants, spiders |
| Roofline and eaves | Gaps at fascia, roof returns, vent screens, tree contact | Roof rats, wasps, spiders |
| Attic | Droppings, trails in insulation, gnawed wiring, frass | Roof rats, mice, drywood termites |
| Garage | Webs in corners, droppings behind storage, door-seal gaps | Black widows, mice, cockroaches |
| Kitchen | Trails at sinks, droppings under appliances, pantry damage | Argentine ants, German cockroaches, mice |
| Bathrooms and laundry | Leaks, damp cabinets, gaps at plumbing | Ants, cockroaches, silverfish |
| Crawl space | Moisture, wood-to-soil contact, damaged joists, tubes on piers | Subterranean termites, rodents, fungus |
Pest Control Pros follows this sequence on every pest inspection in Roseville.
What Signs of Pests Does an Inspector Look For?
An inspector looks for six signs of pests: the pest itself, droppings, damage, tracks, nests and conditions.
- Droppings: roof rat droppings are about 1/2 inch long with pointed ends; mouse droppings are about 1/4 inch.
- Damage: gnawed wiring, hollow-sounding wood, chewed food packaging.
- Tracks: rub marks along beams, trails through attic insulation.
- Nests: paper wasp combs under eaves, shredded insulation nests.
- Frass: drywood termite pellets in small piles below infested wood.
- Conditions: leaks, irrigation overspray, firewood against walls, branches touching the roof.
Does a Pest Inspection Include Termites?
It depends on the inspection you book. A general pest inspection notes obvious termite evidence such as mud tubes. A formal Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection, regulated by the California Structural Pest Control Board, is the inspection that documents termites, wood-boring beetles and fungus in a standard report. Book a termite inspection when you are buying, selling or seeing wood damage.
What Happens After the Inspection?
After the inspection, you receive a written summary of what was found, where it is entering and what to do next. The summary separates three things:
- Pests confirmed, with the species named.
- Entry points and conditions to fix, with photos where possible.
- Treatment options with a written price, including a no-treatment option when monitoring is enough.
The cost of a pest inspection depends on which of these areas your home has and how easily they can be reached.
How Should You Prepare for a Pest Inspection?
To prepare for a pest inspection, give the inspector clear access and a short history.
- Clear the attic hatch, crawl-space door and the area under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Pull garage storage away from walls where possible.
- Do not spray or clean up evidence for two or three days beforehand.
- List the rooms, times and seasons when you noticed pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, being home is best for the interior inspection, because your notes on where and when you saw pests shorten the search. Exterior-only inspections can be done without you.
No, inspectors check visible and accessible areas and do not move heavy furniture. Areas that cannot be reached are listed as inaccessible in the report.
Related Roseville Pest Guides
How Much Does a Pest Inspection Cost in Roseville, CA?
What drives inspection pricing in Placer County — the type of work and the condition of the home.
Pest Inspection for Home Buyers in Roseville, CA
The termite, rodent and moisture findings sellers hope you will not look for.
Roseville Pest Calendar: What to Expect Each Season
Wasps in summer, rodents in fall, ants after rain — your year in Roseville pests.