What To Expect with a Pest Inspection

a cartoon about Pest Inspection
a cartoon about Pest Inspection

Bugs got you down? Are you in need of a pest inspection? Maybe you are buying or selling a home and need to make sure it is free of infestation. Perhaps you have seen those tell-tale signs of unwanted guests.

Whatever the reason, Environmental Pest Management is there to address your concerns. We have been in the pest control industry since 1986. You can trust us to solve the problem safely, effectively, and for the long-term. 

We will walk you through step by step on what to expect with a pest inspection, so you are free of the unexpected. 

What is a Pre-Purchased Versus Routine Pest Inspection? 

person looking an ant with a magnifying glass

There are two types of pest inspections, pre-purchased and routine. Pre-purchased are usually done with the sale or purchase of a new home. The state sometimes requires them; however, it is dependent upon where you live. 

With a pre-purchased inspection, professionals usually inspect before an offer is made on a home. Repairs from pests can be expensive, so a check can identify any issues and give a bargaining tool if necessary. It also eliminates any surprises before moving as no one wants to find out about a termite infestation after it’s too late. 

Routine inspections are completed at regular intervals, often annually. Having a routine inspection identifies issues before they cause expensive damage. Routine inspections can also identify construction faults, drainage, and environmental conditions that put you at risk for pests. 

What Does a Technician Do During an Inspection? 

A woman shaking hands with a pest inspector

A master technician will have the knowledge and experience to do a proper pest inspection. The inspection will include a strategic evaluation of the home, inside and out, to identify areas of concern. Technicians will look for evidence of an infestation, wood decay, fungi, and mold. 

The technician is going to look for evidence of past pest activity and risks for future infestations. Special tools such as moisture meters, motion detectors, and thermal imaging are used to identify areas of concern. 

Using the tools and their eye, technicians will evaluate the following: 

  • Rooms of the home
  • Subfloors
  • Roof Voids
  • Outbuildings such as sheds
  • Fences
  • Stumps
  • Retaining Walls

The pest inspection will likely take two hours or more depending on the home and land size. Detailed notes and photographs finalize a report before any steps of action. 

What Do I Need to Know About Pest Inspection Tools? 

An environmental home inspector is viewed close-up at work, using an electronic moisture meter to detect signs of damp and rot in wooden structural elements.

The technician will use high-tech equipment to assess the pest activity within and around the home. 

Experts include the following tools in a pest inspection: 

  • Thermal imaging cameras to locate nests and activity
  • Moisture meters to assess moisture levels in the walls as pests love moisture and humidity
  • Termatrac microwave radar detection units that can track termites in the wall and find nests
  • Heinemann boroscopes which help find live ants and any damage they may have caused

However, the best tool technicians have is their own eyes. Experienced technicians know what to look for and can often find subtle signs of pest activity. They may identify:

  • Dirt or mud in corners of rooms or along baseboards
  • Electrical issues and faulty plugs caused by pest activity
  • Damage to wood or plaster

They may also ask for help for damage or concern areas you have identified. It is your home, and you know it best. 

Should I Be Present for the Pest Inspection? 

A woman speaking with her pest inspector

It is best if you are present for the pest inspection. Technicians appreciate your presence as you can point out concerns, and they can explain problems to you on the spot.

If you cannot be present during the inspection, it is essential to make sure the technician provides you with a detailed report identifying current and potential concerns.

What Should I Look For in a Pest Report? 

Exterminator in work wear spraying pesticide with sprayer. Selective focus.

Pest reports should identify concerns and list recommendations to fix problems. Reports may identify areas that need further investigation, such as spots they could not access. 

Technicians include pictures in the report. Photographs help to give evidence to the issue. You’ll have a better understanding of the treatment plan.  

The report should identify concerns such as building faults, drainage problems, or environmental issues that make you vulnerable to pests. The information will also include recommended treatment and cost. 

The report should be available to you promptly, usually within 24 hours. Technicians will be accessible to address any questions or concerns. 

You must understand the report; ask questions if you do not. It should give you a better understanding of the home, property, and pest infestation damage. 

How Are Pests Exterminated? 

Exterminator in work wear spraying pesticide with sprayer.

Usually, the home will not be tented. Many of the products used now for extermination are effective without tenting. The chemicals used are less harmful than in the past. 

Why was tenting used in the past? It used to be the only way to get rid of pests. Tenting was sufficient, but the chemicals used were toxic and unsafe. 

Additionally, the exterminator will remove decaying wood. Removal may involve tearing out overhangs, part of roof extensions, window sills, support beams, flooring, or siding. 

Sometimes only a piece of the wood is removed. Communicate with the experts as to what they are removing or replacing. 

Make Sure You Use a Reliable Company With Experience in the Industry

Two Happy Male Pest Control Workers With Toolbox

Experience is the crucial factor of a reliable pest inspection. The technicians at Environmental Pest Management will solve the problem by identifying the source of the issue. By addressing the what, why, how, and when, we can find a solution for your pest concerns.

The experts at Environmental Pest Management use Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a practical and environmentally sensitive approach that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current and comprehensive information on pests’ life cycles and how they interact with their environment. 

Using IPM, we can manage pest damage ethically and economically. 

Contact us today to book your free pest inspection. We will work to eliminate the pests in your life.

Why the Pest Company You Choose Matters

Male Pest Control Worker Shaking Hands With Happy Woman In Kitchen
Male Pest Control Worker Shaking Hands With Happy Woman In Kitchen

You might not think of putting so much intention into hiring a pest control company; however, it’s crucial to make your selection carefully.

Think about it. Pests in your home represent an invasion of your safe, comfortable, valuable space. Trusting just anyone to eradicate the invaders and restore your area to serenity and security is a careful undertaking.

Our professional team at Environmental Pest Management takes their job seriously. We provide you with trustworthy, reliable pest control services that meet your unique needs with timely, thorough attention.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll return your home to a pest-free, clean, and safe environment quickly and efficiently, with warm and welcoming customer service at heart.

Hire a pest control company that does the job right

Smiling pest management worker in front of a company vehicle

Partnering with your region’s best pest control company should mean you’ll get great results, clear expectations, and honest service with a fantastic attitude. 

Take care to read customer reviews and other reputation markers on any companies you consider for pest removal services. It’s smart to ask around with neighbors, friends, and family members about their experiences with local pest control companies.

A local referral from someone you trust is the gold-standard for a good business reputation. (Psst: at EPM, we continue to be honored that our customers recommend our services widely across our Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota service areas!)

After all, your pest control company can access your most valuable assets: your home or business. Doing a little pre-treatment digging can help ensure you’ll be pleased with the results.

Do your (pest control) homework

A woman doing research on pest management companies near her

Choosing the right pest control company starts with a little research. There are several selection criteria you must verify before inviting a pest control company into your home.

  1. Trust: Before allowing any service professional into your house, make sure they are licensed (if applicable) and bonded. These credentials mean that the company takes your privacy and security seriously. They are willing to stand by their team members’ honesty and integrity while delivering services in your valuable space.
  2. Membership and local and national professional organizations: When companies join their industry orgs, they have a substantial commitment to quality and oversight. 
  3. Environmental concern: Pest companies especially have a duty to be gentle on the environment with chemicals and practices that do not cause harm to people, pets, or plants, in and out of the house. It’s wise to ask questions about the chemicals used in pest control and how they work to eliminate the intruders in question.
  4. Free inspections: Before a pest control company asks for your money, they should be willing to explore the problem thoroughly and provide an array of solutions from which you can choose the best option.
  5. Safety protocols: How will the pest control company keep chemicals on the pests and not on your counters, floors, clothing, and other surfaces? How will they clean up after themselves? Do they have detailed safety procedures for their staff and customers?
  6. Non-chemical pest solutions: Chemicals are only a piece of the pest control pie. Mechanical measures like crevice-sealing, physical traps, and cleaning practices should be part of the pest control solution mosaic.
  7. Professional appearance: All pest control staff should wear a uniform with their name clearly displayed, as well as provide contact information for questions or concerns.
  8. A “we can solve it” attitude: Even for the most challenging pest infestations, your pest control company should partner with you in their detective work. Rather than settling for “good enough,” your pest company should take the time to be diligent until all pests clear out.
  9. Price clarity and guarantee: Once you’ve agreed to pest control services, the company should honor their quote. Stating clearly the elements of service and noting the cost of add-ons before service begins is paramount to a trust-based relationship.
  10. Commitment to customer satisfaction: If you’re not satisfied with your service, your pest company should work diligently with you to hold up their promises. The job isn’t finished until your pests are gone for good.

What about the cost?

Male Worker With Mask Kneeling On Floor And Spraying Pesticide On Wooden Cabinet Using Flashlight

A worthy pest control company will give you a menu of service options that fit your budget and get the job done. Depending on the type and severity of an infestation, your pest control company should give you a realistic outlook on what it will take to keep your property pest-free year-round.

Rather than being concerned with locking you into a subscription, the company you choose should give you plenty of flexibility, while setting up realistic expectations.

For example, if you notice that carpenter ants return seasonally, your pest control partner should offer one-time pest control visits as well as a preventative maintenance option. You retain the choice to obtain regularly scheduled visits or single treatments, depending on your budget and goals.

Your pest control company should make you aware of the possible outcomes of all your choices, as your unique pest problem may dictate. Plus, your service provider should deliver uniform excellence in service, regardless of the frequency of their visits to your property.

What else should I know about protecting my home or business from pests?

A pest control technician explains something to a customer

Choosing a versatile pest control company with plenty of commercial and residential experience is paramount.  

Environmental Pest Management handles a large number of clientele in small businesses, single-family neighborhoods, and multi-family apartment complexes. There’s no infestation too big or too small for us to handle. We know you simply want relief, no matter where your pests show up.

Environmental Pest Management: your Minnesota pest-buster

Exterminator in work wear spraying pesticide with sprayer.

We are proud to have built a business that serves massive buildings to the coziest houses. We have big-company resources, experience, and expertise combined with community values that count.

When pests disrupt your business, home, or comfort, we come to the rescue. Trust our deep Minnesota roots, environmental stewardship, great rates, and variety of service options to keep your space pest and worry-free.

Visit our website today to learn more and schedule a free quote. We’ll have you pest-free in a flash with the best comprehensive service in the region.