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 You Should Use Professional Pest Control

AdobeStock 106889416
AdobeStock 106889416

As the weather changes, so do the habits of household pests. Pests and insects are looking for places to hide and stay warm and cozy in the winter or cool and comfortable during the summer. 

When this happens, these invaders are going to seek the comfort of your home, making them an annoyance to the family. These tiny invaders can come into your home and cause property damage, intruding in objects like food products, wood, and papers. 

Often homeowners will take it upon themselves to rid their homes of unwanted pests. This means a trip to the hardware store or trying a new DIY treatment. Both of these options can be challenging to accomplish alone and lead to a dangerous outcome. 

Rather than treat it yourself, contact Environmental Pest Management to handle unwelcome house guests. 

When you hire professional pest control, you can rest assured that individuals are trained to handle chemicals safely and effectively. They are well versed in practices to keep your family safe. For the quickest, most efficient, and lasting pest removal, hire a professional pest control service.

Keeps Your Family Healthy 

Besides being bothersome and gross, pests can carry many diseases or harmful bacteria that can increase your family’s exposure to illness. For example, cockroaches are known carriers of the bacterias E. coli and salmonella. 

Both infestations or cockroaches and rodents can exacerbate health issues related to allergies and asthma. Cockroaches and rodents have a protein in their droppings known to cause allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive immune systems. These reactions can cause life-threatening asthma attacks and allergic reactions.  

Ticks are carriers of Lyme disease, ants can contaminate your food pantry. Bees and wasps can cause injuries or trigger anaphylactic reactions through the venom they inject when they sting. 

The longer a pest resides in your home, the more dangerous conditions can become. A pest professional not only eliminates the invaders but provides helpful information on how to prevent them from returning. 

Pest control concept in flat style design. Cockroaches run away from home.Chemical treatment and protection against termites, cockroaches, fleas, agricultural pests.

Eliminates the Risk of Using Chemicals

Most of the readily available pest treatments on the market have been approved for home use. However, you should always be cautious in handling chemicals that are unfamiliar to you. A skilled pest technician knows when and how much chemicals to use to prevent any harm to humans or pets. 

Many pest removal products on the market will appear initially effective; however, they will not permanently eliminate your infestation. Many of these treatments are only effective on the surface. 

These products will rid you of the pests that you see scurrying around your home and property.  However, they do not treat the problem at the source. 

The source of a majority of infestations, whether a termite colony or rats nest, are often out of your sight. These “invisible” pests can not be controlled with over the counter pest control products. 

Identify and Eliminate Pests 

Pest companies eliminate all different types of pests. This list includes various rodents and a variety of insects- bees, ants, cockroaches, mosquitos, flys, wasps, fleas, and termites. 

Different baits and chemicals are necessary to withdraw and eliminate each different pests. A licensed pest technician is educated in the safe and proper dosages of chemicals. They also know where and when to apply them. 

A noteworthy benefit of using a professional pest control service is that the professionals have the knowledge to identify the pest invading your property. Knowing which pests are at your home and how they get in helps decide which elimination method is best.

Companies can eradicate pests by using poisoned bait, baited traps, or various chemicals. Some professional pest control companies specialize in organic or green pest control. 

Locating the Source

Your professionals will maximize the effect of the treatment by also locating the source of the infestation. If the infestation source is not located and eliminated, more infestations are likely to occur within the home. 

Some sources can include batches of hidden eggs, nests,  garbage cans, plants, soil, pet food, or particular areas within your walls. 

Pest Control Worker Hand Holding Sprayer For Spraying Pesticides

Save Your Time

When you hire professionals, they can provide quicker and more successful results than if you try to treat the infestation yourself. Between their experience and the products and chemicals that are not as readily available to consumers, they swiftly implement plans for extermination and eliminate pests in a short amount of time. 

A typical treatment can last from anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour. Any moisture, sanitation, and environmental conditions can affect the length the treatment may last. It can take up to six hours for treatment.

A larger problem that requires any fumigation can take up to a week to complete. The home will need time to retire to a safe environment for your family. 

Avoid Damages to Property and Belongings

Different pests can pose unique risks to your property and belongings. Termites cause damage to approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S., costing U.S. residents an estimated $5 billion annually in damages. 

If you have a termite infestation, your belongings and the structural integrity of your home are compromised. These insects feast on hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and structural beams that support your home. 

Other insect invaders prefer to eat fibers putting clothing, upholstered surfaces, beds, blankets, and towels at risk for damages. While a rodent infestation can result in damages to your electrical wiring and insulation in your home. 

The most efficient way to protect yourself from these damages is to pay a licensed professional to identify and quickly eradicate the pest infestation within your home and property.

34 Years of Experience

When you choose Environmental Pest Management, you are getting 34 years of pest management experience and our commitment to excellence. Our company is associated with the National Pest Management Association and the Minnesota Pest Management Association. 

We pride ourselves on the use of environmentally safe products and our master licensed technicians. Contact us to book your free inspection today.Â