How to DIY Home Pest Inspection

It is a very good idea to do a home pest inspection at least once a year. Home pest inspections are very easy to conduct and doing it yourself will save a bit of money. All you need is the know how.

Things to look for is live insects, dead insects or pest droppings. By identifying the intruders as soon as possible, you will be able to purchase the correct pesticide.

Sticky traps, like what is used to catch mice and rats, is a great tool for finding exactly which insects are in a specific area. Spiders, roaches and even termites can invade an area without touching others. So use sticky mats in hidden places throughout the home and not just in one place or room.

The underneath of the kitchen sink is a good starting point because of the warmth and dampness. Other areas in the kitchen include around the refrigerator, cabinets and pet's food bowls. Roaches are one of the worst pests that can invade your kitchen, but expect to find ants and more.

In the bathroom, be sure to check for live or dead bugs under the sink and around the toilet and shower. Everything that lives needs water so anywhere that water might collect is an ideal place for insects. However, mice and rats can run the whole house without making a peep so look for mice droppings too.

Bedrooms are a bit tricky. There is so many places to hide. Still the worst places for insects are in the closet and under the bed. Spiders can be a real problem in this room because they can bite when we are asleep. So make it a real good look around the entire bed area.

To look for mice or rats, examine areas like cabinets and drawers for droppings. Check near the floor edges in areas like the utility room for entry holes that they may have made. Even if there is only a small hole for water pipes or cracks, it is enough room for the insect or mice invasion to begin.

Check all windows for signs of insects or mice. Very often, window frames are forgotten when cleaning. This makes them perfect spots for insects to thrive and die. Also, window drapes can hide living insects or their webs and caccoons.

Don't forget to examine the garage. Garages are an entry point to your house that is both damp and dark. Insects or mice can thrive for generations in the garage before you even know that they are there. Since the garage and basements are usual places for storage, they can destroy your life's memorabilia in addition to any damage to the home.

Termites cause far more damage than a mouse or roach. Termites can literally eat the floor out from under you! It is important to look for termites at the attic as well as the rest of the house. Don't be afraid to put out sticky mats outside by the foundation of the house.

Another kind of pest rarely thought of is squirrels and snakes. While the frequency of a snake intruder is very small in the city, it is a more common occurrence in the country. The same goes for squirrels and even bats. While snakes will look for entry points closer to the ground, squirrels and bats work their way into the attic or even chimney. The best way to know if there is a snake present is by finding a shed skin or a poop puddle. The others will make noise and leave regular droppings.

Once you have identified if you have a problem and of what sort, buy the correct type of pesticide. For squirrels, bats and snakes it is best to call in a professional. They will be able to catch and release these animals and leave you with a secure home.