Systematic Inspection Protocol
Methodical step-by-step inspection approach ensuring all potential pest harborage areas, entry points, and conducive conditions are identified and documented.
Detailed Overview
Professional inspections follow systematic protocol preventing oversights. Start exterior working toward interior. Exterior: walk property perimeter noting landscape contact with structure, vegetation overgrowth, gaps under doors, cracks in foundation, utility penetrations, drainage issues, mulch depth, wood-soil contact. Document with photos and measurements. Interior: start from entry, work room by room. Each room: ceiling (penetrations, stains), walls (cracks, outlets, baseboards), floors (gaps, drains), fixtures (plumbing leaks, appliances). High-priority areas: kitchens (behind/under appliances, sink cabinets, pantries), bathrooms (under sinks, around toilets, tubs), utility areas (water heaters, furnaces, laundry). Use tools: flashlight for dark areas, mirror for inspecting undersides, screwdriver to probe wood, moisture meter for water damage. Document findings: photos with measurements, notes on severity, sketch diagrams showing locations. Record evidence: droppings count/location, live pest sightings, damage description, conducive conditions. Inspection forms ensure consistency. Time required: 30-90 minutes depending on size and complexity. Thorough initial inspection foundation of effective treatment program.
When to Use
Conduct systematic inspection on every initial service call before recommending treatment. Re-inspect thoroughly when treatments not providing expected results. Use inspection findings to guide treatment decisions.
Required Skill Level
Should only be performed by licensed pest management professionals
Benefits
- Identifies all pest issues not just reported problem
- Finds conducive conditions for correction
- Locates entry points for exclusion
- Documents baseline for measuring improvement
- Demonstrates thoroughness to customer
- Guides targeted treatment approach
Limitations
- Time-consuming on initial visit
- Some areas may be inaccessible
- Requires experience to recognize all issues
- Customer may resist extensive inspection time
Related Concepts
Other principles that may be useful
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A prevention-based pest management method that provides long-lasting pest control, improves building conditions, and is less harmful to residents and pets than traditional pest control.
Pest Triangle
The four essential requirements pests need to survive: food, water, shelter, and ways to get around. Eliminating any of these makes an environment inhospitable to pests.
Threshold Levels
The point at which pest populations or damage reaches a level that requires action. IPM uses threshold levels to determine when treatment is necessary rather than treating on a schedule.