What Do Inspectors Look For During a Pest Inspection?

Let’s face it – there are a lot of critters in Colorado. Mice, rats, bats, birds, raccoons, termites, spiders and insects of every shape and size are all out there looking for a cozy place to call home.

When you’re purchasing a home, the last thing you want is to find some unwelcome guests shacking up with you and your family. Pests and insects can cause significant property damage and even pose health concerns. That’s why it’s never a bad idea to call in a specialist for a pest inspection before closing.

Where Do We Conduct the Pest Inspection?

At Scott Home Services, our pest inspection is a complete visual review of the structure and foundation of the home. We follow the guidelines created by the National Pest Management Association and the NPMA-33 inspection procedure.

Our inspectors access and examine all readily accessible areas where pests and wood destroying insects might be a concern. Essentially, our pest inspectors will follow the same path as a standard home inspection. However, their sole focus is, of course, pests. The areas we inspect include:

• Exterior and Grounds
• Roof
• Crawlspace
• Basement
• Attic
• Garage
• Interior
• Additional Structures (sheds, outbuildings etc.)

What Pests Do We Inspect for?

Wood Destroying Organisms (WDOs) – This is a category of insects that feeds on wood, which includes termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood boring beetles. Being that most homes have certain wood components, these critters can pose a serious threat to structural integrity.

Due to the relatively dry climate of the Colorado Front Range, our inspectors don’t come across WDOs very often. But we do find them from time to time, and we make sure to always stay vigilant for signs of WDOs.

This means inspecting the property for any evidence of live or dead WDOs. Our inspectors will also take note of any damaged wood, tunneling, termite mud tubes, or frass (tiny fecal pellets that several WDOs commonly leave behind).

Unfortunately, much of WDO damage may be hard to identify, as it occurs behind walls. So when we do detect any signs of WDO activity, we will recommend further evaluation from a specialist.

Termite damage on an outdoor pergola

Rodents –  Rodents, especially mice and rats, are very common home intruders in Colorado. They like to shack up in less busy parts of the house, such as basements, crawlspaces and attics.

Our inspectors will always inspect the nooks and crannies of the premise looking for signs of rodents. The most prominent clue is droppings, but we will also often find signs of nesting or rodent trails in insulation.

Whenever we discover a significant presence of mice or rats, we always recommend consulting with a pest control company. Although they might look cute, these rodents can cause costly damage and unsanitary conditions.

Mice droppings

Birds –  These critters are primarily nesting in certain parts of the roof and gutter systems or under decks. But we have also found them in less common locations such as chimneys or attics. Birds can also cause damage and make unwanted messes.

Wasps – It is very common to see wasp nests a the exterior of homes, especially under overhangs and soffits. This is generally a maintenance item, and we will recommend removal from a pro, as needed.

We also occasionally see wasp nests located inside the home, usually the attic. This can be more concerning, being that it is in the living space, and removal is recommended.

Other Insects – No matter how airtight your home is, bugs will somehow find a way inside. We see a lot of spiders, flies, ants, etc. While these types of pests aren’t usually much of a concern, our inspectors will make note for removal or extermination as needed.

Additional Animals – Having been conducting inspections for almost 20 years, our inspectors have seen quite the spectrum of animals in homes. Raccoons, bats, snakes, squirrels to name a few.

If our inspectors don’t actually see the pest, they can generally identify them by their droppings, and will recommend further evaluation when necessary.

Raccoon in a chimney

How To Prevent Pest Intrusion

At Scott Home Services, we are all about setting our clients up for success. That’s why, during our pest inspections, we don’t only identify existing pest issues. We also make note of the ways that you can prevent future pest intrusion!

For instance, any holes, cracks or openings will be noted. This includes gaps in weather stripping, garage door gaps, holes or damage in screens, openings at penetration points, gaps at the eaves and all other vulnerable areas.

Many insects thrive in damp conditions (including subterranean termites), so we call out any moisture concerns around perimeter. In addition, our inspectors will mention any grading issues or improperly installed gutters that could promote moisture build up.

We all know that WDOs love wood, and any wood piles in contact with the home will be called out for relocation. Subterranean termites also love when they have access to wood sources directly from the soil – so we call out any siding or deck components that are in contact with soil.

Also make sure to trim back those bushes and trees! They may look pretty, but foliage in contact with the home or overhanging the roof (as shown below) give pests an easy route to access the home.

Book a Pest Inspection with Scott Home Services!

If you are in the process of buying a home, and in need of a home inspection, look no further! We are now offering pest inspections as an add-on service to our standard home inspections.

And the services don’t stop there – we proudly offer a whole list of services, from radon testing to sewer scope inspections, energy checks to infra-red scans. We are your one-stop shop for all inspection services.

We hope that you will consider Scott Home Services for you next home inspection. Feel free to visit us for more info, or you can contact us to book your services today!