Seasonal Whole-Home Pest Inspection Checklist

Inspect foundation walls for cracks and gaps — seal any gaps larger than 6mm (mice can squeeze through pencil-width openings) with caulk

Check all window and door screens for tears — repair or replace damaged screens, the first line of defense against mosquitoes and bed bugs

Inspect roof gutters for leaf buildup and standing water — clear thoroughly as standing water breeds mosquitoes and damp conditions attract termites and cockroaches

Trim tree branches and shrubs that touch or overhang the house — keep at least 1m clearance as plants touching walls create bridges for ants and rodents

Check all exterior wall penetrations (AC pipes, cables, exhaust vents) — stuff with steel wool then seal with caulk, rodents cannot chew through steel wool

Inspect mattress corners and seams — use a flashlight and damp tissue: rub black spots with a wet wipe, if it smears reddish-brown it is bed bug feces

Check inside kitchen sink cabinets — wipe up standing water and condensation, look for cockroach droppings (coffee-ground-like specks) and rodent droppings (rice-grain-shaped)

Inspect dry goods (rice, flour, grains) — discard expired items or anything opened more than 3 months, transfer to airtight glass or hard plastic containers

Check bathroom floor drains are sealed and draining properly — cover unused drains with silicone caps to block cockroaches and drain flies from entering through pipes

Tap wooden door frames, baseboards, and floor edges with a screwdriver handle — a hollow or dull sound indicates wood-destroying pest damage

Inspect attic and storage areas for rodent droppings, gnaw marks, shredded insulation, or bat guano accumulation

Check closet corners and drawer bottoms for silverfish (tiny silver insects) or clothes moth larvae cocoons — especially where wool and silk are stored