Why inspection comes first
The Wild Pest methodology starts with finding the source before treating. This is Pillar 1 of how we work: find the source, seal the entry, then treat. For that sequence to work, the inspection has to be rigorous — a checklist-driven walk that documents what we find, not a quick scan to justify a treatment quote. For BC-licensed pest professionals, the inspection stage is also where the legally required Pest Management Plan is developed. Under the BC Integrated Pest Management Act, licensed applicators must document pest identification, infestation level, and the least-toxic-effective treatment rationale before applying any pesticide. The inspection is where this documentation is built.
Stage 1: walk-through with homeowner (10–15 min)
Technician arrives, introduces themselves, and walks the home with the homeowner. We confirm which pests have been seen, where, when, and any treatments attempted. We note pet locations, sensitive areas (cribs, food prep surfaces, aquariums), and any access constraints. This stage is where most diagnostic information actually comes from — the homeowner has been observing the pest situation longer than we have, and their observations guide the inspection focus.
Stage 2: structural perimeter assessment (30–60 min)
Technician walks the exterior perimeter with flashlight and inspection tools, then the interior. The specific focus depends on pest type: For rodent issues: every utility penetration (gas, water, cable, dryer vent, A/C line), soffit-fascia gap, crawlspace vent screen, and foundation gap above grade is checked. We use a borescope for wall void investigation and a thermal camera for inaccessible areas showing temperature differentials consistent with rodent harborage or entry. For carpenter ants: moisture sources are the primary target — soft wood at window frames, roofline, deck attachment points, anywhere water intrudes. Frass piles (fine sawdust-like material mixed with ant body parts) indicate active galleries. A moisture meter confirms wood moisture levels at suspect areas. For bed bugs: mattress seams and tufts, box spring fabric, headboard crevices, outlet plates, and loose wallpaper. We check the full harborage zone, not just the bed. For cockroaches: kitchen appliance undersides, dishwasher motor area, refrigerator motor housing, under-sink cabinet corners. German cockroaches concentrate near heat and moisture.
Stage 3: report and recommendation (10–15 min)
Technician reviews findings with the homeowner on-site, explains the pest biology and behaviour driving the infestation, recommends treatment approach (or confirms no treatment needed if the visit finds no active infestation), and provides a written quote with starting price. The photo report ships digitally within 30 minutes of leaving site — this is Pillar 2 of our operating standard. The report includes dated photographs of every finding, identified pest species, entry points documented, and the recommended treatment plan. If the homeowner books treatment, scheduling and prep instructions are provided immediately.
Preparing your home for a Wild Pest inspection
Simple steps that help the technician find everything efficiently.
- 1Clear access under sinksRemove cleaning products and storage from under bathroom and kitchen sinks. This is where we find most of the structural gaps that admit rodents and cockroaches.
- 2Pull appliances forward if possibleIf a refrigerator or stove can be pulled out easily, do so before arrival. If not, we'll do this during the inspection.
- 3Note pest sighting locationsWrite down or photograph where you've seen pests — especially timing (morning vs night), floor vs ceiling level, and what the pest looked like. This speeds up the diagnostic walk significantly.
- 4Ensure attic and crawlspace access is clearFor rodent or carpenter ant investigations, attic hatch and crawlspace hatch need to be accessible. Clear storage blocking these before the tech arrives.