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Pest Inspection in Atlanta, GA: What It Covers and What to Expect
A pest inspection is a systematic check of your property to find what is active, how pests are getting in and what is attracting them, before any treatment. EPA's integrated pest management guidance puts monitoring and identification first, so pesticides are used only when they are really needed. Call Pest Control Atlanta at (404) 647-6677 to talk through an inspection of your home or business.
The service
What a pest inspection looks for
UGA says most pest problems exist because one or more of three life-support requirements is easy for the pest to reach: favorable temperatures, abundant food and water, and available shelter. An inspection looks for those conditions, for the pests themselves and for the ways in.
| Area | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Outside | Groundcovers, shrubs and mulch near the foundation (UGA says keep groundcovers at least 1.5 feet from foundation walls); woodpiles, rock piles, boards, leaf litter and debris that give pests harborage |
| Water and drainage | Rainwater, gutters, downspouts and air-conditioner condensate draining toward the foundation; poorly ventilated attics, crawlspaces and basements; standing water. UGA calls persistent moisture the most important condition for many infestations |
| Ways in | Cracks, gaps and entryways; door sweeps, window screens, and screening on foundation and attic vents |
| Inside | Food storage and spills, garbage, and clutter, which UGA says provides harborage and sometimes food; small voids behind kitchen cabinets, appliances and furniture |
| Crawlspaces, attics and wall voids | UGA lists these as common harborage inside a structure; the inspection checks what is accessible |
Signs you may need one
- You keep seeing the same pest after cleaning or treating it yourself. See the guides for German cockroaches, American cockroaches and camel crickets.
- Droppings, gnaw marks or noises in walls or the attic. See Rat vs Mouse.
- Winged insects indoors or mud tubes on a foundation. See Eastern Subterranean Termites in Georgia.
- Stinging insects, or a nest you cannot identify. See Hornet vs Wasp vs Yellowjacket.
- Spiders you cannot identify. See What Spider Is This?
- A damp crawl space, basement or attic, or a musty smell you cannot trace.
- You are buying, renting or managing a property and want to know what is active before you commit.
Not sure which of these fits? Call and describe what you are seeing. Identification comes first, and UGA says proactive pest management begins with identifying the pest and using its biology to choose the action plan.
How it works, step by step
This is how a visit works with Pest Control Atlanta.
- You call and describe the problem. Tell us what you are seeing, where and when.
- We inspect the property. The aim is the same as the checks above: find where pests are active, how they are getting in and what is attracting them.
- The pest is identified. EPA's integrated pest management guidance puts monitoring and identification before treatment, so pesticides are used only when they are really needed.
- You hear what was found. We explain what is active, the entry points and the conditions that support the pest.
- Treatment, if needed. We treat the pests that are active and deal with the entry points and conditions letting them in.
- If pests return. Our service carries a “Satisfaction Guaranteed — Free Re-Treatment If Pests Return” guarantee.
How to prepare
- Note where and when you see pests, and any droppings, damage or odors.
- Take photos of anything you can safely photograph, and keep any insect you find in a sealed container.
- Make sure the attic, crawl space, garage and the cabinets under sinks can be reached.
- Tell us about recent treatments, bait or traps, and any leaks or damp areas.
- Secure pets and let everyone in the home know a technician is coming.
Which inspection fits your situation, and what an inspection cannot see
| Situation | Start here |
|---|---|
| Pests are active in the home, or you want to know what is drawing them in | This page: a general pest inspection |
| You suspect termites, or want the annual check UGA recommends | Termite Inspection in Atlanta, GA |
| Rodents are getting into the building | Rodent Exclusion and Rodent Control |
| An animal has died in a wall, attic or crawl space | Dead Animal Removal in Atlanta, GA |
| A restaurant, school, office or other business | Commercial Pest Control |
An inspection checks what can be reached and seen. Pests and damage hidden inside walls, floors or sealed spaces can be missed, which is one reason UGA recommends repeating termite inspections every year, and why follow-up matters if activity continues.
Serving Atlanta and Fulton County
Pest Control Atlanta serves Atlanta and surrounding areas, including every city in Fulton County; see Pest Control in Fulton County, GA. Call (404) 647-6677 to talk through an inspection of your home or business. For the full list of residential services, see Residential Pest Control Services in Atlanta, or browse the Atlanta Pest Library.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a pest inspection and a termite inspection?
A general pest inspection looks at active pests, entry points and conditions across the property. A termite inspection focuses on wood-destroying termites; UGA suggests an annual termite inspection as a preventive strategy. See Termite Inspection in Atlanta, GA.
Why identify the pest before treating it?
EPA's IPM guidance says monitoring and identification remove the possibility that pesticides will be used when they are not really needed. UGA likewise says proactive pest management begins with identifying the pest and using its biology to choose an action plan.
Does an inspection mean I need treatment?
Not necessarily. Treatment depends on what is found. EPA's IPM approach uses monitoring, identification and prevention, and moves to control once those indicate it is required.
What can an inspection miss?
It checks what can be reached and seen. Pests and damage hidden inside walls, floors or sealed spaces can be missed, so follow-up matters if activity continues.
What should I do before the visit?
Note where and when you see pests, take photos, make sure the attic, crawl space, garage and under-sink cabinets can be reached, and tell us about recent treatments or damp areas.
Do you inspect businesses as well as homes?
Pest Control Atlanta provides commercial pest control for restaurants, schools, offices and other properties. See Commercial Pest Control or call to describe your property.
How much does a pest inspection cost?
We do not publish prices. Call (404) 647-6677, describe the property and what you are seeing, and ask for a quote.
Related services and guides
Ready to find out what is going on?
Call Pest Control Atlanta and describe what you are seeing and where. We will talk through an inspection of your property.
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