Finding a pest problem early starts with knowing where to look. A few simple tools can help homeowners spot warning signs, monitor activity, and give a professional useful information.
At Best Pest Podcast, host Robert Kerbow shares practical pest control knowledge, field experience, and tips to help you better understand what’s happening around your home.
A Bright Flashlight
A good flashlight helps you check dark areas beneath sinks, inside cabinets, and around plumbing. Look for droppings, insect activity, damaged materials, and gaps where pests could enter.
An Inspection Mirror
An inspection mirror lets you see behind pipes and beneath hard-to-reach surfaces. It’s a simple tool that can help you inspect areas without moving heavy appliances or taking anything apart.
A Moisture Meter
A moisture meter can help identify damp materials that deserve further investigation. Moisture problems can create conditions favorable to some pests.
A high reading does not prove you have termites. Use it as a reason to check for leaks or ask a professional to investigate.
Insect Monitoring Traps
Insect monitoring traps can help show where crawling insects are active. Place them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, away from children and pets.
Check them regularly and record what you find. Monitoring helps you understand a problem, but traps alone may not eliminate an infestation.
A Phone Camera and Inspection Notes
Take clear photos of insects, droppings, damage, or suspected entry points. Record where you found them and when you first noticed activity.
These details can help a pest professional identify the problem and decide what to inspect next.
When to Call a Professional
Schedule a professional inspection if you find suspected termite mud tubes, damaged wood, repeated rodent activity, or a pest problem that keeps returning.
Avoid disturbing suspected termite evidence before an inspection. Photograph it and show the technician where you found it. Never enter unsafe attics or crawl spaces or handle unidentified chemicals.
Explore Pest Control Gear
Visit BestPestPodcast.com to explore our Inspection Tools and other pest control gear collections. Choose tools that fit your needs, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For more practical tips, watch and listen to Best Pest Podcast—real talk, real pest control, and real field experience.
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