Say what decision the inspection should support
Explain what you have observed and whether you need pest identification, an assessment of affected areas or a proposal for further work. Ask what the inspection includes and whether it has a separate fee.
Inspection does not automatically include treatment. Prevention advice concerns recommendations; physical exclusion concerns work to close entry points; monitoring concerns ongoing observation. Ask which activities you are buying.
Keep termite requirements separate
General pest inspection and termite inspection are separate services in this directory. Ask specifically about termites when that is your concern.
If a lender, buyer, insurer or other party needs a report, ask that party what format and qualifications it requires. Confirm that the company can provide the requested report rather than assuming an ordinary inspection will meet the requirement.
Agree the written outcome and next step
Ask what findings, limitations, inaccessible areas and recommendations will be recorded. Clarify whether further identification, an additional visit or another specialist is needed.
Review the proposed work, visit count, follow-up and total before agreeing to treatment or a plan. Keep the comparison worksheet with the proposals.
Sources and next step
Reviewed 15 October 2026. EPA's integrated pest management principles distinguish monitoring and identification from control. Terminix's termite service page illustrates separate termite inspection, treatment and plan terms; it does not establish the services of other companies.
Compare general pest inspection and termite inspection profiles for the relevant scope.