How to Prepare Your Home for a Pest Inspection

Whether you’re selling a property, buying a new one, or simply want peace of mind, a professional pest inspection is one of the best investments you can make. It helps identify potential infestations early — from termites and cockroaches to ants and rodents — before they become major (and expensive) problems.

But to get the most accurate results, your home needs to be properly prepared. Many Australians aren’t sure what to do before a pest inspector arrives, or how to make the process smooth and efficient. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to prepare your home for a pest inspection — step by step.

Why Preparing for a Pest Inspection Is Important

A pest inspection isn’t just a quick look around the house. Licensed pest inspectors use specialised tools and techniques to identify signs of infestation, moisture problems, and structural vulnerabilities. If parts of your property are inaccessible or cluttered, it can limit the effectiveness of the inspection.

Preparing your home helps ensure that:

• Inspectors can access all areas safely and easily.
• Hidden pest activity isn’t missed due to blocked spaces.
• You get accurate, reliable results — and avoid repeat visits.
• Your pest report reflects the true condition of your home.

A bit of preparation can make a big difference to the quality of the inspection and the advice you receive.

What Does a Pest Inspector Look For?

Before getting ready, it helps to understand what inspectors are actually checking. In Australia, a pest inspection typically focuses on common household pests, including:

• Termites (the biggest structural threat)
• Ants
• Cockroaches
• Rodents (rats and mice)
• Spiders
• Silverfish
• Borers and other wood-damaging insects

Inspectors look for evidence of activity or damage, such as mud tubes, droppings, wood shavings, nests, and moisture. They’ll also check areas prone to dampness, as termites and other pests are drawn to moisture.

Tools such as moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and borescopes are often used to detect hidden signs of pest activity behind walls or under floors.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Pest Inspection

Here’s what to do before your pest inspector arrives to make the process smooth, efficient, and effective.

1. Clear Access to Key Areas

Inspectors need to reach all parts of the property, including less-frequented spots where pests like to hide. Make sure these areas are clean, clear, and safe to enter:

• Under the house (subfloor): Remove stored boxes, garden tools, and rubbish so the inspector can check for termite tunnels or moisture issues.
  
• Roof cavity: Ensure there’s a safe, clear entry point for the inspector to climb up.
  
• Walls, skirting boards, and baseboards: Move furniture about half a metre away from walls so they can inspect for signs of termites or ants.
  
• Cupboards, wardrobes, and pantries: Clear clutter, especially along the baseboards and corners.
  
• Garage and shed: Keep these tidy and move items away from the perimeter.

If any of these areas are blocked, inspectors might not be able to complete a thorough assessment, which could leave potential issues undiscovered.

2. Remove or Trim Outdoor Obstacles

Pests often nest or travel through outdoor areas before entering your home. Make sure the exterior of your property is easy to inspect:

• Trim bushes, plants, and trees away from walls, windows, and the roofline.
• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and around the foundation.
• Move garden furniture, bins, and hoses away from the exterior walls.
• Check fences and timber structures such as decks or pergolas — these are common entry points for termites.

Inspectors will often look for mud tunnels, wood decay, or signs of rodent entry outside before moving indoors.

3. Make the Home Accessible and Safe

If your pest inspection includes the entire property, make sure the inspector can easily move through each room and outdoor area:

• Unlock gates, sheds, and garages.
• Provide keys or access codes for any locked rooms.
• Keep pets secured — dogs and cats should be confined or taken off-site if possible, both for their safety and the inspector’s.
• Inform anyone at home on the day so they know an inspection is taking place.

A smooth, uninterrupted inspection helps the technician stay focused and complete a thorough job in less time.

4. Tidy Up the Inside of Your Home

While you don’t need to deep-clean your entire house, a tidy home helps the inspector see potential problem areas more clearly. Focus on these key areas:

• Kitchen: Wipe benchtops, remove crumbs, and clear under sinks to reveal signs of cockroaches or ants.
  
• Bathrooms and laundry: Fix leaks and remove excess moisture — damp areas attract termites and silverfish.
  
• Bedrooms and living areas: Vacuum floors, especially along edges and behind furniture, where pests often hide.
  
• Storage areas: Organise boxes and avoid stacking items directly on the floor, particularly in basements and garages.

If you’ve seen any pests recently, note where and when you saw them — this information can help the inspector narrow down potential nesting spots.

5. Ensure Electricity and Lighting Are On

Some inspection tools require power, especially thermal imaging or moisture-detecting devices. Make sure:

• The electricity is turned on, even in vacant homes.
• Lights work in all areas, especially roof voids and subfloors.
• Outdoor lighting is functional for external inspections.

Having good lighting helps inspectors spot subtle signs like droppings, nests, or damage more easily.

6. Fix Simple Maintenance Issues

Before your inspection, it’s a good idea to address any small issues that could attract pests or create confusion during the report. Simple fixes include:

• Repairing leaking taps or pipes.
• Cleaning gutters and removing stagnant water.
• Sealing obvious cracks in walls or foundations.
• Clearing clutter and organic waste from around the property.

Doing this doesn’t just make the inspector’s job easier — it also helps prevent pests in the long run.

What Happens During a Pest Inspection?

A typical pest inspection takes between one and two hours, depending on the property’s size and accessibility. The inspector will:

1. Examine both the interior and exterior of the home.
2. Check subfloors, roof voids, and timber structures.
3. Identify moisture areas, pest entry points, and damage.
4. Record findings, including photographs and notes.
5. Provide a detailed inspection report, outlining any pest activity and recommendations for treatment or prevention.

If termites or other pests are found, the inspector will explain what’s happening, where, and how to deal with it safely and effectively.

What to Do After the Pest Inspection

Once you receive your report, take the time to go through it carefully. Even if there’s no active infestation, the report might highlight conditions that could attract pests in the future — such as damp soil, leaking pipes, or timber touching the ground.

Your next steps should include:

• Following the inspector’s recommendations for maintenance or treatment.
• Scheduling regular pest inspections — ideally once a year.
• Keeping your home dry, ventilated, and clutter-free.

If you’re buying or selling, share the report with your real estate agent or solicitor to ensure it’s included in the property documentation.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for a pest inspection doesn’t take much effort, but it makes a huge difference. By ensuring clear access, good lighting, and a tidy environment, you’re helping the inspector do their job thoroughly — giving you the most accurate results and peace of mind.

Regular pest inspections are one of the best ways to protect your biggest investment: your home. Whether it’s termites, ants, or rodents, early detection and prevention always save time, stress, and money in the long run.