End-of-Year Home Pest Inspection Checklist

A Simple Way to Start the New Year Pest-Free

As the year winds down and we spend more time indoors, pests are doing the same thing — looking for warmth, food, and shelter. December is actually one of the best times to inspect your home for pest activity and fix small issues before they turn into big problems in the new year.

Use this easy end-of-year pest inspection checklist to protect your home and start January with peace of mind.

🏠 1. Check Entry Points Around Your Home

Pests don’t need much space to get inside.

Walk around the exterior of your home and look for:

• Cracks in the foundation

• Gaps around doors and windows

• Loose or damaged weather stripping

• Openings where pipes or wires enter the house

👉 Tip: If you can fit a pencil through a gap, a mouse can probably fit too.

🚪 2. Inspect Doors, Windows & Garage Areas

Winter pests love garages and utility rooms.

• Make sure door sweeps are intact

• Seal gaps around garage doors

• Check attic and crawlspace vents for damage

Garages often become the main entry point for rodents during colder months.

🍽️ 3. Inspect the Kitchen & Pantry

The holidays mean more food — and pests know it.

Look for:

• Droppings or small insects in cabinets

• Open or unsealed food containers

• Crumbs under appliances

• Pantry pests like weevils or moths

👉 Store dry goods in airtight containers and clean up spills promptly.

💧 4. Look for Moisture Problems

Moisture attracts many pests, including roaches, silverfish, and ants.

Check:

• Under sinks

• Around water heaters

• Laundry rooms

• Bathrooms and showers

Fix any leaks and consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas.

🎄 5. Inspect Holiday Decorations

Decorations can unknowingly bring pests inside.

• Shake out artificial trees and wreaths

• Inspect stored boxes before opening

• Avoid storing decorations directly on the floor

This is also a great time to re-store decorations properly once the season ends.

🐭 6. Watch for Signs of Rodents

Rodents are especially active in winter.

Be alert for:

• Scratching noises at night

• Chewed wires or boxes

• Droppings along walls or in storage areas

• Nesting material like shredded paper or insulation

If you notice signs, act quickly — rodents reproduce fast.

🕷️ 7. Check Basements, Attics & Crawlspaces

These quiet areas are often overlooked but commonly used by pests.

Look for:

• Spider activity

• Insect nests

• Rodent droppings

• Insulation damage

A flashlight and quick walkthrough can reveal a lot.

📅 8. Schedule a Professional Pest Inspection

Even if everything looks fine, pests are experts at hiding.

A professional inspection can:

• Catch problems early

• Identify hidden entry points

• Prevent spring infestations

• Save money on future repairs

Start the New Year Pest-Free

An end-of-year pest inspection is a small step that can prevent big headaches in the months ahead. Addressing issues now helps protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.

If you’d like help with a professional inspection or preventative pest control, Dave’s Pest Control is here to help — so you can ring in the New Year without unwanted guests.