Before an inspection, document what you saw, preserve a specimen safely when practical, make the affected areas reasonably accessible, list previous treatments, and tell the provider about children, pets, allergies, and access constraints. Do not perform major cleaning or pesticide treatment that could erase useful evidence unless safety requires it.
Document before you change the area
Take photos and note the date, time, room, surface, and pattern of activity. If you can safely contain an insect specimen in a sealed container, it may help with identification. Do not handle stinging insects, unknown wildlife, or contaminated rodent material to collect evidence.
Write down products or home remedies already used, including where and when they were applied. Product names or photos of labels help the provider avoid guesswork.
Create reasonable access
Clear a path to the specific walls, cabinets, appliances, beds, utility areas, attic opening, crawl-space entrance, garage perimeter, or exterior locations connected to the concern. You usually do not need to empty the entire house before the first inspection.
Ask before moving bed bug–suspected items between rooms or disturbing an active nest. Preparation instructions differ by pest, and premature movement can spread activity or increase risk.
Plan for people, pets, and the property
Secure pets and tell the provider about aquariums, birds, reptiles, beehives, gardens, wells, food preparation areas, sensitive occupants, or medical concerns. The product label and provider instructions—not a generic internet checklist—govern reentry and safety requirements.
For commercial properties, identify a decision-maker and gather floor plans, sighting logs, sanitation reports, prior service records, and access instructions when available.
Prepare your questions
Ask what the provider confirmed, which areas were inspected, what remains uncertain, what method is proposed, what preparation is required, how follow-up works, and what the full price includes. Request written scope before authorizing service.
If pesticide application is offered for hire in Indiana, you can ask which business and applicator credentials apply. The Office of Indiana State Chemist provides official licensing information and a public search resource.
Authoritative sources
Safety and credential details were reviewed against these primary sources: