What should I include in a winter pest inspection report?

Three categories of specifics, not generalities: the entry points and their exact locations (a foundation gap by the utility line, a torn attic vent screen), the physical evidence found (droppings, gnaw marks on wood or wiring, grease trails along a baseboard, nesting material), and the conditions driving pressure — clutter that provides harborage, food or pet food stored in the wrong containers, moisture problems, and exterior vegetation or firewood stacked against the foundation. A report that says 'signs of rodent activity noted' without locations or specifics isn't verifiable.

A genuine report ends with a specific recommendation — which gaps to seal and with what (metal or hardware cloth, not foam alone), not a vague suggestion to 'monitor' or an automatic recommendation for a recurring treatment plan. The distinction matters: an inspection that leads to an exclusion recommendation is addressing the actual entry point; one that leads straight to 'we'll come back and spray again' hasn't necessarily fixed anything.

If any pesticide was applied during the visit, state rule Pes 901.02 separately requires the applicator to record the product's brand name and EPA registration number, the amount used, and the date, time and site — and to keep that record for at least two years. In practice, a thorough inspection report and the state-required application log often live in the same document, and you're entitled to a copy of both. See our companion page on what documentation to keep after treatment for the full recordkeeping picture.