Start the Year with a Full Home Pest Inspection

Before setting your 2026 pest prevention goals, it’s essential to understand the current state of your home. Pests can remain hidden for months — quietly nesting in attics, crawling behind baseboards, or burrowing in insulation — without you realizing they’re there.

A comprehensive home inspection is the best way to uncover hidden infestations, weak spots, and seasonal vulnerabilities that could turn into bigger problems later in the year.

Below is a breakdown of what a professional pest inspection with Petty Pest Control Services typically includes:

1. Entry Point Assessment

Rodents and insects are experts at squeezing through even the smallest openings — and Hamilton homes are especially vulnerable during cold months.
Our technicians will:

• Examine foundation walls, door frames, and window seals for cracks or gaps.

• Inspect vents, chimneys, and soffits for openings that allow entry.

• Check garage doors, crawl space covers, and basement windows for loose seals.

• Use thermal imaging or light tests to detect unseen access points.

2. Signs of Pest Activity

Even if you haven’t seen pests, they often leave subtle traces. A trained inspector knows exactly where to look and what to look for.
During your inspection, professionals will identify:

• Rodent droppings behind appliances, under sinks, and in storage areas.

• Gnaw marks on baseboards, insulation, and electrical wiring.

• Nests made from shredded paper, insulation, or fabric.

• Grease trails and tracks along walls or floorboards.

• Dead insects, shed skins, or egg casings, indicating ongoing infestations.

3. Moisture and Food Source Evaluation

Moisture and food access are two of the biggest reasons pests settle in during Hamilton’s winter.
Our inspection process includes a detailed check for:

• Leaky pipes, faucets, or condensation that create ideal breeding grounds.

• Standing water or humidity in basements, laundry rooms, or crawl spaces.

• Unsealed food containers, pet bowls, or garbage bins that attract pests.

• Improperly stored firewood or compost, which can harbor insects and rodents.

4. Structural and Environmental Risk Analysis

Every home is different — from its age and materials to its layout and location. That’s why Petty Pest Control’s professionals also evaluate:

• Foundation and siding integrity, especially where materials meet soil or mulch.

• Attic insulation and ventilation, which can affect resting potential.

• Exterior landscaping, including shrubs or tree branches touching your home.

• Basement and garage organization, identifying clutter that could conceal nests.

Declutter and Deep Clean Hidden Spaces

A cluttered home is more than just an eyesore — it’s a pest paradise. 🕷️🐭
Rodents, spiders, silverfish, and even cockroaches thrive in dark, undisturbed areas filled with boxes, fabrics, and forgotten items. During the winter months in Hamilton, these spaces offer perfect shelter from the cold, giving pests everything they need to nest, hide, and breed unnoticed.

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to hit reset on your home’s cleanliness. A well-planned decluttering and deep cleaning routine not only keeps your living spaces organized but also removes pest hiding spots and attractants before infestations can start.

Here’s your step-by-step New Year Cleaning & Decluttering Checklist to kick off 2026 pest-free:

1. Basement & Attic Organization

These are the most common pest hotspots due to low traffic, warmth, and plenty of hiding places.
To make them pest-resistant:

• Remove clutter: Get rid of old cardboard boxes, newspapers, and unused items that rodents and insects love to nest in.

• Use sealed plastic bins: Store belongings in airtight, rodent-proof containers instead of cardboard, which pests can chew through.

• Elevate storage: Keep boxes and bins at least six inches off the floor to prevent moisture damage and eliminate hiding spaces beneath.

• Inspect corners and insulation: Check for droppings, gnaw marks, or shredded materials that could indicate rodent activity.

• Seal cracks and entry points: Pay close attention to foundation gaps, ceiling joints, and utility openings.

2. Closets & Storage Rooms Refresh

Closets and storage areas often go untouched for months, making them ideal for pests seeking warmth and darkness.
Here’s how to freshen them up:

• Empty and vacuum completely: Clean floors, corners, and shelves to remove dust, cobwebs, and insect eggs.

• Use natural repellents: Place sachets of cedar, lavender, or peppermint oil — all known to deter moths and spiders.

• Rotate seasonal items: Avoid leaving fabric, clothing, or linens undisturbed for long periods.

• Inspect stored bags and boxes: Rodents can easily nest inside soft-sided luggage or old containers.

• Maintain airflow: Avoid overcrowding; good ventilation discourages humidity-loving pests like silverfish.

3. Kitchen & Pantry Deep Clean

The kitchen is the ultimate pest attraction zone — full of food, warmth, and moisture. Regular deep cleaning here is one of the best pest deterrents.
Follow these steps for a spotless, pest-proof kitchen:

1. Clear shelves and wipe down surfaces: Use mild disinfectants to remove grease, spills, and food crumbs.

2. Inspect for signs of activity: Look for droppings, gnawed packaging, or trails of ants near corners and baseboards.

3. Check expiration dates: Discard stale or expired items that attract pantry pests like moths or beetles.

4. Use airtight containers: Store cereals, grains, and pet food in sealed glass or plastic jars.

5. Clean behind appliances: Pull out your stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher to vacuum up crumbs and debris.

6. Seal entry points: Check under sinks and around water lines for cracks where cockroaches or rodents could enter.

4. Garage & Utility Area Reset

Garages and utility areas are often overlooked but can quickly become rodent headquarters during the winter.
Take these steps to keep them clean and secure:

• Sweep thoroughly: Remove leaves, dirt, and debris that hide pests or provide nesting material.

• Eliminate clutter: Organize tools, paint cans, and supplies on shelves rather than on the floor.

• Inspect around doors and walls: Ensure the garage door seal closes flush with the ground — even a small gap can invite mice inside.

• Store attractants safely: Keep pet food, bird seed, or garbage in metal or heavy-duty plastic containers with tight lids.

• Remove nesting materials: Avoid stacking firewood, rags, or cardboard boxes against walls.

• Check lighting fixtures and corners: Spiders and insects often build webs in dark, undisturbed spots.

With Petty Pest Control Services, you’ll have a trusted local partner who knows exactly how to handle the unique pest challenges faced by Hamilton homeowners in the winter season and beyond. Contact us today or book your inspection online to kick off 2026 with a clean, protected, and pest-free home.

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