Pest ID checklist

What this free checklist is

The ShieldNest Pest ID Checklist is a simple download you can use before you call a company. It helps you organize the basic details that matter: what you saw, where you saw it, when it happens, and any clues like droppings, damage, nests, wings, or bites.

This is not a professional inspection and it does not confirm a pest type. Many pests look similar. Ants and termites can both leave wings. Mice and rats can both leave droppings. Bed bugs, fleas, and mosquitoes can all lead to bites. The checklist is there to help you describe the problem clearly, not to diagnose it.

If you are still unsure what you are seeing, our common pest guide can help you narrow it down. If you want to talk to local companies after you fill out the form, you can get matched for free.

How to use the checklist step by step

Use it while the signs are fresh. A few careful notes can save time and help you compare companies on the same facts.

1. Write down where the problem is. Note the room, wall, cabinet, attic, crawl space, yard area, or dumpster area.
2. Record what you actually saw. Insects, droppings, chewed material, mud tubes, wings, frass, odors, nests, sounds in walls, or bite patterns.
3. Add timing. Morning, night, after rain, near food, after moving boxes, or only in warm months.
4. Take clear photos if you can do it safely. Do not handle pests, nests, or unknown droppings with bare hands.
5. List anything that may affect treatment. Children, pets, fish tanks, food-prep areas, pregnancy concerns, allergies, or sensitive business areas.
6. Note what you have already tried. Traps, sealing gaps, cleaning, store-bought sprays, or no action yet.

When treatment is discussed, ask about lower-toxicity or eco options when they fit the situation, and always read product labels and follow pesticide-safety directions around kids, pets, and food. Before any treatment, confirm the plan and price in writing and verify that the company is licensed and state-certified. Our pesticide safety guide can help you prepare the right questions.

Why good notes matter for cost and next steps

A clear checklist can help you avoid vague phone calls like "I think I have bugs." The more specific your notes are, the easier it is to compare the scope of work different companies suggest.

Typical treatment estimates vary a lot. A one-time visit may run about $150-$350. Recurring service often runs about $45-$120 per visit. Rodent work may be around $200-$600. Termite treatment can be around $500-$2,500+. Bed bug work may be around $300-$1,500+. The real price depends on the pest, your property size and condition, how severe the problem is, the plan, and your area.

Your checklist does not lock you into any company. It simply helps you:

• explain the issue clearly
• compare written plans more fairly
• ask better safety questions
• decide whether you want one-time or recurring service

If you want a broader look at typical pricing, visit our costs page.

Download and use it with confidence

You can download the file here: shieldnest-pest-id-checklist.pdf.

A few tips before you share your information with any company:

• Share only the pest details and your contact details.
• Do not share bank numbers, Social Security numbers, immigration status, or other sensitive records.
• Ask whether the company is licensed in your state, then verify the license yourself.
• Ask what preparation steps are needed before treatment.
• Ask how they will protect children, pets, and food.
• Ask whether follow-up visits may be needed, because pests can come back.

ShieldNest is a free matching service. We do not treat pests or apply pesticides. We help households and small businesses connect with licensed, state-certified pest control companies near them, and you choose who to hire.