What Happens During a Wildlife Inspection?

What a Real Wildlife Inspection Looks Like

A proper wildlife inspection isn't a quick walkthrough. It's a comprehensive evaluation of every potential entry point and vulnerability on your property.

Here's our step-by-step process:

Step 1: Exterior Roofline Inspection

We start by walking the entire perimeter of your home, examining the roofline from every angle.

What we're looking for:

• Roof returns: Gaps between trim and structure (the #1 entry point for squirrels and rats)
• Soffit and fascia damage: Loose, rotted, or missing sections
• Attic vents: Damaged screens or missing covers
• Roof valleys: Hidden gaps where rooflines meet
• Chimney caps: Missing or damaged caps that allow animals in
• Dryer vents: Damaged or missing vent covers
• AC line chases: Unsealed gaps where lines enter the attic

We use ladders to get close-up views of problem areas and take photos to document what we find.

Step 2: Foundation and Ground-Level Inspection

Next, we inspect the foundation, crawlspace access points, and ground-level vulnerabilities.

What we're checking:

• Weep holes: Drainage holes in brick that need mesh covers
• Foundation cracks or gaps: Entry points for rats and mice
• Crawlspace vents: Damaged or missing covers
• Garage door gaps: Worn weatherstripping or doors that don't seal flush

Step 3: Garage Inspection

The garage is often overlooked, but it's a major entry point for rodents.

What we examine:

• Garage door seal: Gaps under or around the door
• Wall penetrations: Gaps around pipes, wires, or ducts
• Storage areas: Signs of rodent activity (droppings, chewing)

Step 4: Attic Inspection (If Accessible)

If your attic is accessible, we go inside to check for:

• Active wildlife: Animals, nests, or droppings
• Insulation damage: Flattened, torn, or contaminated insulation
• Chewed wiring: Fire hazards from rodent activity
• Entry points from the inside: Gaps visible from the attic side
• HVAC duct damage: Chewed or torn ductwork

We take photos inside the attic to document conditions and show you exactly what's happening.

Step 5: Detailed Report and Recommendations

After the inspection, we sit down with you and review everything we found.

We provide:

• Photos of every vulnerability
• Explanation of how animals are getting in (or could get in)
• Priority ranking of issues (urgent vs. preventative)
• Clear pricing for sealing work
• Timeline for completing the work

We don't do high-pressure sales. We give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Separates a Good Inspection from a Bad One

Not all wildlife inspections are created equal. Here's how to tell if a company is doing a thorough job:

Red Flags (Bad Inspection):

❌ They only look at the obvious damage
If they spend 10 minutes walking around and only point out the one damaged soffit you already knew about, they're not doing a real inspection.

❌ They don't use a ladder
You can't properly inspect a roofline from the ground. If they're not getting up close, they're missing entry points.

❌ They don't go in the attic
If your attic is accessible and they don't check it, they're skipping the most important part of the inspection.

❌ They don't take photos
Professional inspections include documentation. If they're not showing you photos, how do you know they actually found anything?

❌ They pressure you to sign up immediately
"This is a one-time offer" or "We can only hold this price if you decide today" are tactics, not professional service.

Green Flags (Good Inspection):

✅ They inspect the entire home, not just problem areas
A thorough inspection covers the full roofline, foundation, garage, and attic—even if you're only concerned about one spot.

✅ They use ladders and get close-up views
Professional inspectors physically examine vulnerable areas, not just look from the ground.

✅ They go in the attic
If the attic is accessible, they should check it for active wildlife, damage, and entry points.

✅ They take photos and show you what they found
You should see exactly what they're talking about—not just take their word for it.

✅ They explain everything clearly
You should understand how animals are getting in, what needs to be sealed, and why.

✅ They provide written estimates
Professional companies give clear, itemized pricing in writing—not verbal estimates that change later.

How Long Does an Inspection Take?

A proper wildlife inspection takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of your home and the extent of issues.

If someone shows up and finishes in 10 minutes, they didn't inspect thoroughly.

What an Inspection Costs

At Homeland Wildlife & Pest Control, inspections are free.

We don't charge for inspections because we want homeowners to get the information they need without financial pressure. If you choose to move forward with exclusion work, great. If not, at least you know what's going on with your home.

Some companies charge $75-150 for inspections and apply it toward the work if you hire them. That's reasonable.

Be wary of companies that:

• Charge for inspections but don't provide detailed reports
• Require payment upfront before explaining what they found
• Use "free inspections" as bait-and-switch tactics

What Happens After the Inspection?

Once the inspection is complete, you have three options:

Option 1: Schedule Exclusion Work
If we found entry points or active wildlife, we schedule a time to seal your home permanently. Most exclusion jobs take 2-4 hours depending on the number of vulnerabilities.

Option 2: Get a Second Opinion
You're never obligated to hire us. If you want to compare quotes or get another inspection, that's completely fine. We stand by our findings—if another company says something different, ask them to show you photos.

Option 3: Do Nothing (For Now)
If we found minor vulnerabilities but no active wildlife, you might choose to wait. We'll provide the report so you have it for future reference. Many homeowners call us back months or years later when they're ready to seal preventatively.

Why You Should Get an Inspection Even If You Don't Have Wildlife (Yet)

Most people wait until they hear scratching to call us. But by then, animals are already inside and damage is underway.

Preventative inspections save money because:

• We catch vulnerabilities before animals find them
• You avoid emergency removal costs
• You prevent expensive attic damage
• You protect your home's insulation and energy efficiency

Think of it like changing your oil. You don't wait until your engine fails—you maintain it proactively.

We Offer Free Inspections. No Pressure. No Gimmicks.

If you're concerned about wildlife, hearing sounds, or just want peace of mind, we'll inspect your home at no cost.

We'll show you exactly what we find, explain what needs to be done, and provide clear pricing in writing.

You're under no obligation to hire us. We just want to give you the information you need to protect your home.

📞 210-776-6100
🌐 www.HomelandWildlife.com

Free inspections. Honest assessments. Lifetime warranties.

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