If a homeowner complains of roaches but none are seen during inspection, what is a good practice?

When a homeowner reports a problem with roaches but none are observed during the inspection, installing monitors is considered a good practice. Monitors, such as sticky traps or bait stations, can be placed in areas where roaches are likely to travel or hide. These monitors serve multiple purposes: they can confirm the presence or absence of roaches over time, provide insight into the severity of the infestation if it exists, and help identify hotspots of activity.

By using monitors, you can collect data that will aid in determining the most effective treatment options going forward. It also allows for proactive measures to be taken before an infestation potentially worsens. This approach emphasizes a methodical response rather than relying solely on immediate observations, which can sometimes be misleading, especially if roaches are hiding during the inspection.

In contrast, ignoring the complaint could leave the homeowner dissatisfied and unprotected against a potential infestation. Simply suggesting baits or focusing on cleaning habits without monitoring might overlook critical data and lead to ineffective solutions since the extent of the problem remains unverified.