Start with the place
Write down the room and the closest feature: a pipe opening, cabinet, window, door or piece of furniture. If the issue is outside, describe the part of the building or yard. Keep track of whether it is happening in one spot or several.
Keep a short record
Note the date, approximate time and what you saw. A photograph taken without approaching or disturbing the pest may help identification. Do not handle unknown insects or move suspected infested belongings between rooms to take a picture.
Describe the pattern
Mention repeated sightings, visible damage or whether other occupants have noticed activity. If you have already used a product, save its name and tell the service contact. A sighting record supports an assessment; it is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan.
A useful sighting note
“Small insects near the kitchen sink, seen on two evenings this week. Mostly around the pipe opening in the cupboard. There is also a drip below the tap.”
An example of the details to record, not a diagnosisFor prevention advice, visit NYC Health.