Termite Inspection: Know What’s in the Wood Before It Costs You
A termite inspection looks for signs of termites and other wood-destroying insects and visible damage; additional investigation may be needed to assess concealed damage. Call Bastion Pest Pros any time and we’ll get a licensed local inspector on it. Most areas get same-day or next-day appointments, and calling is free.
- 24/7 call line
- Free to call
- Routine and real-estate inspections
- Homes and businesses
- What it isA visual check of accessible areas for termites, other wood-destroying insects, damage and conditions that invite them.
- Typical cost (U.S. guide estimate)About $75–$325; many companies offer free routine inspections, while real-estate reports usually carry a fee.
- How long it takesDepends on size, crawl space and attic access; ask the inspector when you book.
Termite Inspection at a Glance
These are the quick answers people ask for most. Each one is covered in more detail below.
- What it isA visual check of accessible areas for termites, other wood-destroying insects, damage and conditions that invite them.
- Typical cost (U.S. guide estimate)About $75–$325; many companies offer free routine inspections, while real-estate reports usually carry a fee.
- How long it takesDepends on size, crawl space and attic access; ask the inspector when you book.
- How oftenOnce a year is the common recommendation, and before buying or selling a home.
Signs It’s Time to Have the House Checked
Some situations call for an inspection right away. Others are about staying ahead of a problem. Match your situation below.
| Your situation | Why an inspection helps |
|---|---|
| You saw swarmers, mud tubes or pellets | Confirms the species and where it’s active before treatment |
| You’re buying a home | Shows hidden damage before you commit; lenders may require it |
| You’re selling a home | Finds problems before the buyer’s inspector does |
| It’s been over a year since the last check | Catches new activity early in high-risk areas |
| You’re renewing a termite service plan | Most plans require an annual inspection |
| You had water damage or a leak | Moist wood attracts subterranean and dampwood termites |
| You’re refinancing with certain loan types | Some lenders ask for a current wood-destroying insect report |
If you already know you have termites and want treatment options, see termite control.
Routine vs Real-Estate Inspections
There are two main kinds of inspection. They look at the same things but serve different purposes and produce different paperwork.
| Routine inspection | Real-estate (WDI/WDO) inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Who orders it | Homeowner | Buyer, seller, agent or lender |
| Purpose | Find and prevent termite problems | Document the condition for a sale or loan |
| Paperwork | Notes or a findings summary from the provider | A formal report, often on a state or industry form |
| Cost | Often free from pest companies | Usually a fee |
| Who sees the results | You | You, the other party, agents and often the lender |
| Timing | Annually, or when you see signs | During the inspection period in the purchase contract |
WDI means wood-destroying insect. WDO means wood-destroying organism, which some states use to also cover wood-decay fungi.
What Termite Inspectors Check
A good inspector covers the whole structure, inside and out, wherever it’s safe to reach. Expect them to look at these areas.
Exterior foundation
mud tubes, cracks, wood touching soil, grading
Crawl space or basement
sill plates, joists, piers, moisture, standing water
Slab homes
expansion joints, plumbing penetrations, garage walls
Interior
baseboards, door and window frames, built-ins, wall surfaces
Attic
rafters, roof sheathing, eaves; pellets from drywood termites
Garage, porches, decks and steps
wood near or touching soil
Moisture sources
gutters, downspouts, leaking plumbing, AC drip lines
Outbuildings
detached garages or sheds if they’re part of the agreement
- 1Foundation exterior
- 2Crawl space
- 3Interior baseboards and frames
- 4Attic
- 5Garage and deck
- 6With numbered checkpoints
Inspectors typically probe wood and tap for hollow sounds. Some use moisture meters or other detection tools; ask what equipment they use.
What Inspectors Are Looking For
It’s not only termites. A wood-destroying insect inspection covers several pests and the conditions that invite them.
| Finding | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Subterranean termites | Mud tubes, live workers, damaged wood with soil packed in the galleries |
| Drywood termites | Six-sided fecal pellets, small kick-out holes |
| Carpenter ants | Smooth, clean galleries; coarse sawdust-like debris |
| Wood-boring beetles | Small round exit holes and fine powdery dust |
| Previous treatment | Drill holes in slabs, bait stations, old treatment stickers |
| Conducive conditions | Wood-to-soil contact, excess moisture, debris under the house |
| Wood decay (where covered) | Soft, crumbly or discolored wood from fungi |
Carpenter ants show up on many reports. If yours does, see carpenter ant control.
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Call now (844) 442-2144What an Inspection Can’t See
Every inspection is visual and limited to areas that can be reached safely. Reports list what wasn’t inspected, and that section matters.
- Inside finished walls, ceilings and floors
- Areas behind stored items, furniture or appliances
- Crawl spaces with low clearance or standing water
- Insulated attics where framing is covered
- Under carpet, flooring or exterior siding
- Areas blocked by heavy vegetation or locked access
An inspection that finds nothing is not a guarantee that no termites exist. It means none were found in the areas inspected that day.
Real-Estate WDI Reports: The Form Depends on Your State
There’s no single national termite report form. Many states use the NPMA-33, a form from the National Pest Management Association, while others require their own state form.
| Report | Where it’s used | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| NPMA-33 | Many states; used for HUD and VA loan transactions unless a state requires its own form | The current revision is dated 7/1/19, printed at the bottom of page one |
| Texas Official WDI Report | Texas | Done under Texas Department of Agriculture rules; the inspector needs a TDA license with WDI authorization |
| California WDO report | California | Uses Section I, Section II and further-inspection categories (see below) |
| Other state forms | Several other states set their own forms or rules | Your agent or the inspector will know which form applies |
Ask the inspector which form they’ll use and confirm it’s the one your lender and contract call for.
What a Termite Report Contains
Report layouts vary, but most real-estate termite reports cover the same core sections. The NPMA-33 is a good example of the structure.
| Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| General information | Inspection company, license number, property and structures inspected |
| Findings | Whether visible evidence of wood-destroying insects was found, live or dead, plus visible damage |
| Recommendations | Whether treatment or other action is recommended |
| Obstructions and inaccessible areas | Parts of the structure that couldn’t be inspected and why |
| Additional comments | Details like evidence of earlier treatment, with attachments or diagrams |
| Seller disclosure | On the NPMA-33, the seller certifies what they know about past infestation, damage, repairs and treatment |
- 1A generic termite report page with callouts pointing to the findings box
- 2Recommendations
- 3Inaccessible areas and signature lines
Read the inaccessible-areas section closely. A clean report with large blocked areas tells you less than it seems.
Three things to check on any report you receive
The date and the property address.
Make sure it’s the right house and recent enough for your lender.
Live vs dead evidence.
Reports often separate active infestation from signs of past activity.
Who signed it.
The inspector’s name and license number should be on the report.
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Call now (844) 442-2144California’s Section 1 and Section 2 Findings
California WDO reports split findings into categories that affect who pays for what in many sale negotiations. Here’s how they’re defined on typical reports.
| Category | Meaning | Common example |
|---|---|---|
| Section I | Visible evidence of active infestation or infection, or damage it caused | Drywood pellets with live termites, fungus-damaged framing |
| Section II | Conditions deemed likely to result in infestation or infection, with no visible infestation now | A plumbing leak, wood-to-soil contact |
| Further inspection | Areas the inspector couldn’t fully access and recommends checking | A blocked crawl space or covered deck framing |
Who pays for each section is negotiated in the purchase contract. Ask your agent before you agree to terms.
Termite Letters, Clearance Letters and Bonds Explained
Agents and lenders use several terms that sound alike. Here’s what each one usually means, so you order the right document.
| Term | What it is | When you’d need it |
|---|---|---|
| Termite letter | Common shorthand for a WDI report | A home sale or loan |
| Clearance letter | A statement that no active infestation was found, or that it was treated | Closing, when the lender or contract asks |
| CL-100 | South Carolina’s official wood-infestation report | Home sales in South Carolina |
| Termite bond | A service agreement for ongoing inspection and re-treatment | Owners in high-risk areas; some lenders ask for one |
| Transfer of plan | Moving an existing termite agreement to a new owner | Buying a home that already has a plan |
HomeAdvisor lists clearance letters at about $100–$200 and termite bonds at about $500–$2,000. Terms vary widely by provider, so read what a bond actually covers.
How Long Does a Termite Inspection Take?
Most of the time goes to the crawl space, attic and exterior. Length varies by company and property, so here’s what tends to make it shorter or longer.
| Property | Relative time | What adds time |
|---|---|---|
| Small slab home or condo | Shortest | Garage and attached structures |
| Average single-family home | Moderate | Crawl space, attic access |
| Large home or multiple structures | Longer | Detached garages, decks, outbuildings |
| Commercial building | Varies widely | Size, occupancy, access rules |
Report delivery varies by company. Ask the inspector for the turnaround if you’re on a contract deadline.
Questions about cost or safety? Ask on the call.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144What Happens When You Call
Booking an inspection takes one call. Tell us what kind of inspection you need and any deadlines.
- Step 1
Call (844) 442-2144
The line is open 24/7.
- Step 2
Tell us why you need it
Routine check, signs of termites, or a home sale.
- Step 3
Share any deadlines
Contract inspection periods and closing dates matter.
- Step 4
A licensed local inspector follows up
They confirm the time, price and report type.
- Step 5
The inspection happens
The pro checks the property and explains what they found.
- Step 6
You get the findings
A written report for real-estate inspections, with recommendations if needed.
Start with step 1. It’s free.
Calling costs nothing. You only pay the pest control company if you book the service they quote.
Call (844) 442-2144Ask about same-day or next-day availability
How to Prepare for the Inspector’s Visit
The more the inspector can reach, the more useful the report. A little prep reduces the “inaccessible areas” list.
- Move stored items away from walls and inspection access points as the inspector directs
- Clear the path to the crawl space entrance and attic hatch
- Empty the area under kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Move stored items, plants and firewood away from the foundation
- Unlock gates, sheds and detached garages to be inspected
- Gather past termite treatment records and warranty paperwork
- Secure pets in a room that’s not being inspected first
- Save any swarmers or pellets you’ve found in a sealed bag
How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
Price depends on the purpose of the inspection and the size of the property. These typical US ranges help you plan.
Source: HomeAdvisor termite inspection cost guide, updated June 2026.
Show as a table
| Inspection type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Routine inspection | $75–$325; often free from pest control companies |
| Added to a home inspection | Adds about $250–$400 |
| Termite clearance letter | About $100–$200 |
| VA loan WDI inspection | About $50–$150 |
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Call now (844) 442-2144How Often Should You Get a Termite Inspection?
Frequency depends on your region and history. The common rule is once a year, but some homes need it more.
| Situation | Suggested frequency |
|---|---|
| Southeast, Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Southern California | Every year |
| Moderate-risk areas | Every year or two |
| Past infestation or active service plan | Every year, as the plan requires |
| After a leak, flood or major renovation | Soon after, then on your usual schedule |
| Buying or selling | During the contract period, regardless of the last check |
Spring is a popular time because swarms make activity easier to spot. Any time of year works for a full inspection.
A Buyer’s Guide to the Termite Report
As a buyer, the report helps you understand what you’re getting and what to negotiate. Here’s how to use it.
Hire your own inspector if you can.
A report ordered by the seller is useful, but your own gives you an independent look.
Read the inaccessible areas.
Ask for further inspection if key areas were blocked.
Separate active from old.
Past damage with proof of treatment is different from live termites.
Get repair estimates.
The termite report notes damage; a contractor prices repairs.
Ask about transferable plans.
If the home has a termite service agreement, ask whether it transfers and what it covers.
Check your loan requirements.
Some loans need a report dated within a certain window before closing.
A Seller’s Guide to the Termite Report
As a seller, an early inspection gives you time to fix issues on your terms instead of under contract pressure.
Inspect before listing.
Problems found early can be treated and documented.
Keep treatment records.
Paperwork showing past treatment and warranty status reassures buyers.
Fix conducive conditions.
Leaks and wood-to-soil contact are often cheap to fix and look better on a report.
Know your disclosure duties.
State law sets what you must disclose about past termite issues; ask your agent.
Expect a second report.
Buyers often order their own inspection.
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Call now (844) 442-2144What Happens If Termites Are Found?
A positive finding is common, especially in warm states, and it’s usually fixable. Here’s the typical path.
Confirm the species and extent.
The inspector explains what was found and where.
Get a treatment plan and quote.
Liquid barrier, bait system, spot treatment or fumigation depending on the species; see termite control.
Widespread drywood?
Whole-home tenting may be recommended; see tent fumigation.
Assess damage.
A contractor may need to check and price structural repairs.
Document everything.
Keep treatment records, warranties and any clearance letter.
Re-inspect.
A follow-up confirms the treatment worked.
Questions to Ask the Termite Inspector
These questions help you get a clear, useful report. A good inspector is happy to answer.
- 1
Which report form will you use, and is it what my lender needs?
- 2
What’s your state license number, and does it cover wood-destroying organisms?
- 3
Which areas couldn’t you inspect, and why?
- 4
Is the activity live or old?
- 5
Did you find evidence of previous treatment?
- 6
What conducive conditions should I fix?
- 7
When will I get the written report?
- 8
If treatment is needed, will the report include a separate quote?
Inspection Myths vs Facts
Misunderstandings about inspections cause surprises at closing. Here are the common ones.
- MythA clean report means no termitesFactIt means none were seen in accessible areas on that day
- MythA home inspector covers termitesFactOften not; many states require a licensed pest professional for WDI reports
- MythNew homes don’t need inspectionsFactNew construction can still get termites, especially in high-risk areas
- MythA free inspection is a sales trickFactMany reputable companies offer free routine checks; just read any quote carefully
- MythThe report says who pays for repairsFactPayment is set by the purchase contract, not the report
- MythInspection reports last indefinitelyFactLenders and contracts often want a recent report; ask what date window applies
Inspections for Homes, Rentals and Businesses
Different properties have different inspection needs and paperwork. Here’s what usually applies.
| Property | Typical inspection need | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Owner-occupied homes | Annual routine check | Needed to keep many service plans active |
| Homes for sale | Real-estate WDI/WDO report | Form and rules depend on the state |
| Rental properties | Routine checks between tenants | Give tenants notice as required by law |
| Condos and HOAs | Building-wide or common-area inspections | Colonies cross unit lines, so coordinate with the HOA |
| Commercial property | Scheduled inspections, often part of a service plan | See commercial pest control |
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Call now (844) 442-2144Why Call Bastion to Book an Inspector
Finding the right inspector usually means checking licenses, report types and availability against a deadline. One call gets that started.
Routine or real-estate.
Tell us what you need and the deadline; the right local pro follows up.
Licensed local pros.
Many states require WDI inspectors to hold a pest control license; ask for the license number and check it before the inspection.
Fast scheduling.
Call to check same-day or next-day appointment availability.
Deadline-aware.
Share your contract inspection period when you call so the follow-up can be planned around it.
Look up the inspector: search the name or license number on your state’s pest control or agriculture department site, and make sure the license is current and covers wood-destroying organisms. Florida homeowners can also start from our Florida pest control page.
Termite Inspection by state
Local guides with state rules, seasonal timing and licensed providers near you.
California pest control
- termite inspection in Los Angeles
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- termite inspection in Oceanside
- termite inspection in Poway
- termite inspection in Escondido
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- termite inspection in Chula Vista
- termite inspection in Modesto
- termite inspection in Irvine
- termite inspection in Torrance
- termite inspection in Pasadena, CA
- termite inspection in Ventura
- termite inspection in Glendale, CA
- termite inspection in Santa Clarita
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- termite inspection in Garden Grove
- termite inspection in El Cajon
- termite inspection in Mission Viejo
- termite inspection in San Clemente
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- termite inspection in Yorba Linda
- termite inspection in Oakland, CA
- termite inspection in San Bernardino
- termite inspection in Fremont
- termite inspection in Elk Grove
- termite inspection in Temecula
- pest control in Los Angeles
- pest control in San Diego
- pest control in Sacramento
- pest control in Fresno
- pest control in Bakersfield
- pest control in Modesto
Termite Inspection FAQs
Is a termite inspection for home sale required to buy a house?
It depends on the loan, the lender and the state. Some loans and lenders require a WDI report; many buyers order one anyway.
Who pays for the inspection?
Often the buyer, but it’s negotiable and sometimes set by loan rules or local custom. Check your purchase contract.
Is a termite inspection the same as a home inspection?
No. A home inspection covers the whole house; a WDI inspection focuses on wood-destroying insects and is often done by a licensed pest professional.
How long is a termite report good for?
There’s no single answer. Lenders and contracts often set a window before closing; ask your lender or agent.
Can I be home during the inspection?
Yes, and it’s a good idea. You can see findings firsthand and ask questions.
Do I need to be there for a real-estate inspection?
Not always. The agent can usually provide access, but being present helps you understand the report.
Will the inspector treat termites the same day?
Usually not. The inspector reports findings and may quote treatment, which is scheduled separately.
Are free termite inspections legitimate?
Many are. Pest companies often offer free routine inspections; real-estate reports usually cost money.
What if the report finds old damage but no live termites?
Ask for proof of past treatment and a contractor’s opinion on the damage. Old damage may still need repair.
Does a termite inspection include other wood pests?
Most WDI inspections also note carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles. Some state forms also cover wood decay.
Didn’t see your question?
Call and ask. The line is open 24/7 and calling is free.
- Your ZIP code
- What you’re seeing and where
- How long it’s been going on
No obligation to book.
Book Your Inspection Today
Whether it’s a closing deadline or a pile of wings on the windowsill, an inspection gives you clear answers. Call now and we’ll get a licensed local inspector on it.
Call now (844) 442-2144