What Is a Termite Inspection?
A termite inspection is a professional examination of your home for evidence of wood-destroying insects—primarily subterranean termites, drywood termites, and wood-boring beetles. Inspectors look for active infestations, past damage, and conditions that make your home vulnerable. In many states, the inspection also covers other wood-destroying organisms (WDO) such as certain wood-decaying fungi.
The inspection takes approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on home size and accessibility. A thorough inspector will check both the exterior and interior systematically, not just a quick walk-through.
How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
The cost varies significantly based on why you need the inspection:
- Free: Most pest control companies offer complimentary termite inspections as a way to quote treatment services. If no termites are found, there is typically no charge.
- $75–$150: Some companies charge for the inspection itself, particularly for detailed written reports or when no treatment relationship is expected.
- $100–$200: A Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report, required by many mortgage lenders for home purchases, carries a fee separate from any treatment cost. This is a standardized form with legal standing.
For routine peace-of-mind inspections, getting a free inspection from a reputable pest control company is a reasonable approach. For real estate transactions, a formal WDI report from a licensed inspector is required.
What Does the Inspector Check?
Exterior Foundation and Perimeter
The inspector walks the entire foundation perimeter looking for mud tubes (pencil-width tunnels that subterranean termites build to travel above-ground), wood-to-soil contact (boards, siding, or framing that touches the ground), stacked firewood or lumber near the foundation, and moisture damage to wood siding.
Crawl Space and Basement
If accessible, the crawl space is one of the most important areas to inspect. Inspectors look for mud tubes on foundation walls and piers, damaged floor joists, high moisture conditions, and wood debris on the ground (which attracts termites). They may use a moisture meter and probe wood with a screwdriver or awl to check for hollowness.
Interior
Inside, inspectors check door and window frames for buckling or paint bubbling (signs of moisture and termite activity), look in closets and utility rooms, and inspect areas where plumbing penetrates floors or walls. Attic access may also be checked for drywood termite evidence (frass pellets, which look like tiny wood-colored pellets).
Garage
Garage door frames, any wood storage, and the wall between the garage and living space are inspected.
What Is a WDI Report?
A Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report—sometimes called a termite letter or pest inspection report—is a standardized document that the inspector completes and signs, indicating what was inspected, what was found, and what the findings mean. Mortgage lenders often require a WDI report completed within 30–90 days of closing. The report is completed on an industry-standard form (such as the NPMA-33 form used in most states) and has legal implications—the inspector stands behind their findings. WDI reports typically cost $100–$200.
What Inspectors Look For
- Mud tubes: Earthen tunnels built by subterranean termites, often found on foundation walls, piers, or sill plates
- Swarmers: Discarded wings near window sills or light fixtures, indicating a recent termite swarm
- Hollow-sounding wood: Tapping on suspected areas to listen for the hollow sound of galleries eaten inside
- Frass: Drywood termite excrement, which looks like small wood-colored pellets near infested wood
- Wood-to-soil contact: Conditions that invite subterranean termite intrusion
- Moisture damage: Areas prone to moisture accumulation that attract both termites and wood-decaying fungi
What Happens If Termites Are Found?
If the inspector finds active termites or significant damage, they will present treatment options:
- Liquid soil treatment (termiticide barrier): $500–$2,500 for most homes. A perimeter trench is dug and liquid termiticide is applied to create a chemical barrier.
- Bait station system: $1,200–$3,500 for installation and first-year monitoring. Bait stations are placed in the soil around the home and checked quarterly.
- Fumigation (drywood termites): $1,500–$5,000+ for whole-structure tent fumigation. Required for drywood termite infestations that have spread throughout the structure.
How Often Should You Get a Termite Inspection?
Annual termite inspections are recommended for most homes, especially in the South, Southeast, and California where termite pressure is highest. If your home has had termites before, or if you have a bait monitoring system, inspections may be more frequent. Early detection dramatically reduces treatment cost and structural damage.
Choosing a Qualified Inspector
Look for inspectors who are licensed by your state’s department of agriculture or pest control regulatory agency. For WDI reports, ensure the company is certified to issue them. Membership in the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is a positive indicator. Connect with a licensed termite inspector near you for a free inspection, or learn more in our pest guide library.