DIY Termite Inspection Checklist – Room-by-Room Guide

Tools You'll Need

• Flashlight (bright LED recommended)
• Flathead screwdriver or probe tool
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Notepad or inspection form
• Protective gloves
• Dust mask (for crawl spaces/attics)
• Knee pads (optional, for crawl spaces)

Safety First

• Wear appropriate clothing (long sleeves, pants)
• Watch for spiders, rodents, and other pests
• Test floor stability before walking on suspect areas
• Ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces
• Have someone know where you are (crawl spaces)
• Don't enter areas that feel unsafe

What You're Looking For

• Mud tubes: Pencil-width earthen tunnels on foundations or walls
• Wood damage: Hollow-sounding or visibly damaged wood
• Discarded wings: Small, equal-length wings near entry points
• Frass: Pellet-like droppings near small holes in wood
• Live termites: Small, pale insects (rare to see)
• Moisture issues: Leaks, poor drainage, condensation

Foundation Perimeter

Time needed: 20-30 minutes

• Walk entire foundation perimeter
• Look for mud tubes on foundation walls
• Check for cracks in concrete or masonry
• Inspect where utilities enter foundation
• Look for wood-to-soil contact
• Check for moisture stains or efflorescence
• Note any vegetation touching the house
• Examine expansion joints and control joints

Document: Photo any mud tubes, cracks, or contact points. Note locations on a simple sketch.

Exterior Walls & Siding

• Inspect wood siding for damage or soft spots
• Check trim boards around windows and doors
• Look for bubbling or peeling paint
• Tap wood with screwdriver handle (listen for hollow sound)
• Check fascia boards and soffits
• Examine any exposed wood beams or posts

Deck, Porch & Stairs

• Inspect support posts (especially at ground contact)
• Check deck boards for soft spots
• Examine joists and beams underneath
• Look for mud tubes on support structures
• Test stair stringers and treads
• Check lattice or skirting for damage

Yard & Landscaping

• Look for tree stumps near house
• Check firewood storage (should be 20+ feet away)
• Inspect wood mulch near foundation
• Look for wood debris, lumber, or cardboard
• Check fence posts near house
• Note any standing water or drainage issues

Basement or Crawl Space

Time needed: 30-45 minutes

Priority: HIGH - Most common area for subterranean termites

• Inspect all visible foundation walls for mud tubes
• Check floor joists and sill plates
• Look for mud tubes on support posts and piers
• Examine areas where plumbing penetrates foundation
• Test wood with screwdriver (probe gently)
• Check for moisture, leaks, or condensation
• Look for discarded wings near windows or vents
• Inspect stored items (especially cardboard boxes)

Attic

Time needed: 20-30 minutes

• Check roof rafters and trusses
• Inspect areas around chimneys
• Look for damaged or hollow-sounding wood
• Check for moisture stains or leaks
• Examine ventilation areas
• Look for frass (drywood termite droppings)

Bathrooms & Kitchen

Focus: Moisture-prone areas

• Check under sinks for leaks
• Inspect vanity and cabinet bases
• Look at window sills and frames
• Check door frames (especially if near shower)
• Examine baseboards for damage
• Look for soft spots in flooring

Living Areas & Bedrooms

• Inspect all window sills and frames
• Check door frames (tap with screwdriver)
• Look for discarded wings near windows
• Examine baseboards (especially exterior walls)
• Check any built-in shelving or cabinets
• Look for bubbling paint or wallpaper

Garage & Utility Areas

• Check door frames and trim
• Inspect stored wood, cardboard, or paper
• Look for mud tubes on walls
• Check water heater area for leaks
• Examine any wood shelving or workbenches
• Inspect garage door frame

✓ No Evidence Found

Good news: No obvious signs detected during your inspection.

Next steps:

• Address any conducive conditions (moisture, wood-soil contact)
• Implement prevention strategies
• Re-inspect every 6-12 months
• Consider professional inspection annually

⚠ Suspicious Signs Found

Examples: Hollow-sounding wood, moisture damage, conducive conditions

Next steps:

• Monitor the area closely
• Take detailed photos
• Consider professional inspection within 1-2 months
• Address moisture issues immediately

⚠ Clear Evidence Found

Examples: Mud tubes, live termites, frass, extensive damage

Next steps:

• Schedule professional inspection immediately
• Don't disturb evidence (leave for inspector)
• Document thoroughly with photos
• Get 2-3 quotes before choosing treatment
• Learn about treatment options