How Professional Termite Inspections Work
Complete guide to the inspection process, timeline, and what inspectors check.
TL;DR: Professional inspections take 1-2 hours, cover all accessible areas, use moisture meters and probes, result in detailed written reports.
— Start with DIY checklist,
then when to call a pro. Prefer to talk?
(833) 404-3632.
- Patterns > single clues (location, timing, recurrence, spread).
- We don't review photos or identify pests (education only).
- Only licensed professionals can confirm an infestation.
📋 Assess with LTRS: Location, Timing, Recurrence, Spread — log patterns, not just single clues.
Educational awareness only: This guide explains the inspection process. Only licensed professionals can conduct official inspections and provide reports.
A professional termite inspection is the only way to confirm activity, identify species, assess damage, and determine the best treatment approach. Understanding the process helps you prepare, ask informed questions, and evaluate inspector thoroughness.
Inspection Timeline
Step 1: Initial Contact & Scheduling
Duration: 5-10 minutes
You contact a licensed pest control company. They'll ask basic questions about what you've observed, property size, and accessibility. Most companies offer free initial inspections.
What to mention: Any signs you've noticed, recent construction, previous treatments, and any areas of concern.
Step 2: Pre-Inspection Preparation
Duration: 15-30 minutes (homeowner prep)
Your tasks:
- Clear access to crawl spaces, attics, and basements
- Move stored items away from walls in garage/basement
- Trim vegetation blocking foundation access
- Locate and unlock any locked areas
- Secure pets
Step 3: Exterior Inspection
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Inspector walks the property perimeter examining:
- Foundation walls for mud tubes
- Wood-to-soil contact points
- Exterior siding and trim
- Deck and porch supports
- Tree stumps and wood debris
- Drainage and moisture issues
- Cracks in concrete or masonry
Step 4: Interior Inspection
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Inspector examines accessible interior areas:
- Basements and crawl spaces (if accessible)
- Attics and roof spaces
- Garage and utility areas
- Bathrooms and kitchens (moisture areas)
- Window and door frames
- Baseboards and flooring
- Visible structural members
Step 5: Detailed Assessment
Duration: 15-30 minutes
Inspector uses specialized tools:
- Flashlight: Illuminate dark spaces
- Probe/screwdriver: Test wood for hollow sounds
- Moisture meter: Detect elevated moisture levels
- Thermal imaging (advanced): Identify temperature variations
- Borescope (if needed): Inspect inside walls
Step 6: Documentation & Photos
Duration: Throughout inspection
Inspector documents findings with:
- Photographs of evidence and damage
- Diagrams marking affected areas
- Notes on species indicators
- Moisture readings
- Damage severity assessment
Step 7: Report & Recommendations
Duration: 15-30 minutes
Inspector reviews findings with you, covering:
- Evidence found (or lack thereof)
- Species identification
- Infestation extent and severity
- Treatment options and costs
- Prevention recommendations
- Timeline for treatment
Total Time: 1.5 to 3 Hours
Inspection duration varies based on property size, accessibility, and findings. Larger homes or complex layouts take longer.
What Inspectors Look For
Primary Evidence
- Live termites: Workers, soldiers, or swarmers
- Mud tubes: On foundations, walls, or in crawl spaces
- Wood damage: Hollow-sounding or visibly damaged wood
- Frass: Drywood termite droppings near kick-out holes
- Discarded wings: Near windows, doors, or light sources
Conducive Conditions
Factors that attract or support termites:
- Wood-to-soil contact
- Moisture problems (leaks, poor drainage)
- Wood debris near foundation
- Cracks in foundation or slab
- Dense vegetation against house
- Inadequate ventilation in crawl spaces
Previous Damage or Treatment
- Old mud tubes or damage
- Evidence of past treatments
- Repairs to termite-damaged wood
- Treatment records (if available)
The Inspection Report
Standard Report Contents
1. Property Information
- Address and inspection date
- Property type and construction
- Accessible vs. inaccessible areas
2. Findings Summary
- Evidence of active infestation (yes/no)
- Species identified (if present)
- Location of activity
- Damage assessment
3. Detailed Observations
- Room-by-room or area-by-area notes
- Photos of evidence
- Diagrams with marked locations
4. Conducive Conditions
- Moisture issues
- Structural concerns
- Maintenance recommendations
5. Treatment Recommendations
- Recommended treatment method(s)
- Cost estimate
- Timeline and process
- Warranty information
Types of Inspections
Visual Inspection (Standard)
What it includes: Thorough visual examination of accessible areas
Cost: Often free or $75-150
Best for: Routine checks, home purchases, suspected activity
Limitations: Can't see inside walls or inaccessible areas
Advanced/Invasive Inspection
What it includes: May involve drilling small holes, removing panels, or using specialized equipment
Cost: $200-500+
Best for: Confirming suspected hidden damage, pre-purchase due diligence
Note: Requires homeowner permission for any invasive procedures
Real Estate Transaction Inspection (WDI/WDO)
What it includes: Official report for lenders, often required for home sales
Cost: $100-300
Best for: Home purchases, refinancing
Format: Standardized form (varies by state)
Questions to Ask the Inspector
- Are you licensed and insured?
- How long have you been doing termite inspections?
- What areas will you inspect? What's inaccessible?
- If you find termites, what species are they?
- How severe is the infestation?
- What treatment do you recommend and why?
- What are the alternatives?
- What does treatment cost? What's included?
- Do you offer a warranty? What does it cover?
- Can I get a written report before committing to treatment?
Red Flags: When to Get a Second Opinion
- Inspector pressures immediate treatment without written report
- Won't provide detailed documentation
- Quotes seem extremely high or low compared to others
- Can't clearly explain species or treatment method
- Inspection seems rushed (under 30 minutes for average home)
- Won't answer questions or provide references
- Insists on one treatment method without discussing alternatives
Always get 2-3 quotes for treatment before proceeding.
After the Inspection
If termites are found:
- Review the written report carefully
- Get 2-3 treatment quotes from different companies
- Compare treatment methods, costs, and warranties
- Ask about preparation requirements and timeline
- Learn about treatment options
If no termites are found:
- Ask about conducive conditions to address
- Implement prevention strategies
- Schedule periodic re-inspections (annually recommended)
- Keep report for future reference
Related Resources
Common Questions
How long does an inspection take?
1-2 hours for average homes. Larger properties or extensive crawl spaces may take longer.
Do I need to be present?
Not required, but recommended so inspector can explain findings and answer questions immediately.
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