Understanding Professional Termite Inspection Reports

1. Property Information

What's included:

• Property address and description
• Inspection date and time
• Inspector name and license number
• Company information
• Weather conditions during inspection
• Type of inspection (real estate, routine, follow-up)

Why it matters: Establishes the official record and inspector credentials

2. Areas Inspected

Typical areas documented:

• Foundation perimeter (exterior)
• Crawl space or basement
• Attic and roof structure
• Garage and outbuildings
• Interior visible areas
• Plumbing and utility areas

Areas not inspected (commonly noted):

• Behind walls or under flooring
• Inaccessible crawl spaces
• Areas blocked by stored items
• Dangerous or unsafe locations

Why it matters: Defines scope and limitations of inspection

3. Findings Section

Key categories:

A. Active infestation:

• Live termites observed
• Fresh mud tubes
• Recent frass or droppings
• Swarmer activity
• Specific locations documented

B. Evidence of previous infestation:

• Old damage patterns
• Abandoned mud tubes
• Previous treatment evidence
• Repaired areas

C. Visible damage:

• Location and extent
• Structural vs. cosmetic
• Severity assessment
• Photos or diagrams

D. Conducive conditions:

• Wood-to-soil contact
• Moisture problems
• Poor drainage
• Inadequate ventilation
• Stored wood near structure

4. Species Identification

What's included:

• Termite species identified (if possible)
• Basis for identification
• Lab analysis results (if samples taken)
• Implications for treatment

Why it matters: Different species require different treatment approaches

Learn more: Termite Signs by Species

5. Recommendations

Typical recommendations:

• Treatment options (if infestation found)
• Corrective actions for conducive conditions
• Repairs needed
• Follow-up inspection schedule
• Prevention measures

6. Treatment Proposal (if applicable)

Details included:

• Recommended treatment method
• Scope of work
• Cost estimate
• Warranty terms
• Timeline
• Preparation requirements

🚨 Red Flags (Immediate Action Needed)

• "Active infestation" anywhere in report
• "Severe structural damage"
• "Widespread activity"
• "Formosan termites" (most aggressive species)
• "Immediate treatment recommended"
• Multiple locations with activity

Action: Schedule treatment promptly; consider second opinion for major work

⚠️ Yellow Flags (Attention Needed)

• "Evidence of previous activity" (verify treatment history)
• "Conducive conditions present" (address to prevent future issues)
• "Limited access prevented full inspection" (improve access, re-inspect)
• "Moisture damage noted" (fix source to prevent attraction)
• "Monitoring recommended" (follow through with schedule)

Action: Address conditions; schedule follow-up as recommended

✅ Green Flags (Good News)

• "No visible evidence of termite activity"
• "No conducive conditions observed"
• "Previous treatment appears effective"
• "Routine annual inspection recommended" (standard)

Action: Maintain prevention measures; schedule next annual inspection

About Findings

• Can you show me the specific locations of concern?
• How certain are you about the species identification?
• How long has this infestation likely been active?
• What's the extent of damage (best estimate)?
• Are there areas you couldn't inspect? Why?

About Treatment

• Why do you recommend this specific treatment?
• What are alternative treatment options?
• How long will treatment take to be effective?
• What warranty do you offer?
• What's included in follow-up inspections?
• Can I see references or reviews?

About Costs

• Is this estimate for treatment only or including repairs?
• What factors could increase the cost?
• Do you offer payment plans?
• What's included in the warranty fee?
• Are there any additional fees (inspection, monitoring)?

Special Considerations

For buyers:

• Report typically required by lender
• Must be recent (usually within 30-90 days)
• May be called "Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Report"
• Active infestation may affect financing
• Can negotiate repairs or treatment with seller

For sellers:

• Disclosure requirements vary by state
• Pre-listing inspection can identify issues early
• Treatment before listing may increase value
• Documentation of previous treatment helpful

Common report types:

• NPMA-33: Standard form for real estate (termites only)
• NPMA-99: Comprehensive WDI report (termites + other pests)
• State-specific forms: Some states have required formats

Next Steps

If active infestation found:

1. Review treatment options and costs
2. Get second opinion if warranted
3. Schedule treatment promptly
4. Address conducive conditions
5. Plan for follow-up inspections

If no activity found:

1. Correct any conducive conditions noted
2. Implement prevention measures
3. Schedule next annual inspection
4. Keep report for records

If previous activity noted:

1. Verify when previous treatment occurred
2. Check if warranty still active
3. Monitor areas of previous damage
4. Consider preventive treatment if no warranty