When to Call a Termite Professional
Decision guide: Which signs warrant immediate action vs. monitoring.
TL;DR: Call inspector if: multiple signs appear, signs recur after cleanup, buying/selling home, or annually for prevention.
— Start with early warning signs,
then find an inspector. 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 helps you assess urgency. Only licensed professionals can confirm infestations and recommend treatment.
Not every termite concern requires immediate professional intervention, but some signs demand prompt attention. This guide helps you assess urgency based on what you've observed and your property's risk factors.
Call Immediately (Within 1-3 Days)
🚨 Urgent Signs
- Active mud tubes: Tubes that are moist inside or rebuild after breaking
- Live termites or swarmers: Seeing actual termites, especially indoors
- Fresh frass appearing repeatedly: Drywood termite droppings that reappear after cleaning
- Structural sagging or instability: Floors, ceilings, or walls showing weakness
- Extensive visible damage: Large areas of hollow or damaged wood
- Multiple signs in combination: Several indicators present simultaneously
- Interior mud tubes: Tubes on interior walls indicate severe infestation
Why urgent: These signs indicate active, potentially extensive infestation requiring immediate professional assessment to prevent further damage.
Call Soon (Within 1-2 Weeks)
⚠️ Concerning Signs
- Discarded wings: Found near windows or doors, especially in quantity
- Hollow-sounding wood: Multiple areas that sound papery when tapped
- Old/dry mud tubes: Even inactive tubes suggest past or nearby activity
- Unexplained paint bubbling: Without obvious water damage source
- Tight doors/windows: Multiple openings affected without seasonal explanation
- Neighbor infestation: Nearby properties with confirmed termites
- Previous treatment expired: Warranty or treatment protection has lapsed
Why concerning: These signs suggest possible activity or conducive conditions. Professional inspection can confirm and prevent escalation.
Schedule Routine Inspection (Within 1-3 Months)
ℹ️ Preventive Situations
- Annual checkup due: Haven't had inspection in 12+ months
- High-risk property: Wood construction, slab foundation, humid climate
- Conducive conditions: Moisture problems, wood-soil contact, poor drainage
- Home purchase/sale: Real estate transaction requiring WDI/WDO report
- Refinancing: Lender requires termite inspection
- Recent construction: New additions or renovations near existing structure
- Peace of mind: No specific signs but want professional confirmation
Why recommended: Preventive inspections catch problems early when treatment is easier and less expensive.
Monitor & DIY Check (No Immediate Call Needed)
✓ Low-Concern Situations
- Single suspicious observation: One isolated sign without confirmation
- Uncertain identification: Not sure if what you saw is termite-related
- Recent professional inspection: Clean bill of health within last 6 months
- Active treatment/warranty: Currently under professional protection
- Seasonal curiosity: Saw flying insects but unsure if termites
Action steps:
- Document with photos and notes
- Perform DIY inspection
- Monitor for additional signs over 2-4 weeks
- Review identification guides
- Schedule professional inspection if concerns increase
Special Circumstances
Real Estate Transactions
Timeline: As soon as offer is accepted or contract requires
Why: Most lenders require termite inspection. Buyers want assurance before closing. Sellers may need clearance letter.
Type needed: Official WDI/WDO (Wood Destroying Insect/Organism) report on standardized form
Pre-Purchase Due Diligence
Timeline: During inspection period, before removing contingencies
Why: Termite damage can affect home value and negotiating position. Treatment costs can be significant.
Tip: Consider getting inspection even if not required by lender
Post-Treatment Monitoring
Timeline: Follow professional's recommended schedule (typically 30, 60, 90 days post-treatment)
Why: Ensures treatment effectiveness and catches any missed colonies
Usually included: Most treatment contracts include follow-up inspections
Questions to Ask When Calling
Be prepared to describe:
- What you observed (be specific)
- Where you found it (location in/around home)
- When you first noticed it
- Whether it's changed or spread
- Any previous termite history
- Property type and age
Ask the company:
- Are inspections free or is there a fee?
- How soon can you schedule?
- What does the inspection include?
- Will I get a written report?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you provide treatment quotes separately from inspection?
Red Flags: When NOT to Call
Avoid companies that:
- Use high-pressure sales tactics or scare tactics
- Insist on immediate treatment without written report
- Won't provide references or proof of licensing
- Offer "too good to be true" pricing
- Push for payment before inspection
- Refuse to answer questions
Instead: Get 2-3 quotes from licensed, reputable companies. Compare inspection findings, treatment recommendations, and pricing.
Cost Considerations
Inspection Costs
Free inspections: Many companies offer free initial inspections, especially if you're considering treatment
Paid inspections: $75-300 for detailed or real estate transaction inspections
Worth it: Even paid inspections are small investment compared to potential damage costs
Treatment Costs (If Needed)
Range: $500-$3,000+ depending on method, property size, and infestation extent
Factors: Treatment type, accessibility, severity, property size, location
Tip: Early detection = lower treatment costs. Delaying can increase expenses significantly.
Learn more: Treatment Options
What Happens After You Call
- Scheduling: Most companies can schedule within 1-7 days
- Inspection: 1-3 hours depending on property size (learn about the inspection process)
- Report: Written findings, usually provided same day or within 24-48 hours
- Recommendations: If termites found, treatment options and cost estimates
- Decision time: You're not obligated to use the inspecting company for treatment
- Get quotes: Compare 2-3 treatment proposals before deciding
Bottom Line Decision Framework
Call immediately if: You see live termites, active mud tubes, or structural damage
Call soon if: You find multiple concerning signs or have high-risk conditions
Schedule routine inspection if: It's been a year, you're in a transaction, or want peace of mind
Monitor yourself if: You have one uncertain sign and recent clean inspection
When in doubt: Call. Most inspections are free, and early detection saves money
Related Resources
Common Questions
Is one sign enough to call an inspector?
If signs recur after cleanup or multiple signs appear in same area, call immediately. Single isolated signs warrant monitoring.
How urgent is a termite inspection?
Schedule within days if active signs present. Termite damage is slow but ongoing—prompt inspection prevents worse damage.
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