How to Find a Qualified Termite Inspector

1. State Pest Control Associations

Most reliable source: State-level professional associations maintain directories of licensed members.

How to find:

• Search "[Your State] Pest Control Association"
• Look for "Find a Professional" or member directory
• Filter by termite services
• Verify current membership status

Benefits:

• Members must maintain licenses
• Often require continuing education
• Code of ethics standards
• Complaint resolution processes

2. National Pest Management Association (NPMA)

Website: PestWorld.org

Features:

• "Find a Pro" search tool
• Filter by zip code and service type
• QualityPro certification program
• Verified member companies

QualityPro certification indicates:

• Background-checked technicians
• Ongoing training requirements
• Insurance verification
• Business practice standards

3. State Licensing Boards

Official verification: State agriculture or pesticide regulatory agencies

What you can verify:

• Current license status
• License number and expiration
• Disciplinary actions
• Complaint history
• Insurance requirements

How to access:

• Search "[Your State] pesticide license lookup"
• Most states have online databases
• Free public records

4. Referrals and Reviews

Personal referrals:

• Ask neighbors, friends, family
• Real estate agents often have recommendations
• Home inspectors may suggest termite specialists
• Local hardware stores may know reputable companies

Online reviews:

• Google Business reviews
• Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings
• Angi (formerly Angie's List)
• Yelp

What to look for in reviews:

• Consistent positive feedback
• How company responds to complaints
• Specific details (not generic praise)
• Recent reviews (within past year)
• Volume of reviews (more data = better picture)

1. State License

Required in all states: Pest control operators must be licensed

What to verify:

• Current, active license
• Covers termite/wood-destroying insect work
• Company license AND individual technician license
• No recent disciplinary actions

Ask for:

• License number
• Expiration date
• Copy of license (they should provide readily)

2. Insurance

Required coverage:

• General liability: $1 million minimum
• Workers' compensation: If they have employees
• Professional liability: Errors and omissions

Verify:

• Request certificate of insurance
• Confirm coverage is current
• Verify coverage amounts
• Check that you're listed as additional insured (for major work)

3. Professional Certifications

Optional but valuable:

• Board Certified Entomologist (BCE): Advanced pest identification
• Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE): Specialized training
• QualityPro: NPMA business certification
• State-specific certifications: Advanced training programs

About the Company

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed and insured? (request proof)
• Do you specialize in termites or general pest control?
• How many termite inspections do you perform annually?
• Can you provide local references?
• Are you a member of state/national pest control associations?

About the Inspection

• What does your inspection include?
• How long will the inspection take?
• What areas will you inspect?
• What equipment do you use?
• Will I receive a written report?
• How soon will I get the report?
• Do you take photos during inspection?

About Treatment (if needed)

• What treatment methods do you offer?
• Why do you recommend this specific treatment?
• What products will you use?
• How long will treatment take?
• What preparation is required?
• Do you offer warranties? What do they cover?
• What does warranty maintenance involve?

About Costs

• What is your inspection fee?
• Is inspection fee credited toward treatment?
• Can you provide a written estimate?
• What factors could increase the cost?
• Do you offer payment plans?
• What's included in the warranty fee?
• Are there any additional fees?

Best Practice: 2-3 Estimates

Why multiple quotes:

• Compare pricing and approaches
• Identify outliers (too high or suspiciously low)
• Verify findings (should be similar)
• Negotiate better terms
• Gain confidence in decision

What to compare:

• Scope of inspection
• Findings and diagnosis
• Treatment recommendations
• Products and methods
• Total cost breakdown
• Warranty terms
• Timeline

Red flags in quotes:

• One quote 50%+ higher/lower than others
• Vastly different findings
• Vague or incomplete estimates
• Pressure to decide immediately

What a Good Estimate Includes

• Company name, address, license number
• Inspector name and credentials
• Inspection date and property address
• Detailed findings (locations, extent)
• Species identified
• Treatment method recommended
• Products to be used (brand names)
• Application rates and amounts
• Preparation requirements
• Timeline for treatment
• Total cost breakdown
• Warranty terms (duration, coverage)
• Payment terms
• Expiration date of estimate

Factors to Consider

Don't choose based solely on:

• Lowest price (may indicate shortcuts)
• Fastest availability (quality takes time)
• Aggressive sales pitch

Do prioritize:

• Proper licensing and insurance
• Experience with your specific issue
• Clear communication
• Detailed, written estimates
• Strong warranty terms
• Professional reputation
• Comfort level with company

Get Everything in Writing

• Signed contract before work begins
• Detailed scope of work
• Payment schedule
• Warranty certificate
• Treatment records
• Product labels and safety data sheets
• Receipts for all payments

During Treatment

• Verify technician credentials
• Ask questions about process
• Document work with photos
• Get post-treatment instructions in writing
• Schedule follow-up inspection

Complaint Process

1. Contact company first:

• Document issue with photos
• Contact company in writing
• Request resolution
• Give reasonable time to respond

2. If unresolved, escalate to:

• State licensing board
• Better Business Bureau
• State attorney general (consumer protection)
• Professional association (if member)

3. Legal options:

• Small claims court (under $5,000-10,000)
• Mediation or arbitration
• Consult attorney for major issues