How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

A termite inspection costs $133 on average but can range from $110 to $156, based on our analysis of 401 quotes from licensed inspectors.

Your exact cost will be influenced by many factors, including where you live, the size of your home, and the type of inspection you need. However, some pest control companies offer inspections for free, especially if they believe treatment for an infestation may be required afterward.

Termites cause over $6.8 billion in property damage every year, most of which isn’t covered by homeowners insurance policies.[1] The cost of an inspection is a comparatively small price to pay.

Below, we’ll look at how much a termite inspection costs, what factors influence the price, how an inspection works, and what steps you should take afterward.

What is a termite inspection?

A termite inspection is a specialized assessment of your property to detect signs of a termite infestation, including physical damage. Additionally, inspectors look for environmental conditions that may encourage future infestations, such as wood-to-soil contact and high moisture levels.

Casey Callais, a residential inspector at Constructiva Inspections in Austin, Texas, says, “The inspection is an evaluation of both evidence of active and previous infestation as well as signs of conducive conditions around the structure. If termites are found, the homeowner should take their report to their pest control service of choice and have them treat it.”

Termites feed on wood, so inspectors tend to focus on wood-intensive areas of your home, such as the attic, basement, garage, closets, and crawl spaces. They’ll also examine the exterior, especially parts with exposed wood, like decks, fences, and window and door frames.

Termite inspections typically come in one of two types:

• Standard inspection: This is a routine check of your property for termite activity. It is primarily preventative and should be scheduled either annually or every few years (depending on your location and other risk factors).
• WDO (wood destroying organism) inspection: A WDO inspection is more comprehensive. It checks not just for termites but for all wood-destroying pests, like carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and carpenter bees. If you’re buying a house, your lender may require a WDO inspection.

How much do termite inspections cost?

A termite inspection costs around $133 on average.

A basic termite inspection can cost as little as $110, while a more comprehensive inspection can run as much as $156. However, several factors can affect that cost, including location.

Termite inspection costs by state

Factors impacting termite inspection costs

Termite inspection costs are influenced by several factors, including:

• Type of inspection: A routine standard inspection tends to be low cost and is sometimes even offered for free by pest management companies. Termite inspections that are tied to real estate transactions tend to be more costly.
• Home size and condition: Larger houses take more time to inspect, which can increase the labor cost of an inspection. A home with a large number of wood-intensive areas will also cost more to inspect.
• Accessibility: Homes with hard-to-reach areas, such as small crawl spaces, attics, cluttered storage areas, and multiple outbuildings, may be charged a higher inspection fee.
• Specialized testing: Infestations are sometimes hidden and may require specialized testing, like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras, which increase your costs.

On top of these factors, you may also face additional costs for items like:[2]

• Termite clearance letter: This document is required for some home loans and states that a house has been inspected for termites. It typically costs around $100–200, although some pest control companies waive this fee if they’re hired to treat your home.
• Termite bond: If an inspection uncovers termites, your lender may require you to take out a termite bond, which costs anywhere from $500 to $2,000. The bond is a type of contract that ensures your property will be regularly inspected and treated for termites.
• Follow-up inspections: If your home needs to be treated for termites, you may need a follow-up inspection afterward to confirm the infestation has been cleared. The cost is usually around $75–150, although it may be waived by the pest control company that handled the extermination.

Termite inspection costs vs. other inspections

What happens during a termite inspection?

A termite inspection is primarily a visual inspection. The inspector will examine:

• Exterior walls and the foundation for evidence of mud tubes and damaged wood
• Interior spaces, especially crawl spaces, attics, and basements, for moisture and termite activity
• Cracks and joints, because they provide potential entry points for termites

The inspection will typically last between 30 minutes and 2 hours, largely depending on how big your home is. If the inspector believes you might have termites, then that time could stretch further in order to locate other areas of activity and satellite nests.

Basic inspections typically only require a flashlight and protective gear. However, when access is difficult, inspectors may need to use an infrared camera, moisture detectors, or a probing tool to check for termite damage. Some inspectors also use borescopes, which are fiber-optic cables that can be run through small drill holes.

At the end, you’ll receive an inspection report outlining any termite activity and any areas of concern. The report will likely include recommendations and an estimate for treatment, which will have to be negotiated separately.

Signs you might need a termite inspection

Termites can be hard to detect since they rarely come out into the open. Sagging floors and ceilings, unexplained cracks, and windows and doors that are hard to open could be signs of termite infestation. Use a flathead screwdriver to examine exposed wood for any hollow spots.

Callais notes that “termite problems typically show up once the damage is severe. Aside from the odd termite tube that may be seen on the edge of the foundation, most of the evidence of termite infestation is well hidden until the wood flooring splits, the door hinge pulls out of the frame, or the picture falls off the wall after the little buggers chew around the nail.”

Termites are also easily confused with ants, so you should learn to recognize the differences. Ants have front wings that are longer than the back ones, and their antennae are bent at a 90-degree angle. Termite wings, on the other hand, are all roughly the same length, and their antennae are either straight or drooped.[3]

Older homes, especially in areas prone to termites, should also be inspected. Bud Rozell, ASHI Certified Home Inspector and owner of Good Home Inspection in Dallas, Texas, says, “Termites are complicated animals; indications are not always obvious. A general rule in Texas is that if a house is over 7 years old and hasn’t been treated, get a termite inspection. If termites are found, have the house treated.”

Additionally, you may be required to get a termite inspection when buying a house in order to get financing. And if you’ve noticed other homes in your neighborhood being treated for termites, consider getting an inspection as a preventative measure.

Post–termite inspection steps

If termites are discovered, your next step is to treat the problem. The cost will depend on many factors, including house size, the extent of the infestation, and the treatment type.

Here are the most common treatment types and their costs:[4]

• Chemical termiticide: $3–16 per linear square foot
• Termite bait: $8–12 per linear square foot
• Termite tenting (fumigation): $5–20 per linear square foot
• Termite tenting (heat): $10 per linear square foot

In addition to exterminating the termites, you may also have to repair the damage they caused. Termite damage repair can run anywhere from $600 to $6,000 (in severe cases).

If the inspection was conducted as part of a real estate transaction, then the results can be a major factor in negotiations. You can ask the seller to:

• E ensure the problem is remediated before closing
• Give you a credit for treatment costs
• Reduce the purchase price

Contact multiple pest control companies for quotes, and learn what to do if the seller refuses to fix inspection issues.

Moving forward, you should focus on preventing infestations. This can be done by reducing moisture caused by leaks, poor drainage, and improper ventilation. Eliminate wood-to-soil contact and maintain a barrier between your foundation and landscaping. Depending on your area’s susceptibility to termites, you may want to schedule inspections every year.

How to find a termite inspector

You can find termite inspectors by getting referrals from real estate agents, friends and family, and home inspectors. In some states, you’ll want to be aware of the difference between a consumer estimate and a WDO report.

For example, in California, a consumer estimate is essentially a free sales call by a pest control company that includes only a limited inspection. A WDO report is a more comprehensive inspection and a legally binding document that holds the inspector liable for anything they might miss.[5]

Compare online reviews of different inspectors on sites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Many termite inspectors also own pest control companies. Check that the company offering termite services is licensed by your state’s pesticide regulatory agency.[3]

The bottom line

Considering that termite damage can cost you thousands of dollars, paying around $133 for a termite inspection is a small price for peace of mind. Whether you’re buying a home or just doing your own due diligence as a homeowner, a termite inspection is an essential step in protecting your property.

If your inspection comes back clean, make sure you keep it that way by scheduling regular inspections and taking preventative measures. And if you discover an infestation, act quickly. The sooner the problem is remedied, the less damage and expense you’ll have to deal with in the long run.

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