What Is a Termite Inspection?

Termites: They’re tiny pests that can cause tons of damage in and around your home. And since ignoring them isn’t an option, your next step is to learn what a termite inspection is and how it can help you face these pests head-on. But what can you expect from one, anyway? This guide will tell you everything you need to know before, during, and after the process.

Angi Tip

Termite infestations can be difficult to detect, so keep an eye out for changes in your wood features, such as floors bubbling or deck sagging. Don't hesitate to take pest control action to prevent the infestation from growing.

Kaitlyn Pacheco

Content Editor, Angi

What Is a Termite Inspection?

A termite inspection is the process of checking your property for signs of previous or current termite activity. These inspections, which are performed by pest control technicians or exterminators, can be conducted by request if you suspect you have a termite problem. Inspections can also be a part of an ongoing pest control maintenance plan to catch infestations before they spread and cause serious damage to your home. 

What Happens During a Termite Inspection?

This type of inspection is a thorough examination of your home and property for termites. A local termite control specialist will not only look for termites themselves, but any signs of them. The entire process can last between 30 minutes to 2½ hours, depending on your home, property size, and the number of areas your inspector checks. 

Each pest control company will have its own termite inspection protocol, but every inspector should perform a thorough canvas of your home’s interior and exterior. Whether or not your inspector takes measures to eliminate a termite infestation during their visit will depend on the company and the type of appointment you make. 

What Does a Termite Inspector Look For?

Check out some of the telltale signs that termite inspectors search for during home inspections.

Signs of Termite Swarmers

One sign of a termite infestation is flying termites, also known as swarmers or alates. They’re the reproductive males and females that leave their nest in the spring and journey to a new place to start a colony. Once they’ve found one, they’ll discard their wings within minutes of arrival. They’ll typically leave them on windowsills, doors, or other entrances in your home. Stay on the lookout for live termite swarms outside your home, too.

Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are soil and wood mixed with saliva, created by subterranean termites to help keep moisture in and predators and dry air out. 

Wood Damage

Damaged wood is another sign you might have wood-crazed little pests. Your local termite inspector will look for hollow-sounding wood because termites consume it from the inside-out. However, your walls will have likely sustained significant damage before a pro discovers wood damage.

They'll also look for signs of blistering or warped wood or wood that's showing signs of water damage. It could be from another source, but termite tunnels contain moisture so wood and any painted surface will react.

Droppings

Droppings are a surefire way for a pest exterminator near you to see whether you have an infestation. While subterranean and dampwood termites use their frass to construct or seal their tunnels, drywood ones don’t. To keep their nest clean, drywood termites push their droppings out of their nest. So if an inspector sees piles of pellet-shaped droppings, it might mean they’ve taken up residence in your home. 

Termites

This one’s pretty obvious, but your pro will check for the insects themselves. While it sounds easy enough, it can be challenging to spot them since these bugs live underground or inside wood.

Galleries

Dampwood termites eat across the wood grain, which creates galleries, or high-humidity tunnels. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t need contact with soil to thrive and are typically located in decaying wood or wood with high moisture levels. 

Noises

Hear something that sounds like headbanging, and you know it’s not yours? It might be termites. When they feel threatened or their colony has been disturbed, they’ll bang their head against their tunnel walls to communicate throughout their colony. The resulting noise is a dry rattling sound. 

Where Do Termite Inspectors Check?

Since the main three termite types that could invade your home can live in your walls, soil, or high-moisture wood, an experienced pro will check all these locations before ruling them out as safe: 

• Attics

• Exposed wood

• Basement or crawl space

• Sewer and plumbing pipes

• Hardwood floors and baseboards

• Interior and exterior walls

• Windows and doors

When Should I Get a Termite Inspection?

Photo: Valmedia / Adobe Stock

So, you know inspections are essential to your home’s structure and your comfort, but when is the right time to get one? Here are a few reasons to get your home inspected:

• Plans to sell your home

• Plans to buy a home

• Signs of termites

• Infestations are common in your area

Even if you’ve never had termites and don’t live in a moist climate, getting an annual termite inspection can help ensure you won’t have pest problems down the line. 

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

Termites aren’t something you want to take a chance on. Like insurance, it’s better to have it and not need it than vice versa. While the total cost can depend on where you live and how big your home is, termite inspections cost around $165. 

If your inspector does find signs of them during the inspection, they’ll discuss a treatment plan that’s best suited for your home. The average cost of a termite treatment is $570, depending on the size, severity, and location of the infestation.

Can I DIY a Termite Inspection?

Inspecting for termites is a task that requires experience, patience, and time. Since you want to catch an infestation early, consider letting a pro handle your termite inspection. 

However, it is possible to conduct an unofficial termite inspection on your own if you feel up to the task. Check for signs of termites (or termites themselves) around and inside your home, such as looking out for damaged wood or discarded wings. However, if you find signs of these unwanted pests, you’ll likely need to hire a pest control pro to get rid of the termites.

What Should I Do Before the Inspection?

Termites can make themselves at home almost anywhere. Give your inspectors the access they need by straightening up and moving items out of their way, so the professionals have the space they need to inspect your home thoroughly instead of missing a key colony because of a wall of boxes. 

Here are a few ways you can prepare your home:

• Move items away from the interior and exterior walls: Your interior and exterior walls will be thoroughly inspected for termite activity, so you’ll need to make sure they’re clearly accessible. If not, your inspector will have a more difficult time providing a full picture of the termite activity in your home. 

• Make your basement, crawl space, and attic accessible: During a termite inspection, your inspector will need to access every corner of your house to determine what, if any, termite damage exists. You can make it easier for them to access and get a clear picture of these areas by ensuring they’re accessible. 

• Trim overgrown bushes, flowers, and grass: Overgrown bushes, flowers, and grass can make it more difficult for your inspection technician to access the exterior of your home. If they can’t access it safely, it might not be included in their report. Plus, keeping these things trimmed back can help prevent termites in the first place.

• Remove items from under sinks and around pipes: Your inspector should look for signs of active leaks that could be creating the perfect environment for termites to thrive. Clean out areas prone to leaking, such as under the sink and around pipes. 

What Should I Do if There Are Signs of Termites?

If there are signs of termites in or around your home, hiring a pest control company that specializes in termite removal should be at the top of your to-do list. These termite control experts can stop an ongoing termite infestation, saving you money and a headache. Plus, they can verify that the signs are that of termites and not another pest. 

While you’re waiting for your termite inspection appointment, there are a few things you can do to help deter termites from causing more damage to your property:

• Put out termite bait: Termite bait attracts and kills termites with the help of a poisonous substance. You should place these bait traps around your home, but away from areas where kids or pets may come into contact with them. 

• Consider spraying a termiticide: Unlike bait that works by drawing termites to a trap, you can spray termiticide in the places termites frequent and kill them. It’s important to read and follow the instructions provided for your specific termiticide before spraying it.

• Take preventative measures: Although preventative measures won’t stop active termite infestations, they can stop them from getting worse. These steps includes trimming shrubs away from your home, fixing active leaks, filling cracks around your home, and moving stacks of wood away from your home.