How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost? [2025 Data]

Termite Inspection Cost Factors

Check out the most important cost factors to consider when hiring a professional for a termite inspection.

Type of Inspection

The projected cost of your termite inspection depends on the purpose of the service. Check out common examples and pricing for these termite inspection scenarios.

Home Sale and Loan Type

Home sale inspections have an average cost of $165. Check with local regulatory agencies to determine whether the buyer or seller pays for the termite inspection once the house is sold. 

Loan Type

In addition to state and county regulations, certain loan types dictate who pays for termite inspections during a home sale. 

• Standard home loan: With your average regular home loan, the state or county may require a termite inspection and who pays for it. In the vast majority of these cases, the seller pays for the inspection. 

• Veterans Affairs (VA) loans: This loan type typically requires the seller to pay for the inspection at an average cost of $50 to $150. In rare cases, the VA recommends the buyer or the lender pay. The VA requires termite inspections in “high-risk areas” that have had issues in the past. 

• FHA loan: The Federal Housing Administration abides by the recommendations of the state or lender, though an inspection is required if the home appraiser finds any evidence of an infestation. The buyer is expected to pay $100 to $200 if you need an inspection.

Follow-Up Inspections

Most termite inspections are a one-time occurrence. If you require further inspections to ensure the infestation is completely cleared up, expect to pay $75 to $150 for a new inspection —though this may be at a lower rate if performed by the same company that handled the extermination services.

Commercial Termite Inspection

While most termite inspections are not based on the property's size, size does matter when it comes to commercial property inspections, as these jobs require more time and effort. Whether a restaurant, hotel, apartment, complex, duplex, office building or retail store, commercial termite inspections usually cost more than residential inspections at $200 to $600.

Termite Clearance Letter

A termite clearance letter is not a document stating that a house is free from pests but instead that it has been inspected and what the inspector discovered. If termites previously caused damage to the home, the letter will also describe what repairs were made. Termite clearance letters are required for certain types of loans and may be a condition for some loans for homes in high-risk areas. Some termite inspection companies may waive the fee for the letter if they are hired for pest control services. Otherwise, you can expect to pay $100 to $200 for a termite clearance letter.

Termite Bond

When an inspector uncovers termites in a home, many lenders will require potential buyers to secure a termite bond, which can range from $500 to $2,000. This bond is a contract for termite services wherein the company will perform inspections regularly and treat them for free if they are discovered.

CL-100 Inspection

CL-100 inspections only apply to people living in South Carolina. This report works the same as a termite clearance letter but focuses on all wood-destroying insects and fungi rather than only termites. A CL-100 will cost around $160 on average and is only good for 30 days. 

WDO Inspection

WDO stands for wood-destroying organisms and is broader than the CL-100. Lenders may require these inspections if there’s a history of wood damage in the home, and their scope is not limited to South Carolina. The total cost of a WDO inspection is around $150 on average.

Common WDOs include:

• Subterranean termites

• Drywood termites

• Dampwood termites

• Wood-boring beetles

• Carpenter ants

• Carpenter bees

• Soft rot fungi

• Brown (dry) rot fungi

• White rot fungi

Inspection Bundles 

Home inspectors may lack the experience and qualifications to diagnose the presence of termites properly. However, they often partner with professional pest control companies to offer inspection bundles. These bundles include all necessary inspections for a home sale or purchase, including certified pest inspections. Inspection bundles cost $250 to $400 and are a good way to kill two termites with one stone. 

Termite Report Letter

A termite clearance letter is the standard report for most lending companies, regardless of whether your home loan is conventional, FHA, or VA. These reports tell the lender that no creepy crawlies are running about your home wreaking havoc. The typical cost of a termite clearance letter is around $150 on average.

You may need to work quickly if your offer is accepted for your future dream home. Some lenders require a report within 30 to 90 days before they can continue with the closing process.

Termite Treatment Cost

Termite treatment costs around $600 on average, depending on the size and location of the infestation and the type of termite treatment.

However, termite pest control costs range from $230 to $1,000. Large infestations may require more intensive treatments like fumigation, which will cost significantly more than DIY treatments like gel baiting. Fumigation can range anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000.

If your termite inspection finds a small, minor infestation, ask your pest control pro about DIY treatments like bait systems, termiticides, and other methods.

Signs of Termites

If you’re searching for termite warning signs, there are plenty to keep in mind. Common signs of termite infestations include:

• Detached wings throughout the home

• Mud tubes

• Hollow-sounding wood

• Buckled wood

• Termite droppings

• Small holes in drywall

• Bubbling paint

• Any damaged wood throughout the home

Where to Look for Termite Damage

A termite colony can find its next smorgasbord in any wooden area in your home, necessitating a spot treatment. Common spaces you should check include:

• Deck

• Fence

• Roof trusses

• Home exterior

• Shed exterior

• Kitchen cabinets

• Bathroom cabinets

• Wood frame

• Insect colonies around the yard

• Any trees on the property

What Is a Termite Inspection?

A termite inspection is an examination of a home performed by a local termite control expert, looking inside and outside the home for signs of an infestation. The professional termite inspector may look in your attic, crawl space, basement, closets, bathrooms, and garage, paying particular attention to any exposed wood in places such as cabinets, baseboards, and door frames. Outside the home, they will also examine cracks in your home exterior and any exposed wood in and around the home, including window frames, wooden fences, and wood piles.

When to Get a Termite Inspection 

Once you recognize what a termite inspection is, you may wonder if and when you should get one. Generally speaking, most homeowners should get a termite inspection yearly, especially if they live somewhere warm and moist since these areas are at higher risk for infestations.

Aside from yearly inspections, termite inspections are a good idea when you buy a new home. Many states legally require a home seller to pay for a termite inspection before the sale can be completed.

What to Expect from a Termite Inspection 

Your local termite inspector will look throughout the interior and exterior of your home to find signs of termite infestations. These signs may be difficult for homeowners to spot, especially if they have had previous infestations and may not know how to distinguish between new and old termite droppings or tunnels.

The inspector may use a probe to look for termite damage in weak-looking areas of the home, including the following:

• Areas where wood makes contact with soil 

• Cracks in foundation

• Cracks in stucco

• Cracks in exterior and interior paint

• Cracks in brickwork

Inspections take about 30 minutes to 2 hours. After they are over, the inspector will show what they have observed to the homeowner, if they are present, and put together a formal report with their findings. If you have an infestation, the inspector will typically recommend eliminating it and repairing any resulting damage.

How to Prepare for a Termite Inspection 

If you’re getting ready for a professional termite inspection, here’s how to prepare:

1. Clean the exterior of your home.

2. Trim tree branches and shrubbery near or touching your home.

3. Avoid creating excess moisture in your home like mopping or taking a hot, steamy shower.

4. Make sure that the inspector has easy access to all areas of your home, including the attic, basement, and crawl spaces.

5. Move any clutter, such as boxes or furniture, away from walls so that the inspector can access all areas.

6. Clear out the cabinets below your sinks.

7. Take note of any signs of termite damage, such as mud tubes, wood damage, or discarded wings.

8. If you have had previous termite inspections or treatments, gather any paperwork related to those services.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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