How much does termite inspection cost?

To find out how much termite inspectors charge near you, contact a few and ask for a cost estimate.

Termite inspection costs can vary depending on your geographic location and the size of your home or property. Some companies may also offer free termite inspections to new customers or waive the small fee if the company also delivers a termite treatment plan.

If you request a termite inspection, that generally means you can visibly see the wood-destroying pests themselves or the damage they have already caused. Because many pest control companies take this into consideration and expect the inspections will be followed by their termite control services, they offer the inspection for free.

There are two main reasons for a termite inspection: 

• Buying or selling a home 
• Treating a visibly active termite infestation

The former is a typical requirement of any real estate transaction, along with a home inspection. The second would require a homeowner to notice the signs of a termite infestation and take immediate action to combat the infestation. A few signs to watch out for include hallowed or damaged wood, bubbles in your paint and tube-like networks of dirt along your house called mud tubes.

Costs for termite letters can vary. As an example, one company in Tennessee charges a $50 flat rate while another in Florida charges $125 to $150 for these letters.

A termite letter, also referred to as the wood-destroying organism report (WDO) or termite clearance letter, is the document used for the inspection of a home at the time of sale. In some states, a WDO might have a different name. In South Carolina, for example, it’s called a CL 100 letter.

WDOs don't just include subterranean and drywood termites — they include other insects, pests and annoyances tool, such as carpenter ants, dry rot and fungus. Many real estate transactions require a WDO state report before the sale, and most banks and lenders require this report before making a loan. Some companies will bundle a home inspection along with the WDO inspection. 

A typical home can go two to three years without having a termite inspection. Once the infestation has been addressed and treated, your home should stay well protected. However, termite barrier disruptions such as construction or landscaping can influence the effectiveness of the initial termite treatment. Re-infestation can occur and should be retreated as soon as possible by a termite control professional.

As a homeowner, stay vigilant by checking for any potential issues regularly. If you live in an area prone to termites, you may want to have an annual inspection to protect your home from any further infestations.

The cost of termite extermination with a liquid pesticide treatment typically ranges from $3 to $5 per linear foot. Fumigation fills the airspace of the home, so it’s billed by the cubic foot and can cost $1,200 to $1,500 for a 30,000- to 35,000-cubic-foot home, depending on the company.

Some termite control companies offer a termite prevention plan for new construction projects. This is typically charged at a price of under $1 per square foot.

Inspect any wood structures on your property, including decks, sheds and fences for signs of termites. The first and most visible sign is the presence of mud tubes. These are mud-like narrow passageways that subterranean termites build for themselves with wood or soil. 

If you knock on the wood in your home and it sounds hollow, you could have drywood termites. They also leave behind their wings and frass, or droppings, which are very small oval-shaped pellets. Seeing either of these would be evidence of an insect infestation.

You also might see the pests — they look very similar to ants and have wings and antennae. 

Here are the additional signs that it’s time to call a professional:

• Frass. Otherwise known as termite poop, frass looks like six-sided salt and pepper droppings.
• Softening of wood or hollowed-out wood. These pests don’t like paint, lacquer varnish or other wood finishes, so they’ll eat inside the wood and leave the exterior finish like a shell.
• Water bubbles in the paint. If you poke bubbles and find termite droppings inside, it’s the sign of a termite infestation.
• Mud tubes. Subterranean termites create travel networks made of mud to get from their earth home to your house. When you see these mud highways under or along your house, you know a colony is in your home.
• Wings or swarming near your home. As a new colony is looking for a home, they fly (swarm), then shed their wings and burrow into nearby wood.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to contact pest control services near you.

Research online to find the best termite inspection service in your area for a reasonable price. Many professionals offer a free termite inspection report. This helps them build a relationship with you as a potential client and helps you get the information you need without paying out of pocket. But, expect to pay a fee for a WDO inspection and report.

Warranties or coverage plans may also be given once a termite treatment plan has been established. This is a guarantee of the company’s work that may be included in the initial cost or added on as a small additional fee.

When searching for pest control services, use the following tips before you make your hire:

• Licensing. Check that the termite company is up to date on your state’s required licensing for pest control companies.
• Ask questions. Discuss their proposed treatment plan for your property. They should be willing to explain any potentially hazardous chemicals they plan to use and give you specific instructions for what you should do to protect yourself and your home. If you prefer chemical-free methods, such as using bait stations, be sure that they are willing and able to use them.
• Investigate their reputation. Go online and read their customer reviews. You can even contact your local pesticide regulatory agency and find out if they have had any complaints related to this specific company.
• Ask if they offer a guarantee. Some termite exterminators provide a warranty that assures you they will cover termite treatments if they come back.
• Get several estimates. Don’t hire the first inspector you find. Instead, follow the previous steps and get cost estimates from several professionals before making your choice.

Termites can be slow-acting and cause untold damage to a home without you even knowing it. Having a regular inspection can give you peace of mind. Use Thumbtack to find top-rated termite inspectors near you.