Do I Need a Termite Inspection? What To Know about Hiring an Inspector

A few years ago, I was fixing up a live-aboard boat with a termite infestation. The deeper we dug into the walls, the more pockets of them we found. It was a monumental hassle to address, but it was also amazing to see how enormous a colony could be without the whole boat collapsing into the sea. The whole experience made me realize just how important termite inspectors are for protecting our homes.

“In the United States, termites cause more damage to homes every year than all natural disasters combined, yet homeowner’s insurance rarely covers termite damage,” says Ian Williams, an entomologist and technical services manager at Orkin.

Worse yet, people often don’t notice them until they’ve already caused extensive, costly damage. Here’s what to know about termites, how to DIY inspect, when to call a pro and what to expect from that process.

Types of Termites

Termites are insects that feed exclusively on cellulose material, like wood. In nature, they play important roles, breaking down dead wood. But of course, they present a very serious problem in our homes. In the US, there are three major types of termites:

• Subterranean termites often cause the most severe structural damage, says Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist at Mosquito Squad. They are found in nearly every state and enter structures from underground, creating multiple colonies that are hard to detect until the infestation is severe. They require moisture to thrive and tend to stay relatively close to the ground.
• Drywood termites enter your home by flying or being brought in on an infested piece of wood. They do not live in moist areas and thus can travel to higher levels of a structure where they typically colonize a localized area. You can identify them by their hexagonal fecal pellets, which look like little sawdust piles, or if you see bubbling/blistering wood.
• Dampwood termites also fly in or get introduced on infested wood. They tend to live in very damp wood, mostly near plumbing and water leaks, wood siding exposed to heavy rainfall or sprinkler areas where wood regularly gets saturated, like fences and mailbox posts. Crumbley says that if you break open a piece of wood and see moist, clumped fecal pellets (frass), these may be your culprits.

Do I Have to Inspect for Termites?

No. Termite inspections are not usually required by code. But it’s a very good idea to have your home inspected if you live in a termite-prone environment since early detection can prevent substantial repair costs and hassles.

Depending on the species, signs of termite infestations include termite swarms, wood damage and shelter tubes, which are made of dirt and wood particles. If you break open infested wood, you may also notice sawdust-like piles of fecal matter or a combination of wood, sawdust and dirt, aka frass. Pay special attention to low levels of the home, like crawlspaces, basements, flooring, joists, support beams and door frames.

“If you notice small holes in your drywall or signs of termites, like actual bugs or discarded wings, it’s vital to take action quickly,” says Rocky Beninato, a certified exterminator and founder of Quality Affordable Pest Control.

Termite Inspections

How do inspectors check for termites?

Termite inspectors will look outside and inside your home for visible signs of infestation, including:

• Wood that appears hollowed, blistered or has small holes
• Shelter tubes, which are mud tubes made of dirt and wood particles
• Discarded wings near entry points, which were shed after swarming
• Termite droppings, aka frass, which resemble sawdust or coffee grounds

To help with their search, they might also use tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras, says Beninato. “Sometimes, they even use devices to listen to the quiet sounds of termites chewing on wood,” he adds. “This helps catch any termite problems early so they can be treated before causing serious damage.”

Where do termite inspectors look?

Termite inspectors examine the whole home, inside and out, especially areas where termites are most likely to enter and build nests, like basements, crawlspaces, walls and the foundation. They’ll also inspect components like fences, decks, hardwood floors, attics and eaves and furniture.

Do termite inspectors come inside?

Yes, termite inspectors do go inside your home. They will inspect areas such as basements, crawlspaces, attics and other places termites could be present.

Do termite inspectors move objects during the inspection?

Yes, termite inspectors do move objects, but they try not to be too disruptive. If anything needs to be moved, they will typically ask for permission or request that you move it.

How much does a termite inspection cost?

The cost of a termite inspection varies. Many pest control companies, including Orkin, offer free first-time inspections. Treatment costs vary depending on your climate, location, home moisture levels and the extent of the infestation.

How long does a termite inspection take?

A termite inspection typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour, but it could be upward of a few hours depending on the size of your home, the complexity of the inspection and the presence of visible signs of termite activity.

Do termite inspectors get rid of termites?

Yes, termite inspectors get rid of termites, but additional visits will be required. Most termite inspectors are pest control specialists who can create customized treatment plans, which could include protective liquid applications, bait and monitoring, termite foams and fumigation.

FAQ

Do termite inspectors need to be licensed?

It depends on your state, but typically termite inspectors need to be licensed and undergo specific training concerning termite biology, behavior, identification and control methods, says Williams.

Can I do a termite inspection myself?

Yes, you can and should regularly look for signs of termites in your home. But if you notice signs of an infestation, it’s best to contact a professional, says Beninato, since they have expertise in termite biology and behaviors, plus access to advanced tools and equipment.

What’s the difference between termite and home inspections?

Home inspectors focus on a home’s overall condition, including its structure, systems and safety considerations, while termite inspectors focus specifically on looking for termite infestations.

Do home inspectors check for termites?

Sometimes home inspectors check for termites, but often you have to request it, and a home inspector may or may not be fully qualified to assess if termites are present. Before buying a home, especially if you live in a place prone to termites, Williams recommends hiring both a traditional home inspector and a licensed termite inspector.

About the Experts

• Ian Williams is a board-certified entomologist and certified wildlife control professional. He currently works as a technical services manager at Orkin, where he trains and educates Orkin pros and the public about pests.
• Rocky Beninato is a certified exterminator and founder of Quality Affordable Pest Control, an eco-friendly and pet-safe pest control company based in Toronto.
• Emma Grace Crumbley is an entomologist at Mosquito Squad and a self-described bug nerd who uses her expertise to educate people about the fascinating world of bugs.