A professional termite inspection typically costs $75 to $325, with a national average near $100. Some pest-control companies provide free inspections when homeowners are considering treatment, while inspections requiring an official real estate, lender, WDI, or WDO report usually cost more.
Most routine residential inspections involve a visual examination of accessible areas inside and outside the home. The inspector looks for live termites, mud tubes, discarded wings, droppings, damaged wood, moisture problems, and conditions that could allow termites to enter the structure.
A termite inspection does not automatically include treatment, structural engineering, repairs, or permission to open walls. Understanding the scope is important because concealed damage may remain behind drywall, flooring, insulation, cabinets, or other inaccessible materials.
Termite Inspection Cost at a Glance
| Inspection service | Typical U.S. cost |
|---|---|
| Standard termite inspection | $75–$325 |
| National average | About $100 |
| Preventive homeowner inspection | $0–$250 |
| Real estate termite inspection | $100–$325 |
| Loan-related inspection | $50–$200 |
| WDI or WDO inspection | $150–$300 |
| Follow-up inspection | $75–$150 |
| Termite clearance letter | $100–$200 |
| Commercial property inspection | $200–$600+ |
| Combined home-inspection package | $300–$600 |
HomeGuide reports that most residential termite inspections cost $0 to $250, while Angi places the broader professional range at $75 to $325. The difference reflects free sales inspections at one end and detailed transaction reports at the other.
What Does a Termite Inspection Include?
A standard inspection typically covers the readily accessible portions of the building and its exterior perimeter. The exact scope depends on the home’s design, local regulations, and whether the customer requests a routine termite check or a formal wood-destroying insect report.
Exterior inspection
The inspector normally examines areas such as:
- Foundation walls
- Siding and exterior trim
- Window and door frames
- Porches and decks
- Attached garages
- Crawl-space vents
- Utility penetrations
- Wood touching soil
- Expansion joints and foundation cracks
- Mulch, firewood, stumps, and wood debris near the home
- Drainage and moisture conditions
The inspector looks for termite shelter tubes, damaged or hollow wood, swarmers, wings, entry points, moisture accumulation, and construction conditions that increase infestation risk.
Interior inspection
Accessible interior areas may include:
- Basement
- Crawl space
- Attic
- Garage
- Utility rooms
- Plumbing penetrations
- Window and door trim
- Baseboards
- Exposed framing
- Areas beneath sinks
- Rooms with past or active leaks
The official NPMA-33 form describes a visual inspection of readily accessible areas, including attics and crawl spaces that permit entry. Inspectors may also probe or sound unobstructed wood to check for visible evidence of wood-destroying insects.
Evidence of termite activity
The inspector may document:
- Live termites
- Dead termites or insect parts
- Mud or shelter tubes
- Discarded wings
- Frass or termite pellets
- Exit holes
- Staining
- Soft, hollow, or damaged wood
- Visible galleries inside exposed wood
- Previous treatment evidence
The report should identify where visible evidence was found and whether treatment or corrective action is recommended.
Conditions that increase termite risk
A complete inspection may also identify conditions that make infestation more likely, including:
- Wood-to-soil contact
- Poor grading
- Improper drainage
- Plumbing or roof leaks
- Standing water
- Moist crawl spaces
- Insufficient ventilation
- Firewood stored against the house
- Wood debris beneath the structure
- Tree branches touching the building
- Foam insulation that hides the foundation
- Dense vegetation against exterior walls
The NPMA-33 consumer information specifically identifies moisture, poor drainage, wood debris, wood-to-soil contact, landscaping timbers, ground cover, and structural alterations as conditions that may contribute to wood-destroying insect problems.
What Is Included in the Written Report?
A written termite or WDI report generally includes:
- Property and inspection-company information
- Inspector’s name and license or certification number
- Structures included in the inspection
- Date of inspection
- Visible evidence of active or previous infestation
- Locations where evidence was found
- Visible wood damage
- Recommended treatment or corrective action
- Obstructed or inaccessible areas
- Additional comments and attachments
The report should clearly identify areas the inspector could not enter or see. Common obstructions include fixed ceilings, wall coverings, insulation, cabinets, stored belongings, appliances, flooring, standing water, low-clearance crawl spaces, spray foam, and unsafe conditions.
Photos may be included, but they are not guaranteed unless required by the company, contract, lender, or state reporting rules. Ask in advance whether the price includes photographs, a floor plan, repair recommendations, and a signed report suitable for a real estate transaction.
What a Termite Inspection Does Not Include
A standard termite inspection is limited in important ways.
It is not a destructive inspection
Inspectors generally do not remove:
- Drywall
- Flooring
- Siding
- Cabinets
- Fixed ceilings
- Insulation
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Personal belongings
The NPMA-33 form states that inspectors do not break apart, dismantle, or remove building materials and objects to examine concealed areas. Hidden infestations or damage can therefore exist even when no visible evidence is found.
It is not a structural engineering report
A termite inspector may identify visibly damaged wood but does not normally determine the building’s structural safety or calculate the repairs required.
The NPMA-33 report specifically states that it is not a structural-damage report. When visible damage is found, a qualified contractor or structural professional may be needed to determine its full extent.
It does not guarantee that termites are absent
The inspection reflects visible conditions in accessible areas on the inspection date. It is not a guarantee against concealed, latent, or future infestations.
A house can receive a clear report even though termites are active inside an inaccessible wall or beneath a covered floor. This limitation makes access preparation and ongoing inspections important.
Treatment is normally separate
The inspection fee generally does not include:
- Liquid termiticide treatment
- Bait-station installation
- Spot treatment
- Heat treatment
- Whole-home fumigation
- Wood replacement
- Moisture repairs
- Structural repairs
Treatment requires a separate proposal unless the company explicitly advertises a combined inspection-and-treatment package.
Standard Termite Inspection vs. WDI or WDO Inspection
A standard termite inspection focuses primarily on termites. A wood-destroying insect inspection, commonly called a WDI inspection, may cover several insects that damage structural wood.
For purposes of the NPMA-33 report, wood-destroying insects include:
- Termites
- Carpenter ants
- Carpenter bees
- Reinfesting wood-boring beetles
The report does not include mold, mildew, or non-insect wood-destroying organisms unless another form or attachment is used.
The term WDO inspection is also used in some states. State forms and definitions may differ, so buyers should confirm which report their lender, closing agent, or local authority requires.
Termite Inspection Cost by Type
Preventive homeowner inspection
A routine preventive inspection costs $0 to $250. Many companies offer it at no charge when the homeowner is considering treatment or enrolling in a termite-protection plan. A paid independent inspection may be preferable when the homeowner wants an evaluation without an immediate sales proposal.
Real estate termite inspection
A termite inspection for a home purchase or sale generally costs $100 to $325. These inspections typically cost more because they require formal documentation that can be provided to the buyer, seller, lender, or closing agent.
WDI or WDO inspection
A formal wood-destroying insect or organism inspection generally costs $150 to $300. It may cover more pests and require a state-approved form or the NPMA-33 report.
Loan-related inspection
Loan-related termite inspections commonly cost $50 to $200, but requirements vary by loan type, state, county, appraisal findings, and lender.
The VA currently requires wood-destroying insect information in specified states and counties. In areas not listed by the VA, an inspection may still be required when the appraisal identifies evidence or concerns.
The NPMA-33 form is approved for FHA and VA loan use, although certain states require their own inspection forms.
Follow-up inspection
A follow-up or clearance inspection generally costs $75 to $150. It may be used after treatment or repairs to confirm that required work has been completed and no visible active infestation remains. Some treatment contracts include the visit, while others charge separately.
Termite clearance letter
A termite clearance letter generally costs $100 to $200. It documents the inspector’s findings for a lender, buyer, seller, property manager, or other requesting party.
A clearance letter is not necessarily the same as a comprehensive WDI report. Confirm the exact document required before booking.
Factors That Affect Inspection Cost
Home size
Larger homes generally cost more because they require additional inspection time. HomeGuide estimates that inspecting a small 1,000-square-foot home may cost around $75, while a 3,000-square-foot property can cost $200 or more.
The number of stories, foundation perimeter, attached structures, and outbuildings may matter as much as the home’s listed floor area.
Accessibility
The inspection may cost more when the property has:
- Tight crawl spaces
- Several attics
- Finished basement walls
- Heavy storage
- Multiple detached buildings
- Complex foundations
- Limited exterior access
- Unsafe or wet areas
Limited access can also reduce the inspection’s usefulness because the inspector must document inaccessible locations rather than evaluate them fully.
Purpose of the inspection
A free treatment estimate usually requires less documentation than an official WDI report for a property transaction. Written certifications, lender forms, photos, diagrams, and clearance letters can increase the fee.
Infestation signs
Visible termite activity may require more time to trace entry points, determine affected areas, document damage, and prepare treatment recommendations.
Location and licensing requirements
Prices vary with local labor costs and state regulations. Some states require specialized licensing or approved forms for real estate WDI and WDO inspections. State regulators—not the NPMA—have final authority over local certification requirements.
How Long Does a Termite Inspection Take?
Most residential termite inspections take approximately 30 minutes to two hours. Larger homes, crawl spaces, attics, detached structures, extensive damage, and restricted access can increase the time required.
A quick inspection of only the home’s exterior is not equivalent to a comprehensive interior and exterior WDI inspection. Ask which structures and areas will be examined before the appointment.
How to Prepare for a Termite Inspection
To improve access and reduce delays:
- Move storage away from basement and garage walls.
- Clear access to the attic and crawl space.
- Unlock gates, garages, sheds, and utility rooms.
- Remove items covering plumbing penetrations.
- Trim dense vegetation near the foundation.
- Provide records of previous treatment and repairs.
- Identify current or previous leaks.
- Show the inspector where swarmers, wings, tubes, or damaged wood were found.
- Keep pets secured.
- Ask whether appliances or furniture need to be moved.
The inspector should document any area that remains inaccessible. Making those areas available may reduce the risk that important evidence goes unseen.
How Often Should You Get a Termite Inspection?
An annual professional inspection is a reasonable preventive schedule, especially in areas with significant termite activity or for homes with previous infestations. University of Florida IFAS guidance recommends annual inspections by a pest-management professional trained to recognize termite evidence and risk conditions.
A termite warranty or service agreement may require yearly renewal inspections. The EPA recommends checking whether a termite guarantee includes an annual inspection charge and exactly what retreatment or damage protection it provides.
Schedule an additional inspection when:
- Termite swarmers appear indoors
- Mud tubes are found
- Wood sounds hollow
- Floors begin sagging
- New moisture damage develops
- A neighboring property has termites
- The home is being purchased or sold
- Previous treatment coverage has expired
Is a Free Termite Inspection Reliable?
A free inspection can be useful for identifying visible activity and obtaining a treatment estimate. However, it may not include the documentation required for a mortgage, closing, or independent evaluation.
Before accepting a free inspection, ask:
- Will I receive a written report?
- Is the inspector licensed or certified?
- Does the inspection cover the interior and exterior?
- Are the attic and crawl space included?
- Does it check only termites or all wood-destroying insects?
- Are inaccessible areas documented?
- Is the company also selling the treatment?
- Is the report accepted by my lender?
- Does the price include a clearance letter?
For a property transaction or major repair decision, a paid report with a clearly defined scope may provide more useful documentation than a brief free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a termite inspection cost?
Most professional termite inspections cost $75 to $325, with an average near $100. Some preventive inspections are free when offered by companies selling termite treatment.
What does a termite inspector look for?
Inspectors look for live termites, mud tubes, wings, frass, exit holes, visible wood damage, previous treatment evidence, moisture, wood-to-soil contact, and other conditions that increase infestation risk.
Does a termite inspection include the attic and crawl space?
Accessible attics and crawl spaces are normally included in a comprehensive WDI inspection. Areas that cannot be safely entered must be identified as inaccessible.
Does a termite inspection include treatment?
No. Treatment is normally priced under a separate contract unless the company advertises a package that includes both inspection and treatment.
Is a termite inspection included in a regular home inspection?
Not always. A standard home inspector may note visible signs of termites but may not provide the specialized WDI or WDO report required by a lender or state. Confirm whether a licensed pest inspector and official report are included.
How long is an NPMA-33 report valid?
The NPMA-33 states that the report is invalid for mortgage or property-transfer purposes if it is not used within 90 days of the inspection date. That period is not a warranty against new or concealed infestation.
Who pays for a termite inspection when buying a home?
The buyer, seller, or another party may pay depending on the purchase contract, local practice, lender rules, and negotiations. The agreement should identify responsibility before the inspection is ordered.
Does homeowners insurance pay for termite inspections?
Routine termite inspections and treatment are generally considered home-maintenance expenses. Coverage varies, so homeowners should review their specific policy rather than assuming reimbursement.
Conclusion
A termite inspection generally costs $75 to $325, with an average near $100. Preventive inspections may be free, while real estate, WDI, WDO, lender, and clearance inspections cost more because they require formal documentation.
A standard inspection includes a visual examination of accessible interior and exterior areas, identification of visible insect activity and damage, documentation of inaccessible locations, and treatment recommendations when necessary.
It does not normally include opening walls, evaluating structural integrity, treating termites, repairing damage, or guaranteeing that hidden termites are absent. Before hiring an inspector, confirm the report type, areas included, licensing, price, photos, lender acceptance, and whether follow-up inspections cost extra.