Last Updated on May 23, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker
Quick answer: A termite inspection costs $75 to $150 on average. Many companies offer it free. But the price depends on where you live, the size of your home, and who you hire. Here’s the full breakdown.
What Is a Termite Inspection?
A termite inspection is when a trained pest control professional visits your home and checks every corner for signs of termites — active ones, old damage, or conditions that invite termites in the future.
It is not just a quick walk-through. A good inspector checks:
- Inside and outside your home
- Under the floors and crawl spaces
- In the attic and roof beams
- Around the foundation
- Window frames, door frames, and wooden decks
- Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas (moisture attracts termites)
- Garage and any attached wooden structures
Think of it like a doctor’s checkup — but for your house. You may feel fine. But a checkup can catch something early before it becomes serious and expensive.
How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
| Inspection Type | Average Cost |
| Standard visual inspection | $75 – $150 |
| Free inspection (from pest control companies) | $0 |
| WDO / WDI inspection (for home buyers) | $100 – $200 |
| Infrared / thermal imaging inspection | $200 – $400 |
| Dog-assisted termite detection | $200 – $500 |
| Full home pest inspection (termites + other pests) | $150 – $300 |
Free vs. Paid Termite Inspections
This confuses a lot of homeowners. Here is the simple truth:
Free Inspections
Most large pest control companies — Terminix, Orkin, Rentokil, and others — offer free termite inspections. Why? Because they hope to sell you a treatment plan if they find termites.
Free inspections are perfectly fine for most homeowners. The inspector is trained, licensed, and does a thorough job.
When free inspections work well:
- You suspect termites and want to know if you have them
- You want a routine annual check
- You are comparing companies before choosing one
Paid Inspections
You pay for an independent inspector who has no financial reason to find — or not find — termites. They give you an unbiased report.
When paid inspections are worth it:
- You are buying or selling a home
- You got a termite treatment quote that seems too high and want a second opinion
- Your state requires an official WDO report for a real estate transaction
What Is a WDO Inspection?
WDO stands for Wood Destroying Organism. A WDO inspection is a formal, official inspection done by a licensed inspector — usually required when you are buying or selling a home.
It checks for:
- Termites (all types)
- Wood-boring beetles
- Carpenter ants
- Wood rot caused by fungi
The inspector gives you an official written report — called a WDO report or Form 13645 in some states. Mortgage lenders and real estate agents often require this document before a home sale closes.
Cost: $100 – $200 depending on state and home size
Real life example: A couple in Florida was buying a house. Their mortgage lender required a WDO report. They paid $125 for the inspection. The inspector found evidence of old subterranean termite activity in the garage. They used that report to negotiate $4,000 off the sale price of the home. That $125 inspection saved them thousands.
Termite Inspection Cost by Home Size
Larger homes take more time to inspect. Some companies price by square footage.
| Home Size | Typical Inspection Cost |
| Under 1,000 sq ft | $50 – $100 |
| 1,000 – 2,000 sq ft | $75 – $150 |
| 2,000 – 3,000 sq ft | $100 – $200 |
| 3,000 – 4,500 sq ft | $150 – $250 |
| Over 4,500 sq ft | $200 – $400 |
Termite Inspection Cost by State
Termites are more common in warm, humid states. Inspection prices tend to be higher there too because demand is greater and infestations are more complex.
| State | Average Inspection Cost |
| Florida | $75 – $200 |
| Texas | $75 – $150 |
| California | $100 – $200 |
| Louisiana | $75 – $175 |
| Georgia | $75 – $150 |
| Arizona | $75 – $150 |
| New York | $75 – $125 |
| Illinois | $75 – $125 |
| Colorado | $50 – $100 |
| Oregon / Washington | $75 – $125 |
Recommended Articles:
Drywood Termites: How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Them!
Termite Droppings: The Warning Sign You Should Never Ignore
Termite Damage vs Wood Rot: Which Destroys Your Home Faster?
Types of Termite Inspections Explained
1. Standard Visual Inspection — Most Common
The inspector walks through your home and checks all accessible areas with their eyes and a probing tool. They tap on wood, look for mud tubes, check moisture levels, and look for termite droppings (frass).
Cost: $75 – $150 or free Takes: 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on home size Best for: Most homeowners doing a routine check
2. Infrared / Thermal Imaging Inspection
A special thermal camera detects heat differences inside walls. Termite activity and moisture — both signs of infestation — show up as temperature variations on the camera.
This finds termites hidden inside walls without drilling or cutting anything open.
Cost: $200 – $400 Best for: Homes with suspected hidden infestations or previous termite history
Real life example: A homeowner in Arizona had a visual inspection that came back clean. But she still heard faint clicking sounds in the wall at night (termites make noise). She paid $280 for a thermal inspection. The camera showed a large active termite colony inside the master bedroom wall — completely invisible to the eye. Caught and treated early. Saved her from major structural damage.
3. Termite Detection Dogs
Yes — dogs can sniff out termites. Specially trained dogs can detect live termites and termite eggs inside walls, under floors, and in ceilings with up to 96% accuracy according to pest control research.
Cost: $200 – $500 Best for: Large homes, suspected infestations that visual checks didn’t find, vacation homes, commercial properties
This sounds unusual but it is genuinely effective. Dogs can smell termite pheromones through walls, concrete, and flooring — something no camera or human eye can do.
4. Moisture Meter Inspection
Inspectors use a moisture meter tool pressed against walls and floors. High moisture readings indicate conditions perfect for termites — even before termites actually arrive.
This is often included as part of a standard inspection at no extra charge.
5 Best Moisture Meters for Wood – Tried and Tested
What Happens During a Termite Inspection Step by Step
Here is exactly what to expect when an inspector comes to your home:
Step 1 — Outside the home (15–30 minutes) The inspector checks the foundation, looks for mud tubes, examines wooden decks, fences, door frames, and any wood-to-soil contact points. They also check for standing water or drainage issues near the foundation.
Step 2 — Inside the home (20–40 minutes) They check baseboards, door and window frames, under sinks, inside closets, and any exposed wooden beams. They tap on wood with a screwdriver or probe to check for hollow sounds.
Step 3 — Crawl space (10–20 minutes) If your home has a crawl space, this is where subterranean termites love to hide. The inspector gets under the home and checks floor joists, beams, and the ground for mud tubes and moisture damage.
Step 4 — Attic (10–20 minutes) Drywood termites love attics. The inspector checks rafters, roof sheathing, and any wooden structural members up top.
Step 5 — Written report After the inspection, you receive a written report showing what was found, where it was found, and the recommended next steps.
Always ask for the report in writing — even for free inspections. A verbal “looks fine” is not good enough.
What Does a Termite Inspector Look For?
Here are the specific signs every inspector checks:
Mud tubes — Pencil-width brown tunnels on walls or foundation. Subterranean termites build these to travel between soil and wood without exposure to air.
Frass — Tiny pellets that look like sawdust or coffee grounds. Drywood termites push their droppings out of the wood through tiny holes.
Hollow wood — Tapping on wood that sounds empty instead of solid.
Discarded wings — After termites swarm, they drop their wings. Finding small piles of wings near windowsills or doors is a major sign.
Blistered or bubbling paint — Looks like water damage but there is no leak. Termites under the paint cause this.
Tight-fitting doors and windows — Termite damage causes wood to warp, making doors and windows stick.
Visible termites — Sometimes the inspector actually sees live termites. Subterranean workers are creamy white. Flying termites (swarmers) are darker with wings.
How Long Does a Termite Inspection Take?
| Home Type | Typical Time |
| Small condo or apartment | 30 – 45 minutes |
| Average single-family home | 45 – 90 minutes |
| Large home with crawl space and attic | 1.5 – 2.5 hours |
| Commercial property | 2 – 4 hours |
How Often Should You Get a Termite Inspection?
This depends on where you live:
High-risk states (Florida, Texas, California, Louisiana, Georgia, Hawaii, Arizona): Get an inspection every year. These states have aggressive termite species that can cause serious damage in 12–18 months.
Moderate-risk states (most of the South and Southeast): Every 1–2 years is recommended.
Low-risk states (northern states like Minnesota, Montana, Alaska): Every 2–3 years is generally sufficient — though no state is completely termite-free.
Always get an inspection immediately if you notice:
- Mud tubes anywhere on your home
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Piles of discarded wings
- Swarming insects inside your home in spring
Termite Inspection for Home Buyers and Sellers
If you are buying or selling a home — a termite inspection is not optional. It is essential.
For Home Buyers
Never skip a termite inspection before buying a home. A $100–$150 inspection can reveal thousands of dollars in hidden damage or active infestations that the seller may not even know about.
In many states — especially in the South — a WDO report is required by mortgage lenders before they will approve the loan.
Negotiating tip: If the inspection finds termites or damage, you can ask the seller to:
- Pay for treatment before closing
- Reduce the sale price to cover treatment and repair costs
- Provide a termite bond (warranty) on the property
For Home Sellers
Getting a termite inspection before listing your home is a smart move. It shows buyers you are transparent. If termites are found, you can treat them before they become a deal-breaker in the middle of negotiations.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Inspections?
No. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover termite inspections or termite damage. Insurance companies consider termites a maintenance and prevention issue — the homeowner’s responsibility.
Some home warranty plans may cover pest control costs. Check your specific plan details.
The only real financial protection against termite damage is a termite bond — an annual service contract with a pest control company that includes free inspections, free retreatment, and sometimes damage repair coverage.
How to Choose a Termite Inspector
Not all inspectors are equal. Here is what to look for:
Check their license — Every state requires pest control inspectors to be licensed. Ask for their license number and verify it on your state’s pest control board website.
Look for certifications — Members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) follow strict professional standards.
Read reviews — Check Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for inspectors with consistent positive reviews specifically mentioning thoroughness.
Ask what the inspection includes — Does it cover attic and crawl space? Do they use moisture meters? Do you get a written report?
Ask about conflict of interest — A free inspection from a company that also sells treatments is fine — but be aware they may push you toward treatment even for minor issues. An independent paid inspector has no financial stake in the outcome.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Watch out for these warning signs when hiring a termite inspector:
No written report — Any inspector who only gives verbal results is unprofessional. Always demand a written report.
Pressure to sign a treatment contract same day — A good company gives you time to think and get other quotes.
Unlicensed inspector — Always verify their license before letting anyone inspect your home.
Inspection that takes less than 30 minutes — A proper inspection of an average home takes at least 45–90 minutes. A 15-minute walk-through is not thorough.
No crawl space or attic check — If the inspector skips these areas, you are not getting a real inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a termite inspection cost on average?
Most homeowners pay $75–$150 for a standard termite inspection. Many pest control companies offer free inspections. Official WDO inspections for real estate transactions cost $100–$200.
Q: Is a free termite inspection worth it?
Yes — for routine checks and suspected infestations, a free inspection from a licensed company is perfectly fine. For home buying or selling, pay for an independent WDO inspection for an unbiased official report.
Q: How long is a termite inspection report valid?
Most WDO reports are valid for 30–90 days. After that, lenders and real estate agents typically require a new inspection. Check with your specific lender or real estate agent for their requirements.
Q: Can I do a termite inspection myself?
You can do a basic visual check — look for mud tubes, hollow wood, frass, and discarded wings. But a professional inspector knows exactly where to look, has probing tools and moisture meters, and can access crawl spaces and attics safely. Professional inspections find problems homeowners routinely miss.
Q: What happens if termites are found during an inspection?
The inspector gives you a written report detailing where termites were found and how bad the infestation is. You then get quotes for treatment — which ranges from $230 to $2,500+ depending on the method and severity. You are never obligated to use the same company that did the inspection.
Q: Do I need a termite inspection every year?
In high-risk states like Florida, Texas, and California — yes, annual inspections are strongly recommended. In lower-risk northern states, every 2–3 years is generally sufficient. If you have a termite bond, inspections are usually included in your annual fee.
Final Word
A termite inspection is one of the cheapest and smartest things a homeowner can do.
For $75–$150 — or even free — you get peace of mind knowing your home is safe. Or you catch a problem early when it costs a few hundred dollars to fix instead of tens of thousands.
If you are buying a home — never skip it. If you own a home in a warm state — schedule one every year. If you haven’t had one in the last two years — book one this week.
The inspection is cheap. The damage from skipping it is not.
