Termite Inspection Cost: Protecting Your Home from the “Silent Destroyers”

They are called the "Silent Destroyers" for a reason. Termites can hide in your wall voids and crawl spaces for years, munching away at the structural integrity of your home without you ever noticing.

According to industry estimates, termites cause over $5 billion in property damage every year in the US alone. And here is the kicker: Homeowners insurance typically does not cover termite damage.

Whether you are buying a new home or suspect you have an infestation in your current one, knowing the termite inspection cost is a small price to pay to avoid a financial catastrophe.

The Quick Answer: Average Termite Inspection Cost

The national average termite inspection cost ranges from $75 to $150 for a real estate transaction.

However, the pricing structure can be confusing because it depends on why you need the inspection:

• For Home Buyers (The "WDO Report"): If you need an official clearance letter for closing (often required by VA or FHA loans), you must pay a flat fee, typically $100 – $150.
  

• For Homeowners (The "Quote"): If you simply suspect you have bugs and call a local pest control company, the inspection is often Free.
  

• Bundled: Many general home inspectors offer this as an add-on service for $50 – $90.

Pro Tip: "Free" inspections are usually sales tools used by pest control companies to sell you a treatment plan. For a neutral opinion during a home purchase, always pay for an official WDO report.

Free vs. Paid: The Real Estate Difference

This is the most common question: "Why should I pay $100 for an inspection when Orkin or Terminix will do it for free?"

It comes down to the paperwork.

The "Free" Inspection This is a consultation. A pest control salesman looks for bugs. If they find them, they give you a quote for treatment. They generally do not provide the detailed legal paperwork required by mortgage lenders.

The Paid "WDO" Report When you pay the termite inspection cost, you are paying for an official Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Report (often called a CL-100 letter in some states).This is a legal document stating the home is clear of visible infestation. It is a neutral assessment required to close on many mortgages.

What is a WDO Inspection? (It’s More Than Just Termites)

When you hire a pro, they aren't just looking for termites. A comprehensive WDO inspection checks for several threats that eat or damage wood:

1. Subterranean & Drywood Termites: The primary culprits.
   

2. Powder Post Beetles: Insects that turn wood into flour-like dust.
   

3. Carpenter Ants: Large ants that excavate wood to build nests.
   

4. Wood Decay Fungi (Rot): In many states, a WDO report also flags moisture damage and rotting structural joists.
   

Found rot in your floor joists? Check out our guide on Crawl Space Inspection Costs to see the extent of the damage.

Factors That Influence the Price

While the pest inspection cost is generally low, a few factors can push the price toward the higher end ($150+):

1. Region (The "Termite Belt")

If you live in the South (Florida, Texas, Georgia) or the Southwest, termites are an inevitability, not a possibility. Inspections here are more rigorous and sometimes more expensive due to high demand.

2. Foundation Type

• Slab Homes: Easier and faster to inspect.
  

• Crawl Spaces: The inspector has to put on a suit and crawl under the house to check the sub-flooring and piers. This labor-intensive process often costs more.
  

3. The Size of the Property

A massive 4,000 sq. ft. estate takes longer to walk around than a condo. Expect a slight upcharge for larger homes.

Signs You Need an Inspection Immediately

If you aren't buying a house, you should still be vigilant. If you see any of these warning signs, pay the termite inspection cost immediately before the damage spreads:

• Mud Tubes: Pencil-sized tunnels running up your foundation walls (termites use these to travel safely).
  

• Discarded Wings: Swarmers (flying termites) shed their wings near windowsills or doors.
  

• Hollow Wood: If you tap on a baseboard or door frame and it sounds paper-thin or hollow.
  

• Frass: Small piles of droppings that look like sawdust or poppy seeds.

Bad News: What If They Find Termites?

If the report comes back positive, don't panic—but act fast. You move from "inspection" to "treatment."

Termite Treatment Cost: While the inspection is cheap ($100), the treatment is not.

• Spot Treatment: $200 – $500 (for minor, localized issues).
  

• Whole Home Barrier/Tenting: $1,200 – $2,500+.
  

Who Pays? In a real estate transaction, if the WDO report reveals active termites, it is standard practice for the seller to pay for the treatment and provide a warranty before closing.

Negotiating repairs? Read our article on Who Pays for Home Inspections: Buyer vs Seller

Is It Worth It? The ROI of Peace of Mind

Let's do the math.

• The Cost: ~$100.
  

• The Risk: Structural repairs that can easily exceed $5,000 or $10,000.
  

Termites are slow eaters, but they are relentless. By the time you see the damage with your naked eye, they have usually been there for months or years. Paying the termite inspection cost is one of the cheapest insurance policies you can buy for your home.

Termites aren't the only expensive disaster hiding beneath your property. Just like a termite colony can destroy your framing, a collapsed pipe can cost thousands to dig up. Don't stop your due diligence at the foundation—learn why a Sewer Scope Inspection is critical for older homes.

Whether you are buying a new property or just haven't checked your current home in a few years, schedule the inspection. It’s better to pay $100 now than $5,000 later.

FAQs

Q: How long is a termite letter (WDO report) good for? A: Usually, a WDO report is valid for 30 to 90 days depending on your state and the lender's requirements. If you delay your closing, you may need to pay for a re-inspection.

Q: Does a general home inspector check for termites? A: Generally, no. Most home inspectors will note "evidence of wood damage," but they are not licensed pest control professionals. They cannot legally issue a WDO clearance letter unless they hold a separate pest license.

Q: Is a termite inspection required for a mortgage? A: For VA loans (Veterans Affairs), it is almost always mandatory in most states. For FHA and conventional loans, it is typically only required if the appraiser notices signs of damage or if you live in a high-risk zone.