How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

Termites are one of the last things you’ll want to find in your house. These little bugs will eat away at the wooden portion of your home and can cause multiple thousands of dollars in damage and termination fees. Termite inspections are imperative in stopping any damage in its tracks. The cost of a termite inspection will vary anywhere from being free to upwards of $300.

Termite Inspection Cost Factors

There are a number of cost factors that impact the overall price of a termite inspection, including the type of inspection and why you need it.

Home Sale

In many cases, a termite inspection is required as part of a house sale, as many states won’t allow a sale to go through without this step. To ensure you’ve covered all of your bases, go with a local exterminator here. Home inspectors are experienced at finding obvious signs of a termite infestation, such as holes in the wood or piles of sawdust, but a termite treatment professional near you will suss out any hidey holes. This falls into the previously mentioned price range for a termite inspection, with an average cost of $165. 

It is worth noting that some states require the seller to pay for this inspection, while other states require the buyer to cover these fees. Check with local regulatory agencies for specific information. 

Loan Type

In addition to state and county regulations, certain loan types dictate who pays for termite inspections in the case of a home sale. In some cases, the loan type also impacts the overall cost.

• Standard home loan: With your average regular home loan, the state or county may require a termite inspection and who pays for it. In the vast majority of these cases, the seller pays for the inspection. 

• VA loan: Veterans Affairs (VA) loans typically require the seller to pay for the inspection, at an average cost of $50 to $150. In rare cases, the VA recommends the buyer or the lender pay. The VA requires termite inspections in “high-risk areas” that have had issues in the past. 

• FHA loan: The Federal Housing Administration abides by the recommendations of the state or lender, though an inspection is required if the home appraiser finds any evidence of an infestation. If you need an inspection, the buyer is expected to pay $100 to $200.

Preventative Inspections

Inspections are the best way to prevent termites from making a home out of your precious wood. You have some options here regarding cost. Some home inspection companies offer free annual or biannual termite inspections. Exterminators charge an inspection fee for this service but waive this fee if they find anything, as you will be paying them plenty to handle the problem. 

Annual Inspection

If you’re not buying a home and you’re only looking for an annual inspection, you likely don’t need to worry about paying for one. Most companies offer yearly inspections for no cost. If there’s no sign or history of infestation, then you may only need a check every other year.

One-Time Inspection

A one-time inspection will likely also be free. The reality of the situation is that if you see signs of a termite infection, there’s at least something causing damage to your home. Even if it’s not termites, a pest control company will probably be able to help you in some way.

Inspection Bundle 

Home inspectors may lack the experience and qualifications to diagnose the presence of termites properly. However, they often partner up with professional pest control companies to offer inspection bundles. These bundles include all of the necessary inspections for a home sale or purchase, including certified pest inspections. Inspection bundles cost $250 to $500 and are a good way to kill two termites with one stone. 

Termite Report Letter

A termite clearance letter is the standard report for most lending companies, regardless of whether your home loan is conventional, FHA, or VA. These reports tell the lender that there are no creepy crawlies running about your home wreaking havoc. The typical cost of a termite clearance letter is around $150 on average.

You may need to work quickly if your offer is accepted for your future dream home, though. Some lenders require a report within 30 to 90 days before they can continue with the closing process.

Additional Cost Factors

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Termite Treatment

Termite treatment costs around $1,550 on average, depending on the seriousness of the infestation. Large infestations require fumigation, which means you’ll need to pack your bags and stay somewhere else for a day or two. Fumigation can range anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000.

Termite Bond Agreement

If termites moved into your home before you did, you’ll need a termite bond agreement. This agreement is essentially a game plan to tackle the termites and check to see that they’re staying away from your home. Lenders often require this bond before you can continue with the transaction.

Because this process includes treatment, expect to pay around $1,250 on average for a termite bond. This cost may also be tied into the final cost of the home, depending on the lender. This process may save money in the long run, though, as fumigation may cost upwards of $4,000 if the infestation is large enough.

Location 

Termite inspection tends to be a straightforward process, and where you live doesn’t typically affect it too much. But, you are more likely to get termites in warmer areas of the United States. So this does mean that if you live in Florida, you have a higher chance of having termites than someone living in Illinois.

CL-100 Inspection

CL-100 inspections only apply to those living in South Carolina. But with over 5 million people living in the state, this policy still applies to many. This report works the same as a termite clearance letter but focuses on all wood-destroying insects and fungi rather than only termites.

A CL-100 will cost around $160 on average and is only good for 30 days. So if you’re in South Carolina and are in the process of buying a home, this is one of the first tasks you’ll want to complete.

WDO Inspection

WDO stands for wood-destroying organisms and is a little broader than the CL-100. Lenders may require these inspections if there’s a history of wood damage in the home, and their scope is not limited to South Carolina. The total cost of a WDO inspection is around $150 on average.

Common WDOs include:

• Subterranean termites

• Drywood termites

• Dampwood termites

• Wood-boring beetles

• Carpenter ants

• Carpenter bees

• Soft rot fungi

• Brown (dry) rot fungi

• White rot fungi

When to Get a Termite Inspection

It is wise to conduct a termite inspection each year. However, if your pro doesn’t find anything after a couple of years, it is acceptable to bring them out every two years. Beyond that annual or biannual inspection, conduct regular spot checks on your own. If you notice any tell-tale signs of a termite infestation, contact an exterminator immediately. Termites have a voracious appetite, and an infestation requires immediate action.

Signs of Termites

Common signs of termite infestations include:

• Detached wings throughout the home

• Mud tubes

• Hollow-sounding wood

• Buckled wood

• Termite droppings

• Small holes in drywall

• Bubbling paint

• Any damaged wood throughout the home

Where Should You Look for Termite Damage?

A termite colony can find its next smorgasbord in any wooden area in your home. Common spaces you should check include:

• Deck

• Fence

• Roof trusses

• Home exterior

• Shed exterior

• Kitchen cabinets

• Bathroom cabinets

• Wood frame

• Insect colonies around the yard

• Any trees on the property