If you're buying or selling a home, there's a good chance you'll need a termite inspection before you can close. And if you're a homeowner in a warm, humid climate, you should probably be getting one every year whether or not you see any signs of trouble.
The cost isn't the scary part: a standard termite inspection typically runs $75–$175, and many pest-control companies offer them for free. What's actually at stake is what happens if you decide to skip it. Termites cause an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage annually in the U.S., and most homeowners’ insurance doesn't cover a single dollar of it.
Here's what to expect from a termite inspection, what it'll cost, and what to do if the inspector finds something.
Based on our analysis of 401 quotes from licensed inspectors, the average termite inspection costs $133, with a typical range of $110–$156.
What is a termite inspection?
A termite inspection is a professional examination of your home for signs of termites — tiny wood-eating insects that can form colonies of up to 1 million individuals and cause serious structural damage over time. Each year, more than 600,000 U.S. homes sustain termite damage.[1]
A termite inspection is not the same as termite treatment. Inspection simply determines whether termites are present and how severe any infestation is. Treatment, if needed, is a separate and much more significant expense (see below).
Termite inspections are often required when homes change hands, and are often done after a basic home inspection finds possible warning signs of an infestation. “As an inspector, if I see signs of concern regarding termites, I recommend consulting a specialist,” says Ralph Hassard of New York-based Criterion Home Inspection.
Homeowners should also probably have annual termite inspections done on their homes, especially if they live in a high-risk warm and moist area.
Signs you might need a termite inspection
Call a termite professional immediately if you see any of these signs:
- Damaged wood (crumbling, blistered, waffled, or riddled with holes)
- Wood pellets or shavings
- Hollow sounding wood
- Termite wings inside window frames
- Loose floor tiles (termite penetration lets moisture into your floors and walls)
- Damaged or bubbling paint
- Tiny tunnels or tubes in dirt surrounding your home’s foundation
Many lenders require a termite inspection as a condition of a home sale.
What happens during a termite inspection?
A professional inspector will check your home for signs of infestation, focusing on wood-intensive areas: the attic, basement or crawl space, garage, closets, and any areas with exposed wood. They'll also examine the exterior: fences, window and door frames, and decks.
A typical termite inspection takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on home size. Inspectors may use tools ranging from a flashlight and stethoscope to fiber-optic cameras, moisture meters, methane detectors, or even specially trained termite-detecting dogs.
After the inspection, you'll receive a report detailing findings and, if termites are suspected, recommended next steps.
How much does a termite inspection cost?
On average, a termite inspection costs $133, but the total cost can easily exceed that, especially if you have termites.
If you have a serious termite problem, you may need several treatments.
Termite inspection costs also vary significantly depending on why you're getting the inspection. Here's a breakdown.
Free termite inspections
If you're a homeowner doing routine prevention (that is, not in the middle of a real estate deal) many pest-control companies, including national names like Orkin and Terminix, offer free initial inspections.
The catch: they're hoping to sell you a treatment plan or annual contract. Free inspections are legitimate, but be aware that a sales pitch may follow.
Standard preventive inspections ($110–$156)
For most homeowners scheduling a routine check, independent licensed inspectors typically charge $110–$156. Clever's analysis of 401 inspector quotes puts the average at $133.
Real estate transaction inspections ($100–$325)
Inspections tied to a home purchase or sale cost more because they come with the official documentation that lenders require. These inspections are more detailed and follow stricter protocols.
Termite clearance letter ($100–$200)
Some loan types require a termite clearance letter, which is a formal document stating the inspector's findings.[2] Some companies will waive the fee for this letter if you hire them for pest-control services.
Termite bond ($500–$2,000)
If an inspection finds termites, your lender may require a termite bond, which is essentially a prepaid agreement for ongoing inspections and treatment coverage. These run $500–$2,000 and are typically a lender requirement (not optional).[2]
Follow-up inspections ($75–$150)
If a termite infestation is found and treated, a reinspection to confirm the pests are gone typically costs $75–$150.
Termite inspection costs vs. other inspections
| Type of inspection | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electrical | $125 |
| Septic tank | $184 |
| Termite | $133 |
| Roof | $1,239 |
| Home inspection | $298 |
| Foundation | $306 |
| Asbestos | $501 |
| Mold | $687 |
Factors impacting termite inspection costs
The cost of your termite inspection is going to depend on what type of termite inspection you need, and the regulatory obligations you have to meet.
Type of inspection
As noted above, a free preventive inspection and a lender-required real estate inspection are very different products at very different price points.
WDO vs. standard termite inspection
A WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) inspection is broader than a standard termite inspection: it covers all wood-destroying pests, including carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles. WDO inspections typically cost $150–$300. Many lenders specifically request WDO reports because they provide a more complete picture of potential structural pest damage.
Home size
A small home (under 1,500 square feet) may cost $75–$100 to inspect; a larger home with an attic, basement, and garage could run $150–$200 or more due to the time required.
Location
Termite activity is significantly higher in the South and Southeast. In high-demand areas with more active termite populations (like Florida, Texas, and South Carolina), inspections may cost more, but competition among providers is also higher, which can keep prices in check. The state of South Carolina specifically requires a CL-100 Wood Infestation Report ($160 on average) for all real estate transactions, and it's only valid for 30 days.
Suspected active infestation
If you're calling because you've already seen signs of termites, inspectors may spend more time documenting the extent of damage, which can increase the cost.
Who pays for a termite inspection?
In a real estate–related situation, whether the buyer or seller pays for a termite inspection depends on the loan type and local regulations — and about 60% of the time, the seller ends up covering it.
- VA loans: The seller is typically required to pay for the termite inspection, though exceptions exist for properties in lower-risk areas. VA inspections usually run $50–150.
- FHA loans: Lenders may require a termite inspection if the home appraiser notes signs of termite activity. The buyer typically pays, at $100–200.
- Conventional loans: Lenders have no standard requirement, but may require one if the property is in a high-risk area or if the appraiser flags concerns.
- All other transactions: These are negotiable between buyer and seller.
If you're buying a home and termite inspection is required, talk to your agent about getting the seller to cover it; in many markets, this is expected.Once you have your termite inspection report, it’s time to put together a treatment plan. If the inspection found termites in the home you’re about to buy, you could ask the seller to pay for treatments or negotiate a price credit and arrange the treatments yourself. Depending on your lender, you may also need to buy a termite bond.
Once you have your termite inspection report, it’s time to put together a treatment plan. If the inspection found termites in the home you’re about to buy, you could ask the seller to pay for treatments or negotiate a price credit and arrange the treatments yourself. Depending on your lender, you may also need to buy a termite bond.
Don’t panic if the seller refuses to pay for termite treatments — you still have options. What’s most important is to get the termites treated, as even a short delay can result in a lot more damage.
Regarding remediation, you’ll want to work with a professional licensed exterminator on a treatment plan.
If you don’t have a serious infestation, your exterminator will probably opt to use baiting stations. These stations contain termite-killing insecticides and are placed near problem areas.
If you have a serious infestation or the baiting stations don’t work, the exterminator may use a liquid barrier. This is essentially a trench of insecticide around the perimeter of your home; any termites that approach will pass through the liquid and die.
Post-termite inspection steps
Once you have your termite inspection report, here's how to proceed:
If no termites are found: Great! Get your clearance letter if required, keep the report for your records, and schedule your next inspection in 1–2 years (or annually if you're in a high-risk area).
If termites are found while buying a home: You have options. You can ask the seller to pay for treatment before closing, negotiate a price credit to handle it yourself, or — depending on your contract — walk away if the damage is serious enough. Don't panic if the seller initially refuses; you still have leverage. What matters most is that treatment happens soon, since a short delay can result in significantly more damage.
Depending on your lender, you may also need to buy a termite bond if active termites are found.
Treatment options:
- Bait stations ($300–$1,000): Used for minor infestations; stations are placed near problem areas and contain termite-killing insecticides.https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-termite-inspection-cost.htm#termite-treatment-cost
- Liquid barrier ($1,000–$3,000): A trench of insecticide around the home's perimeter; effective for more serious infestations.
- Fumigation ($1,200–$8,000+): Required for severe infestations; the entire home is tented and treated with gas.
The average cost for a single termite treatment is around $600 but can reach $8,000 for fumigation.
Preventing future infestations:
- Keep tree branches away from your home
- Store firewood, mulch, and organic matter away from your foundation
- Keep woodpiles off the ground
- Seal foundation cracks and maintain gutters to reduce moisture
How to find a termite inspector
Before you search online for a termite inspector, ask people you know and trust if they can refer you to someone they’ve worked with. Friends, family, coworkers, or your real estate agent will often be able to give you a referral.
After you settle on a potential inspector (or three), interview each candidate carefully, asking them about experience and licensing. (Termite inspectors don’t need a license to inspect, but they will need a license to apply pesticides.) Also go online and check their online reviews and ratings.
Get estimates from each candidate to compare prices, but remember that the cheapest rate might mean sacrificing quality.
Key questions to ask your termite inspector
Are you licensed and insured?
While termite inspectors don’t need a license, professionals who apply pesticides do a need a license in most states. If they’re offering both services (as is very common), make sure they’re properly licensed.
When will I receive my inspection report?
Most inspectors will provide a written inspection report in one to three days. You might also ask how it will be delivered — through the mail, or electronically.
Do you also provide control services?
Many termite inspectors also provide pest treatment services. If your inspector doesn’t, you’ll have to find an exterminator to carry out your inspector’s suggestions. Also keep in mind that termite treatments aren’t effective against other pests like roaches, ants, or spiders.
The bottom line
Every homeowner dreads getting bad news from the termite inspector. But there’s good news, too; termites are relatively easy to remediate with the help of a professional exterminator.
But the first step in solving a termite problem is detecting it. That’s where termite inspections come in. If you live in a high risk area for termites, you should have a termite inspection every year. And if you’re doing due diligence on a home purchase, never skip the termite inspection. An uncontrolled termite infestation can cause serious damage to a home in only a few months, so early detection is imperative.
đź“Š About our data
Our team collected data from thousands of publicly available home inspector quotes and estimates from reputable websites such as Thumbtack and HomeAdvisor. This comprehensive dataset allowed us to calculate the low, average, and high-end costs for various types of home inspections.
For example, for termite inspections, we gathered data from 401 responses nationwide through Thumbtack.
We verified the data to calculate reliable averages. We aim to provide clear and accurate information, helping you make informed decisions about your home inspection needs.