A termite inspection is often free when you’re buying treatment or a protection plan. Otherwise a standard inspection costs about $100 to $250, and a WDO (wood-destroying organism) report for a home sale costs about $100 to $325, according to HomeGuide’s 2026 figures. Most inspections take 30 minutes to 2 hours. The inspector checks the foundation, crawl space or basement, attic, garage and exterior for mud tubes, damage, droppings, live termites and moisture problems.
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Termite Inspection Cost
| Inspection type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Free inspection (with treatment or plan) | $0 |
| Standard preventive inspection | $100 to $250 |
| WDO / WDI report for a home sale | $100 to $325 |
| Small home, about 1,000 sq ft | From about $75 |
| Large home, 3,000 sq ft+ | $200 and up |
Price rises with home size, crawl space or attic access, detached structures, and whether you need a formal report for a lender. Some companies use moisture meters, infrared cameras or trained dogs, which can cost more.
What Happens During a Termite Inspection
- Exterior: the inspector walks the perimeter looking for mud tubes, damaged wood, wood touching soil, moisture problems and stumps or debris near the house.
- Crawl space or basement: sill plates, joists, posts and piers are checked and probed.
- Interior: baseboards, window and door frames, floors, and wall areas near plumbing are examined; cabinets under sinks are opened.
- Garage and attic: framing, rafters and any stored wood.
- Report: you get findings, a diagram or photos, and a treatment recommendation and quote if termites are found.
How to prepare
- Clear access to the crawl space, attic hatch, garage walls and under sinks.
- Move boxes and furniture a little away from walls in the basement and garage.
- Trim plants and move mulch or firewood away from the foundation.
- Have any old treatment paperwork or bond documents ready.
Termite Inspections for Home Sales
Many lenders require a WDO or WDI report, especially for VA and FHA loans in high-risk states, and many buyers order one anyway. Who pays depends on the local custom and your contract: often the buyer, though with VA loans the seller has traditionally paid. Check with your lender and agent. The report usually notes live activity, past damage and past treatment. Reports are typically valid for about 30 to 90 days, depending on the lender.
How Often to Get a Termite Inspection
Once a year is the usual recommendation, especially in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Hawaii and California, where termite pressure is highest. Many termite bonds include an annual inspection. See termite bond cost.
DIY Termite Check
You can spot many warning signs yourself with a flashlight and a screwdriver. Use the checklist in signs of termites. A DIY check doesn’t replace a professional inspection, which reaches crawl spaces and attic corners and can detect hidden activity.
Free Termite Inspections: What to Watch For
- Free inspections are normal and usually lead to a quote. That is fine, but get at least one second opinion before paying for treatment.
- Ask to see the evidence: mud tubes, damage, droppings or live termites.
- Be wary of pressure to sign the same day. Termite damage builds slowly.
- Check that the company is licensed with your state’s structural pest control board.
If termites are found, compare methods and prices in termite treatment cost.
FAQs
A termite inspection is often free with treatment or a protection plan. Otherwise it usually costs $100 to $250, and a WDO report for a home sale costs about $100 to $325.
Most termite inspections take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the home and how easy the crawl space, attic and garage are to reach.
It depends on local custom and the contract. Buyers often pay, but with VA loans the seller commonly pays for the WDO report.
Once a year is the usual recommendation, especially in warm, humid regions with high termite activity.
Mud tubes, damaged or hollow wood, droppings, discarded wings, live termites and moisture problems around the foundation, crawl space, attic, garage and interior.
Sources
Facts in this guide are checked against the sources above and reviewed when they change. See how we research in our editorial policy.
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