Your free termite inspection
The first step to nixing your termite problem starts with scheduling your free inspection.
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Reviewed by: Steven Dupuy
Content Updated: October 6th, 2026
Key takeaways
- A free termite inspection can help uncover termite activity and potential damage before problems get worse.
- Trained technicians inspect vulnerable areas, including crawl spaces, foundations, and attics, for early signs of termites.
- If termites are found, your technician can recommend treatment options based on the species and severity of the infestation.
- Annual termite inspections can help catch activity early and reduce the risk of costly structural damage.
Worried about termites quietly munching away at your home? A termite inspection is the first step to protecting your property. Termites are sneaky, and spotting them early isn’t as simple as flipping a floorboard or checking your walls. That’s why relying on professional termite control makes all the difference.
Looking for a termite inspection near you? At Terminix, our experts know exactly where to look and what to look for to keep your home protected.
Is an initial termite inspection from Terminix really free?
Yes, your very first termite home inspection is free. Our experts will examine your home for signs of termite activity or damage and guide you through your prevention options at zero cost.
So, when do you actually have to pay? You will generally incur only the average termite inspection cost if you purchase a termite control plan, or if you need a formal inspection report for a real estate transaction.
What happens during a termite inspection?
A Terminix technician will inspect your home for signs of termites, damage, and conditions that could put your property at risk. While homeowners can regularly check for obvious signs and address issues like leaks or wood-to-soil contact, a professional termite inspection takes a closer look at areas where termites may be hidden or difficult to spot.
Identify entry points
Your technician checks accessible areas where termites commonly enter or hide, including foundations, crawl spaces, garages, and plumbing penetrations.
Look for hidden signs
Using tools such as flashlights and moisture meters, your technician can examine areas where termite activity or moisture may not be visible to the naked eye.
Identify risk factors
Leaks, excess moisture, and wood-to-soil contact can create conditions that make a home more vulnerable to termites. Your technician will identify these risk factors and will recommend termite prevention tips.
Review the findings
After the appointment, you'll receive a report outlining the technician's findings. It can show areas of concern, signs of termite activity or damage, and conditions that may increase your home's risk.
What do termite inspectors look for?
A termite inspection looks for signs of termite activity, damage, and conditions that could put your home at risk. What an inspector looks for can vary depending on whether you’re dealing with drywood or subterranean termites. Unlike a general home inspection, which evaluates the overall condition of a home, a termite home inspection focuses specifically on termites and the damage or conditions associated with them.
Signs of subterranean termites
Inspectors focus on areas where termites can travel from the soil into the home, and look for signs like:
- Mud tubes: Fresh tubes or tubes containing live termites can indicate active infestation.
- Wood damage: Hollow or weakened wood may signal an established infestation.
- Discarded wings: An early sign of recent swarming activity.
- Moisture or wood-to-soil contact: Conditions that increase termite risk.
Signs of drywood termites
Drywood termites live inside wood. Inspectors look for signs of activity within and around exposed wood, including:
- Frass: Small, dry pellets are an early warning sign.
- Kick-out holes: Tiny openings where termites push frass out of the wood.
- Wood damage: Extensive or weakened wood can indicate an established infestation.
- Live termites: A sign of active infestation.
- Discarded wings: An early sign of a nearby swarm.
How can I prepare for a termite inspection?
Our inspectors will check closets, attics, and every accessible space in your home! Making it easier for your inspector helps ensure a thorough check. A few quick steps that can help you prepare for your termite home inspection include:
- Garage walls: Move items two feet away from walls so the inspector can check expansion joints and wall-floor intersections.
- Crawl spaces/basements: Remove obstacles and clutter to provide clear access to your crawl space and basement doors.
- Attics and sinks: Clear items away to allow inspection of insulation, roof beams, and plumbing for signs of termite activity.
- Exterior maintenance: Trim back heavy brush and remove debris from your home’s exterior foundation.
Questions to ask your termite inspector
Going into your appointment prepared with questions can help you understand your options and the protection available. Here are just a few questions to consider asking during your termite inspection:
- Where is the termite activity or infestation?
- Which termite treatments do you recommend?
- How long will the treatment take?
- How can I help with termite prevention?
- What is the initial termite control cost and ongoing protection fees?
- What type of guarantees do you provide?
- Can Terminix provide a termite inspection for a VA loan?
What happens if they find a termite infestation?
If termites are detected, your technician will offer a treatment based on the species and the severity of the infestation. Soil-dwelling subterranean termites require liquid soil treatment or bait systems, whereas drywood termites need targeted spot treatments or fumigation. If significant structural damage is present, a professional repair assessment may be necessary to evaluate the home, followed by required follow-up inspections to ensure complete elimination.
For those buying or selling a property, navigating termite findings requires an understanding of important real estate rules and consumer rights. Key factors like seller disclosure duties, contract negotiation or cancellation options, repair responsibilities, and mortgage lender financing requirements vary by state and contract. To protect your investment, always obtain complete written documentation of the inspection findings and consult with a qualified local professional to review your specific options.
How often should I schedule a termite inspection?
For a typical home, it’s recommended to schedule a professional termite inspection at least once a year. Annual inspections are the most effective way to help prevent costly damage. Catching termite activity early, before it threatens your home's structural integrity, saves you time, stress, and money. You should also schedule an immediate termite damage inspection anytime you suspect termite activity or before a real estate transaction.
Is my home in a high-risk termite area?
Homes in certain regions can face a much higher risk of termite infestations than others. Termite inspections are vital if you live in warm, humid areas like the South, Southeast, or West Coast. In fact, Florida, California, and Texas regularly rank as the top states for termite activity. These regions are highly susceptible because they rarely experience the deep winter freezes that naturally slow termites, creating the perfect environment for them to thrive year-round.
Does Terminix offer Wood-Destroying Insect Reports?
Yes, Terminix can provide Wood-Destroying Insect Reports (WDIR) to document the presence or absence of termites and other wood-destroying insects in your home. A WDIR is an official legal document often needed during a real estate transaction, making it a separate service from our free termite inspection. WDI reports carry a fee that is typically paid by the person requesting the form, but the fee can vary by agreement. Schedule an inspection and request a WDIR, and our experts will handle the documentation for you.
Understanding termite plan costs
Protecting your home involves more than just an inspection. While the initial free termite inspection is complimentary, ongoing protection carries costs that vary based on factors such as property type, location, and the type and extent of termite infestation, if present. A termite bond is one option for ongoing protection, typically providing periodic inspections and treatment if termite activity is detected, depending on the terms of the agreement. Check out our termite control cost page for more information.
Does Terminix inspect commercial properties for termites?
Absolutely. Terminix inspects all types of commercial real estate, including retail spaces, industrial warehouses, multifamily housing, and office buildings. Don't let termites disrupt your operations—explore our commercial pest control for termites services and submit a request for a commercial quote to schedule a termite inspection for your facility.