Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on LawnStarter.
Termites often begin their invasion outside — nesting in woodpiles, hollow tree stumps, or untreated fencing. Catching them in your yard is the way to stop them from chewing their way inside. You can expect to pay anywhere from $0 to $277 for a termite inspection.
The costs will depend on where you live, the purpose of the inspection, and the size of your home, among other factors. Overall, homeowners pay around $130 for a termite inspection not linked to a real estate deal.
In this guide, we’ve gathered data from small and big cities across the U.S. so you can get a better idea of how much making sure your home is free of those pests will cost you.
Cost by Location
The cost of a termite inspection can vary depending on where you live. Prices can vary due to regional labor rates, fuel costs, and local demand.
Below is a snapshot of the average costs of a termite inspection nationwide. The costs on the lower end refer to the free inspections often offered by companies like Orkin or Terminix, whereas the higher end costs are usually for inspections tied to real estate transactions.
Northeast U.S.
- Scranton, PA $0 – $261
- Baltimore, MD $0 – $282
- Newark, NJ $0 – $326
Southeast U.S.
- Charlotte, NC $0 – $221
- St. Petersburg, FL $0 – $258
- Atlanta, GA $0 – $255
Midwest U.S.
- Sioux Falls, SD $0 – $246
- Waukesha, WI $0 – $290
- Chicago, IL $0 – $322
Northwest U.S.
- Corvallis, OR $0 – $272
- Seattle, WA $0 – $301
Southwest U.S.
- Houston, TX $0 – $251
- Las Vegas, NV $0 – $293
- Los Angeles, CA $0 – $303
Cost by Type of Inspection
The reason for your inspection plays a big role in the average cost of a termite inspection:
- Preventive inspection $0 – $208
- Real estate inspection $62 – $277
- Inspection bundles $250 – $433
Preventive Termite Inspection
If you’re simply trying to stay ahead of termite problems, you may be able to get an inspection for free and up to $208. Many pest control companies, including big names like Orkin and Terminix, offer free preventive inspections in hopes of making a deal for treatment services. Other companies may waive the termite inspection fee if they find evidence of termite activity.
While these programs can offer peace of mind, it’s good to know upfront that the free inspection may lead to a sales pitch for a treatment plan or termite bond.
Real Estate Termite Inspection
This is the most detailed and regulated type of termite inspection. It is usually required when you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home. These inspections follow strict protocols and often include a termite letter of report that lenders require to finalize a mortgage.
Because of the legal documentation involved, they tend to cost more, with an average of $62 to $277, but they may vary depending on the type of your home loan (VA or FHA) and the type of termite inspection report you need, such as:
- NPMA-33 (or WDI)
- CL-100
- WDO
For more information, check out this guide on the costs of termite inspections linked to real-estate transactions: Cost of a Termite Inspection Report.
Inspection Bundles
Some companies offer bundled inspection packages that combine a termite check with other inspections, like a general home inspection, and an inspection for other pests. They can be useful if you’re trying to get a full snapshot of your property’s condition.
These bundles cost more upfront, at an average of $250 to $433, but can save money compared to scheduling separate services individually.
Cost of a Termite Bond
A termite bond is like a protection plan for your home. It’s a contract between you and a pest control company that ensures your property is inspected for termites every year.
In addition, if termites do show up, the company will treat the infestation and repair any termite-related damage covered under the agreement.
Termite bonds are popular in high-risk termite areas, like Georgia and South Carolina. They may not be cheap, but they can offer serious peace of mind, knowing that your home is being monitored and protected.
They cost an average of $500 to $2,000, depending on the size of your home, the length of the coverage, and the services included.
Termite Control Companies
Preventing structural damage from termites requires regular inspections, which shield you from paying high termite treatment costs for services such as fumigation. You should contact a pest control company if you have a major termite infestation. The best termite control companies include:
- Fox
- Ehrlich
- Terminix
- Orkin
Do Termites Bite Humans or Animals?
Although termites seldom inflict harm on humans or animals, it is possible to get bitten by one. Because of how small their jaws are, most people won’t even realize a termite has bitten them.
Does Insurance Pay for Damage Caused by Termites?
Insurance typically does not pay for termite damage. It’s best to check with your insurance provider or agent to see if that’s your case.
Why Do Termites Come to a House?
Termites are particularly attracted to wooden structures, so beware if your home has wood siding or a wooden frame. Termites are more likely to attack homes with wooden decks. It is also important to deal with any moisture or water concerns in your drywall, basements, or crawl spaces, as certain termites like soft, damp wood.
How Can I Look for Termites in My Home?
In between professional inspections, you can keep an eye out for common signs of termites, including:
- Mud tubes in the yard
- Mud spots, peeling paint, or bubbles on walls
- Hollow wood
- Visible termites in the home
If you find unidentified flying insects around your home and you’re worried they might be termites, learn to tell the difference between the many bugs that look like termites, most commonly carpenter ants, carpenter bees, acrobat ants, and powderpost beetles.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Termites are quiet invaders that can cause major damage before you even realize they’re there. That’s why routine inspections are one of the best things you can do to protect your home and backyard.
Moreover, if you’re not sure where to start, contact a landscaping pro to help you identify and remove problem areas, such as decaying wood, excess moisture near your home’s foundation, or overgrown foliage that traps humidity. A little cleanup today could save you from major repairs tomorrow.
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