How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost in 2025?

Termite inspection costs for a residential home range from $65 to $265.

Discovering termites in one’s house is a nightmare for any property owner. An inspection will provide the information you need to solve the issue and tell you what steps to take next. The average cost of a termite inspection in the United States is $135, ranging from $65 to $265

Termites are a serious concern, and discovering them early can save you from costly repairs and give you peace of mind. In this article, we’ll uncover the ins and outs of termite inspection costs so you can budget accordingly.

Average Termite Inspection Costs in 2025

National Average Cost$135
Typical Price Range$65 – $265
Extreme Low-End Cost$0
Extreme High-End Cost$360

Eliminating termites is a good investment whether you plan to sell your house soon or not. There is a wide variation in the cost of a termite inspection, from $65 up to $265, with an average cost of $135 across the country.

Some companies, like Orkin, might offer a free termite inspection if it’s not linked to a real estate deal, bringing the lowest possible cost to $0. On the other hand, in cases of severe infestations or when opting for an inspection bundle, the price can climb as high as $360

Other Factors That Affect Cost

termite inspections by a worker
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The cost of a termite inspection is highly variable and dependent on many distinct factors. The following variables affect the overall cost of a termite inspection.

Home Loan Type

One factor that can affect how much you pay for a termite inspection is the type of home loan you’re working with. Different loans have different requirements and norms, so the costs can vary:

  • If you’re going with a VA loan (Veterans Affairs loan), the costs range between $50 and $150. The unique thing about VA loans is that it’s usually the seller who foots the bill for this inspection, although this can be negotiated between the seller and the buyer.
  • For those opting for FHA loans (Federal Housing Administration loans), termite inspections fall in the range of $100 to $200. Unlike VA loans, with FHA loans, it’s typically the buyer who’s responsible for the inspection cost.
Type of LoanAverage Cost
VA Loans$50 – $150
FHA Loans$100 – $200

Type of Inspection

Another key aspect that influences the cost of termite inspections is the type of inspection being conducted. Each type of inspection will have a different level of detail, impacting the prices:

  • Preventative inspections: Some pest control companies may waive the inspection fee. These are generally basic inspections aimed at early termite prevention and detection. If termites are found during these inspections, the cost of the inspection can also be negotiated to be subtracted from the total cost of the termite treatment. 
  • Real estate termite inspections: These inspections are more detailed and critical to the real estate process, ensuring that the buyer is fully aware of the property’s condition. Due to their detailed nature and the necessity in real estate transactions, these inspections can be more expensive, sometimes costing as much as $360.
  • Inspection bundles: This is where home inspectors collaborate with pest inspectors to offer a comprehensive inspection package. While this bundled service provides an extensive overview of both the structural and pest-related conditions of a property, it generally comes at a higher price compared to standalone termite inspections, from $260 to $435.
Type of InspectionAverage Cost
Preventative inspection$0 – $360
Real estate inspection$65 – $360
Inspection bundles$260 – $435

Home Size

Another crucial factor that determines the cost of a termite inspection is the size and complexity of the home. The scale and layout of your property play a significant role in how much you’ll need to invest in a termite inspection.

If you have a small home with a simple layout, you’re in luck. These types of homes typically take less time to inspect as there are fewer places for termites to hide. With fewer nooks and crannies, a smaller area to cover, and generally less complexity in the structure, the cost for inspecting these homes is often on the lower end of the spectrum. 

For larger homes, like those spanning two or three stories and including features like attics, basements, garages, and complex layouts, the cost of a termite inspection can be considerably higher. These properties present more challenges for inspectors due to the increased number of potential termite hideouts and the greater area that needs to be thoroughly checked.

Termite Inspection Report

A termite inspection report is a formal letter prepared by a certified pest control professional. It provides a detailed statement confirming your home is free from active termite infestations. This report is particularly important for those involved in real estate transactions, especially when dealing with FHA and VA loans.

Typically, these reports are valid for either 30 or 90 days, depending on the type of report. On average, a termite letter costs $160.

We understand that there is a lot of confusion regarding the many acronyms in termite inspection. So, here are the most common ones, and how they relate to termite letters:

  • NPMA-33 is the National Pest Management Association form, also known as the “Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report” (WDI or WDIIR). It is the standard form used by termite inspectors across the country to state whether there are wood-destroying insects, such as termites, beetles, carpenter ants, or bees, in your home. It provides the findings and recommendations to resolve issues.
  • CL-100: The South Carolina Wood Infestation Report or CL-100 is only valid for 30 days following the inspection, and it is limited to South Carolina. It states that your home is free of active termite infestation and wood-destroying fungi. It costs, on average, $155
  • WDO stands for Wood Destroying Organisms inspection. This inspection report includes carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wood-boring beetles, and wood-destroying fungi. It is valid for 90 days, and it might be mandatory if the home has a history of wood damage. They cost around $146.

Termite Bond

A termite bond is an agreement with a pest control company that includes regular termite inspections and treatment as needed. It’s like having insurance against termite infestations, ensuring that your home remains safe and sound over the years. This bond is not just a one-time deal; it’s an ongoing protection plan that continually keeps an eye out for termites.

The cost of a termite bond can vary widely, generally falling between $500 and $2,000. Several factors influence this cost, including the home size, specifics of the warranty, geographic locations, and the home’s total value.

Pro tip: If you sell your home and there’s an existing termite bond in place, it can often be transferred to the new homeowner. This transferability adds value to your property, providing the new owner with immediate termite protection and eliminating the need for them to start a new contract.

Businesses or Commercial Spaces

Commercial properties often encompass larger areas and more complex structures than residential homes. They might include multiple floors, extensive plumbing and electrical systems, larger foundations, and intricate layouts. 

This complexity demands more time, effort, and expertise from pest control professionals during the inspection process, leading to higher costs. Commercial termite inspections cost between $225 and $625.

Prospective homebuyers may also choose to have professional termite and general home inspections when purchasing a new home. Here are a few other services to consider:

Termite Treatment

As soon as you spot signs of termites, it’s crucial to call in a termite control company. Delaying treatment can allow the termite colony to cause significant harm to the wooden structures of your home. Professional pest control services are equipped with the expertise and tools necessary to effectively tackle the termite problem.

Termite treatment costs for a residence range from $275 to $863, with an average price of $558. The total cost of termite control will differ based on several aspects, such as the type of termites, the size of the infested area, and the termite treatment method that is ultimately used.

For instance, fumigation costs $10 to $20 per linear foot, while bait treatments cost between $7 and $11 per linear foot.

Termite Damage Repair

After successfully dealing with a termite infestation, the next step often involves repairing the damage left behind. Addressing termite damage is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetics of your home.

If the termite damage is largely superficial, repair costs might be as low as $250. In cases where termites have compromised the structural integrity of your home, the costs can be substantial. For severe structural damage, repair costs can soar as high as $28,875. On average, the cost to repair termite damage ranges from $550 to $3,000.

Home Inspection

Along with a termite inspection, a general home inspection will be necessary for most real estate transactions. The cost for a home inspection from most home inspectors is, on average, $335.

Depending on the size of your property, this may be as little as $215 or as much as $500. Additional testing for radon and water quality will raise the price of a professional home inspection.

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost

A termite inspection is not something you can DIY. Termite inspections are a job for licensed professionals, especially if you’re considering buying or selling a home. Lenders will require a termite letter signed by a professional termite inspector.

However, homeowners can play a proactive role by being vigilant for signs of termite activity. Here’s what to look for:

different types of termite tubes
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez
  • Mud tubes: These are pencil-sized dirt tunnels that are often found near the foundation of your home. Subterranean termites use these tubes to travel and keep their environment moist.
  • Termite droppings: Resembling sawdust, these termite droppings, also known as frass, are a clear indicator of termite presence.
  • Holes in walls or ceilings: Small holes in drywall or ceilings can signal termites are eating through these materials.
  • Discarded wings: Often found near windows or light sources, these wings come from termite swarmers looking to start a new colony.
  • Damaged wood: Damaged or hollow-sounding wood is a classic sign of termites. They often eat wood from the inside out, so the damage might not be immediately visible.

Termite Inspection Cost by Location

Costs associated with termite inspection might change depending on where in the country you live. Inspection costs might vary depending on fuel costs, labor costs, and state taxes. Furthermore, there are variations in the testing requirements among states. 

The cost of hiring a termite inspector may increase in South Carolina and other states with a reputation for having a large termite population. Additionally, if you reside in a high-cost-of-living location, you may anticipate your one-time termite inspection cost to be close to the high end of $360.

FAQ

How Long Does a Termite Inspection Take?

Depending on the size of your home, a termite inspection might take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. If you have a large home, the termite inspection might take an hour or more. The inspector may have to put in additional time to get a full picture of the condition of your home if the termites have caused extensive damage.

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 little their jaws are, most people won’t even realize a termite has bitten them.

Does Insurance Pay for Damage Caused by Termites?

Termite damage is typically not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Before assuming that insurance will cover anything, though, it’s a good idea to double-check with your insurance provider or agent.

Call a Pro

In general, a termite inspection costs between $65 and $265, with the majority of homeowners paying $135 on average. 

Don’t wait for visible signs of damage or a real estate transaction to think about termites. Take the initiative to safeguard your home. Reach out to a licensed termite inspector and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is termite-free.

Taha Javed contributed to this report.

Note: Pest Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

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Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis is a writer, Ph.D. candidate, and plant enthusiast from an area where mosquitoes are as relentless in their pursuit of blood as she is in her quest for knowledge. When she’s not swatting away these buzzing annoyances, she’s playing with her dogs and savoring a cup of tea.