What is the Cost of a Termite Inspection?

A lot of the prices we pay for products and services depend on where we live in the United States. People in Houston, TX may pay less than Arkansas homeowners but more for a termite inspection in Scottsdale, AZ.

So, how much is a termite inspection? The national average cost of a termite inspection is $100 or anywhere from $50-$280. But termite inspection costs range between $400-$1,900 or more, depending on the treatment. And residential properties are usually less expensive than termite treatments for commercial properties or industrial facilities.

Home Advisor says you should bring in a termite inspector every 2 years if you live in a low-threat area. (We do not live in a low-threat area. We live in the highest-threat area.)

SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE COST OF A TERMITE INSPECTION

Always hire bonded, insured, and licensed professionals. It’s helpful to ask how many years’ experience the professional has. When you go with a cut-rate inspector, you are risking thousands of dollars in treatment and restoration costs when the price difference between cheap and professional is usually less than $100. –HomeAdvisor.com

A termite inspection should take between 1-2 hours for interior and exterior examination.

Interior termite inspection includes:

• Baseboards
• Crawlspaces
• Doorframes
• Garage
• Inside cabinets/closets
• Walls
• Windows

Sites where plumbing enters/exits your home are especially vulnerable to a termites swarm, so special attention is given to bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room.

Exterior inspection includes:

• Eaves
• Fencing
• Landscaping
• Patio/decks
• Plants near/touching your home
• Trees near/touching your home
• Walls
• Wood framing

 A close examination of your foundation is included in the cost of a termite inspection.

You will receive a detailed summary of any termite activity. Some inspectors will provide a report that includes the locations of your property that are more vulnerable to infestations, helping you with future termite protection.

Your local pest control professional should discuss:

• All findings and observations
• Preventive or corrective treatment options
• Vulnerabilities and ways to manage them

As part of the home-buying/selling process, a WDIIR (wood-destroying insect inspection report) is often required. That’s another type of inspection report, and average costs are between $50-$225.

WHEN YOU NEED TERMITE TREATMENT

Signs of a termite infestation include:

• Bubbling/buckled paint
• Damaged wood
• Mud tubes (subterranean termites)
• Termite excrement
• Termite wings

The most effective way to eliminate subterranean termites is to have Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination apply a non-repellent termiticide. “Non-repellant” means  (no color, fumes, odor, or taste). We use Dupont Altriset® because it’s the best. One application can protect your property for up to 5 years.

The worst-case scenario is if you need whole-house fumigation. Fumigations are expensive and also a health hazard, but they work. In Maricopa and Pima counties, fumigation is only used as a last resort for drywood termite infestations.

Preventive measures can save you between $1,000-$4,000 in expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Termite Inspections

How do you check for termites on your own?

Checking for termites on your own can be helpful to identify potential infestations early on. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Look for Visible Evidence

Inspect your home both indoors and outdoors for any visible signs of termites. Check for mud tubes, which are pencil-thin tunnels made of dirt and termite saliva, running along walls or foundations. Termites use these tubes to travel between their nests and food sources. Look for discarded wings near windowsills and entry points, as termites shed their wings when they find a new location to build a colony.

Examine Wood Structures

Inspect wooden structures such as beams, furniture, and any other wooden elements in your house. Tap on the wood with a screwdriver or a mallet to listen for hollow sounds, as termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin layer of paint or wood.

Check for Frass

Termite droppings, known as frass, are small, wood-colored pellets that may accumulate near infested areas. Look for these signs as they can indicate an active termite infestation.

Observe Swarming Termites

During the termite swarming season (usually spring), winged termites (known as termite swarmers) may emerge from the colony to mate and establish a new termite colony. If you see a swarm of flying insects around your home, they might be termites.

Inspect Moist Areas

Termites are attracted to moisture, so inspect damp areas in and around your home, such as leaky pipes, waterlogged wood, or wet soil near the foundation.

What are signs of termites in a house?

Here is our condensed list of the most common signs of termites and termite damage.

1. Mud tubes along walls or foundations.
2. Discarded termite wings near entry points.
3. Hollow-sounding wood when tapped.
4. Small, wood-colored pellets (frass) near infested areas.
5. Presence of swarmers (flying termites) during the termite swarming season.
6. Sagging or buckling of wooden structures.
7. Tunnels or grooves on the surface of wooden structures.

How long does it take to see signs of termites?

The time it takes to see signs of termites can vary depending on the size of the colony and the environmental conditions. In some cases, it could take months or even years before visible signs become apparent.

If you suspect you have a termite infestation, it is essential to take action promptly and not wait for visible signs to worsen. A termite inspection cost is much cheaper than fixing a termite damaged house.

Will a DIY pest control inspection work?

A DIY pest control inspection can be a good starting point to identify potential termite issues, especially if you are proactive and vigilant about checking for signs regularly. However, it’s essential to note that DIY inspections might not be as thorough or effective as a professional inspection.

Professional pest control companies have experienced technicians who know where and how to look for termites, even in hard-to-reach areas. They have specialized tools, equipment, and knowledge to detect early signs of infestation that may not be evident to an untrained eye. They can provide appropriate treatment options if termites are found.

Seek the services of a licensed pest control professional if you suspect a termite infestation or want to ensure a comprehensive inspection. They can assess the situation, implement appropriate treatments, and help you with preventive measures to protect your home from future termite infestations. 

ARIZONA PROPERTIES NEED CUSTOMIZED PEST CONTROL

When it comes to termite prevention and treatment, what’s the bottom line? For most of us, it’s finding an effective, safe method with the best termite inspection costs. That means partnering with Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination.

Budget Brothers is not part of a large, national “chain.” Our industry knowledge is customized for this area of Arizona. It’s the result of years of finding what pest control treatments work and what doesn’t work in The Valley.

Our team of pest professionals live here and we’re invested in our communities. We’re invested in protecting your property and family.

Contact us if you have questions about Arizona termite inspection, prevention, and elimination.