Termite Inspection Cost
Last updated: October 30, 2026 · Prices checked October 30, 2026
Termite inspection cost is the cheapest line in the whole termite story: a standard inspection runs $75–$150, the official WDO report used in home sales runs $100–$200, and many companies inspect free when you're a homeowner who might buy treatment. Against an average damage-repair bill of about $3,000, it's the best-value appointment in home maintenance.
Termite inspection: $75–$150 · WDO inspection & report: $100–$200 · Termite letter: $100–$200 · Homeowner inspections are often free (overall range $0–$250).
National range, researched from published sources. Prices checked October 30, 2026.
Termite inspection cost by type
| Inspection type | Typical cost (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| Termite inspection (homeowner) | $75–$150 |
| WDO inspection & report (real estate) | $100–$200 |
| Termite letter / clearance letter | $100–$200 |
| Overall market range (incl. free) | $0 – $250 |
When is an inspection free — and when should you pay anyway?
Large pest companies routinely waive the inspection fee for homeowners, treating it as the first step of a treatment sale. That's fine when you already suspect activity. But in a real-estate transaction, the inspection produces a legal document (the WDO report), and you want the inspector working for the report's accuracy — not for a treatment upsell. Paying the $100–$200 for an independent, written WDO is standard practice; VA loans require the inspection outright, and in most sales the seller pays for it as a closing cost. More in our buyer's guide: termite inspection before buying a house.
What a proper inspection actually covers
- Exterior: foundation, mud tubes, wood-to-soil contact, mulch and firewood against the house, drainage problems.
- Interior accessible areas: basement, crawl space, attic, garage — probing suspect wood, checking for frass, wings and hollow-sounding timber.
- Evidence of previous treatment and damage, not just live activity — the report distinguishes active infestation from old, inactive signs.
- A written report: the WDO form in real-estate deals, or a findings-and-quote document for homeowners.
If activity is found, the next step is priced in termite treatment cost and the treatment estimator. State rules differ — Georgia's official report (Form 100) is covered in termite treatment cost in Georgia. The EPA's termite identification guide shows the mud tubes, swarmers and damage signs inspectors look for.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a termite inspection cost?+
$75–$150 for a standard homeowner inspection and $100–$200 for a WDO inspection with the official report (HomeGuide). Many companies inspect homeowners free; Angi's wider range is $100–$300.
Who pays for the termite inspection in a home sale?+
Usually the seller pays for the WDO inspection and letter as part of closing, though it's negotiable and varies by state custom. VA loans require a termite inspection in most states; FHA loans require one where termite probability is moderate to heavy or the appraiser notes evidence.
How long is a termite inspection valid?+
A termite letter is typically valid for 30 days in a transaction (Georgia's Form 100 states this explicitly). For your own protection as a homeowner, annual inspections are the standard cadence most warranties assume.
Is a home inspection the same as a termite inspection?+
No. A general home inspector may note visible signs, but a WDO/termite inspection is done by a licensed pest professional, goes deeper into crawl spaces and probing, and produces the official report lenders accept.