Termite Inspection

A termite inspection is a visual examination of a structure for evidence of termites: active infestation, previous infestation, damage, and the conditions that invite it. What it does not automatically cover is fungi and wood-decay organisms. That wider scope is a wood destroying organism inspection, and in several states it is a different document with a different legal standing.

"Termite inspection" is not itself a regulatory term. Nobody signs a document by that name. What an inspector actually issues is the report their state prescribes. In California that is Form 43M-41, the Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms Inspection Report.

Who is licensed to carry one out

Licensing is set at state level and the categories differ. California licenses companies and branch offices through the Structural Pest Control Board, with individual Field Representatives and Operators licensed separately. Texas licenses businesses through the Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service, with a termite category recorded against each licence.

Every business on this site holds a current licence with a termite category in its state's register. We show the number so you can confirm it yourself.

Inspection is not the same as treatment

Many companies do both, and a free inspection is often offered by a company that sells treatment. That is a legitimate business model, but it is a different product from a paid independent report, and only Louisiana requires that relationship to be disclosed on the report itself, through a field asking whether treatment was or will be performed by the inspecting company.