Annual Termite Inspection

Purpose

Define the annual termite inspection performed on residential properties under contract or on real-estate transactions. Termite damage costs U.S. homeowners billion annually; the inspection's job is finding evidence early - before structural damage becomes a repair. The visible signs (mud tubes, frass, swarmers) point to colonies hidden behind framing.

Scope

Applies to:

• Residential single-family + multi-family homes under termite contract
• Real-estate transaction inspections (WDI / WDO reports - separate documentation requirements)
• Pre-purchase inspections requested by buyer

Excludes commercial structures (specialty inspector + scope), and active termite remediation jobs (those are treatment, not inspection).

Responsibilities

• Dispatcher confirms access to crawlspace + attic + garage at booking
• Lead inspector (licensed termite inspector OR pest applicator with WDI endorsement) runs the inspection
• Customer receives a written report + photos within 5 business days

Procedure

1. Customer briefing. "60 - 90 minute inspection. I'll look at the entire perimeter exterior, the foundation interior (basement or crawl), the attic, and any wood-to-soil contact. Some areas may need flashlight + mirror access."
2. Exterior perimeter walk.

• Look for mud tubes on foundation walls (subterranean termites)
• Wood-to-soil contact (mulch above slab, wood siding touching ground)
• Conducive moisture (sprinklers spraying foundation, downspout dumping into bedded area)
• Cellulose debris near foundation (mulch, wood scraps)

1. Foundation interior (basement or crawlspace):

• Inspect every joist + sill plate
• Probe suspect wood with a screwdriver - soft / hollow = damage
• Look at perimeter walls + columns for mud tubes
• Check the moisture barrier (vapor barrier in crawlspace) for tears

1. Garage (often the most-overlooked entry point):

• Wall plates + studs at corners
• Wood door frames + thresholds
• Stairs into the home from garage (frequent entry point)

1. Attic (where accessible):

• Soffit + eave wood for moisture damage + termite activity
• Wood-to-roof flashing junctions

1. Interior finished spaces:

• Window + door frames (look for blistered paint or sawdust = drywood termites in southern regions)
• Floor sag or bounce
• Tap baseboards for hollow sound

1. Document with photos.

• Every mud tube
• Every probe-test soft wood
• Every conducive condition

1. Write the report. Categorize findings:

• Active infestation - visible live termites or fresh mud tubes
• Previous infestation - old damage, no current activity
• Conducive conditions - no termites but conditions favor establishment
• Treatment recommendations - bait stations, liquid barrier, or specific corrective actions

Acceptance Criteria

• Exterior perimeter walked + photographed
• Foundation interior inspected (basement OR crawl, depending on home)
• Attic inspected (where accessible)
• Garage inspected
• Written report with photos delivered to customer within 5 business days
• Active infestation OR conducive conditions clearly documented + recommendations quoted

References

• HUD WDI Inspection Report (NPMA-33 form, federal standard)
• State-specific WDI / WDO inspector licensing