Inspections

Inspections

Termite Inspection

Termite Inspection Services for Bay Area Residents

Termites can cause serious damage to your home’s structure—often without any visible warning signs. At Vanguard Termite Control, we offer professional termite inspections throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, giving homeowners, buyers, and real estate agents peace of mind during one of the most important investments of their lives.

What is a Termite Inspection?

These inspections are essential for detecting:

  • Subterranean termites

  • Drywood termites

  • Dampwood termites

  • Wood-destroying organisms (WDOs)

Inspectors are trained to spot even the most subtle indicators, such as:

  • Mud tubes

  • Discarded wings

  • Frass (termite droppings)

  • Hollow or damaged wood

A termite inspection is a thorough visual evaluation of a property to identify signs of active termite infestations, previous termite activity, and any conditions that may attract termites. During the inspection, licensed professionals check both the interior and exterior of the structure—including attics, basements, crawl spaces, foundations, and wooden components.

Why Termite Inspections Matter

Termite damage can be expensive and difficult to repair. Because termites often live and eat inside walls, beams, and floors, they can go unnoticed for years. A routine inspection can save thousands in long-term structural repairs and is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your property.

Key benefits include:

  • Early detection of infestations

  • Prevention of costly structural damage

  • Peace of mind for buyers and sellers

  • Required documentation for real estate transactions

When You Need a Termite Inspection

There are several key moments when termite inspections are not just recommended—they’re often required.

Before Buying a Home

If you’re in the process of buying a house, a termite inspection should be part of your due diligence. Most lenders, especially those offering VA and FHA loans, require a termite clearance before closing.

A termite inspection can reveal:

  • Active infestations

  • Past damage and repairs

  • Conditions conducive to future problems

Getting a clean Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) report ensures you’re making a sound investment. If damage is found, the inspection gives buyers leverage to request treatment or negotiate repairs before closing escrow.

Before Selling a Home

Sellers can benefit from a pre-listing termite inspection by addressing issues early. This creates transparency, helps avoid last-minute surprises during escrow, and can increase the value and appeal of the property.

Regular Home Maintenance

Even if you’re not buying or selling a home, regular inspections—at least once every 1–2 years—are recommended, especially in termite-prone areas like California. Annual inspections catch early signs of infestation before they become major problems.

After a Termite Treatment

After fumigation or local treatment, a follow-up inspection ensures the termites have been eradicated and confirms that no new activity has emerged.

What to Expect During a Termite Inspection

Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Scheduling the Inspection

Call or book online to schedule an inspection at a time that works for you. Most inspections take 1–2 hours depending on the size of the property.

Step 2: On-Site Evaluation

A licensed inspector will evaluate all accessible areas of your property, both inside and out. Areas of focus include:

  • Crawl spaces

  • Attics

  • Garages

  • Exterior siding

  • Wooden decks, fences, and stairs

  • Door and window frames

Step 3: Reporting and Recommendations

After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining:

  • Whether termite activity is found

  • Evidence of past infestations

  • Areas of concern or damage

  • Photos and inspection notes

  • Treatment recommendations (if needed)

If termite activity is detected, we’ll provide you with a customized treatment plan and a quote for remediation. If no issues are found, we’ll issue a clearance certificate, often needed for real estate transactions.

Common Signs of Termites

 

 

Even between inspections, here are a few signs to watch for:

  • Hollow-sounding wood

  • Cracked or bubbling paint

  • Discarded termite wings near windows or doors

  • Small holes in drywall

  • Mud tubes along the foundation

  • Swollen wood or floors

If you notice any of these, don’t wait—schedule a professional termite inspection immediately.

Commons Signs of Termites

Real Estate and Escrow Requirements

In California, termite inspections are a standard part of the real estate closing process. Many lenders won’t fund a mortgage without a termite clearance. Escrow officers, real estate agents, and buyers depend on trusted termite companies to deliver timely and honest reports.

We work closely with:

  • Real estate agents

  • Title companies

  • Escrow officers

  • Home inspectors

Our team ensures quick turnaround on reports and offers competitive pricing for home buyers in the Bay Area. We also accommodate tight closing timelines and provide electronic reports for convenience.

Schedule a Termite Inspection

At Vanguard Termite Control, our inspection team stands as the primary guardians of your property, working diligently to shield it from the silent yet perilous menace of termites. Armed with expertise and unwavering dedication, our inspectors conduct comprehensive and effective termite inspections, guaranteeing the enduring health of your residence or commercial space. Opting for Vanguard means choosing a team of inspectors dedicated to providing you with peace of mind and safeguarding your valuable assets for the long term.