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.
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.
