What does the inspector check during a free termite inspection?

A California-licensed inspector examines the structure inside and out — attic, crawl space, garage, exterior eaves and fascia, window frames, baseboards, decks, fences, and any wood-to-soil contact points. We look for live termite activity, fecal pellets (frass), mud tubes, swarmer wings, hollow-sounding wood, dry rot, and conditions that attract termites like moisture or wood debris. You receive a written report identifying findings and recommendations.

Will my dog be safe during inspection?

Yes. A standard inspection is visual — no chemicals are used and nothing is disturbed inside your home. Your dog can stay home. We do ask that pets be secured in a room or yard so the inspector can move through the property efficiently and access every area.

Do you check for other things like plumbing leaks and roof leaks?

We note moisture-related conditions that could attract termites — water staining, active leaks visible during inspection, damaged flashing, conditions conducive to fungal growth. We're not licensed plumbers or roofing contractors, so we don't certify those systems. If we see something that looks like an active leak, we'll note it in the report so you can have the appropriate trade evaluate it.

If I'm not selling my home for 6 months, do I need the inspection now?

There's no urgency unless you suspect activity or are seeing signs (frass, swarmers, damaged wood). If your home has never been inspected or it's been more than 2-3 years since the last inspection, getting one early can save you stress during escrow — if treatment is needed, you have time to complete it before listing. Inspections from more than 60-90 days before escrow are usually re-inspected anyway, so very early inspection doesn't carry forward to your sale, but catching issues 6 months out gives you flexibility on timing and treatment method.

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Free Termite Inspection in Southern California

Q: Is the inspection really free?

Yes. Inspections are free for properties in Orange County and bordering cities. For homes in our extended service area (parts of LA, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties), a $295 travel fee applies — but it's credited toward any treatment work you proceed with.

Q: What do you do if you find termites?

We give you a written report identifying what we found, where, and which species (drywood, subterranean, or both). We explain your treatment options — fumigation, heat, orange oil, Termidor barrier, or localized treatment — with cost ranges for each. There's never any pressure to schedule treatment with us. You're free to get other bids or take time to decide.

Q: How long does an inspection take?

Most home inspections take 45-90 minutes depending on home size and accessibility. Larger homes, homes with crawl spaces, or properties with multiple structures (detached garage, ADU, guest house) may take longer.

Q: Do you check for dry rot too, or just termites?

We check for both. California's Structural Pest Control Board licenses cover wood-destroying organisms (WDOs), which includes termites and dry rot fungi. We report on both in the same inspection.

Q: How do I know if termites are in the walls?

You usually can't see them directly — drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they consume, and subterranean termites travel inside mud tubes hidden behind walls. Signs that termites may be in walls include hollow-sounding wood when tapped, faint clicking sounds from inside the wall, fecal pellets (frass) appearing on windowsills or baseboards, bubbling or blistering paint, small "kickout" holes in the wall, and discarded swarmer wings near windows. A licensed inspection can confirm — we use a combination of visual inspection, tapping, moisture readings, and probing accessible areas to locate active termite activity.

Q: Is your inspection limited to visible and accessible areas only?

Yes. Per California Structural Pest Control Board regulations, all WDO inspections are limited to areas that are visible and accessible without dismantling the structure. We don't open walls, remove insulation, or move stored belongings. The written report identifies any areas that were inaccessible (storage in the garage, finished basement walls, insulation in the attic) so you and any future buyer know what wasn't inspected.

Our California-licensed inspectors provide free, no-obligation termite inspections across Orange County, LA County, the Inland Empire, and Riverside County. Every inspection is thorough, honest, and backed by a written report.

No charge — 100% free inspection

Performed by CA-licensed structural pest control inspectors

Covers drywood termites, subterranean termites, and other wood-destroying organisms

Written report with findings and treatment options

No pressure, no obligation

🎖️ 10% senior and military discount — ask when scheduling

★ 4.9 rating — Read our Google Reviews Call (714) 240-2800

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What Our Termite Inspection Covers

A proper termite inspection is more than a quick look around. Here's exactly what our licensed inspectors assess during every free visit.

Whole-Structure Assessment

We inspect every accessible area of your home — attic, subarea/crawlspace, garage, living areas, and exterior — not just the spots that are easy to check.

Written Inspection Report

You receive a detailed written report identifying any active infestations, evidence of past activity, and conditions that could lead to future problems.

All Wood-Destroying Organisms

We look for drywood termites, subterranean termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and fungal wood decay — a complete WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) assessment.

Exterior & Foundation Check

We inspect eaves, fascia, window and door frames, siding, soil-to-wood contact points, and the full perimeter of the structure for signs of subterranean activity.

Takes About 45–90 Minutes

Most residential inspections take under 90 minutes. We won't rush — thoroughness is the point. Our inspectors explain findings in plain language as they go.

Clear Next Steps

If treatment is needed, we explain every available option with honest pros, cons, and cost guidance — so you can make an informed decision without pressure.

What Inspectors Look For

Drywood Termite Signs

Frass (small hexagonal pellets) below wood surfaces
Tiny kickout holes in eaves, fascia, or door frames
Discarded wings near windows and light sources
Hollow sound when tapping on wood
Termite swarmers (alates) inside the home

Complete drywood termite identification guide →

Subterranean Termite Signs

Mud tubes running along foundation or walls
Damaged or buckling floor joists in subarea
Blistered or bubbling paint on walls or ceilings
Tight-fitting doors or sagging floors
Visible termite swarmers near soil-to-wood contact areas

Complete subterranean termite identification guide →

How to tell drywood from subterranean termites — identification guide →

What Happens After the Inspection?

After the inspection, your licensed inspector will walk you through the findings in plain language. If termite activity or damage is found, they'll explain the recommended treatment options, the reasoning behind each recommendation, and the cost — all in writing before any work begins.

If no activity is found, you'll leave with a clean inspection report and peace of mind. We'll note any conditions that could attract termites in the future and recommend a schedule for follow-up annual inspections.

There is no obligation to book treatment after a free termite inspection in Southern California. Our goal is to give you accurate information — the decision is entirely yours.

Want to understand costs before committing? See our termite treatment cost guide for 2026 pricing across all treatment types.

Service Areas

Orange County

Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, and 28+ more cities

Los Angeles County

Long Beach, Pasadena, Torrance, Whittier, Downey, and 45+ more cities

Inland Empire

San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, and 20+ more cities

Riverside County

Riverside, Corona, Temecula, Murrieta, Moreno Valley, and 20+ more cities

Don't see your city? View the full service area directory or call us at (714) 240-2800.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the inspection really free?

Yes — for properties in our primary service area (all of Orange County and most of Los Angeles County), the inspection is 100% free. No credit card, no catch. For properties in our extended service area — parts of the Inland Empire and Riverside County — a $295 travel fee applies, credited in full toward any treatment you book. We disclose this upfront when you schedule.

What does the inspector check during a termite inspection?

Everything that can be seen and safely accessed: attic (joists, rafters, sheathing), subarea or crawl space, interior (visible wall and floor surfaces, window and door frames), and the full exterior (eaves, fascia, siding, foundation perimeter, fence attachments, decks, and patio covers). The inspection covers all WDO (wood-destroying organism) categories: drywood termites, subterranean termites, dry rot, and other fungal conditions.

Will my dog be safe during the inspection?

Yes. A termite inspection is non-invasive — no drilling, no chemicals, no disruption. The inspector walks the property visually. Pets can be home; we ask that they be secured so the inspector can access all areas of the property without interruption.

What do you do if you find termites?

Your inspector will walk you through the findings in plain language — where activity was found, what type of termite, how extensive it appears, and what treatment options are appropriate. You receive a written report with diagrams. There is no pressure to book immediately. You can take the report, compare options, and decide on your own timeline.

How long does an inspection take?

Most residential inspections take 45 to 90 minutes. Larger homes, homes with extensive subareas or attics, or properties with known activity or prior damage may take longer. Your inspector will not rush — thoroughness is the point.

Do you check for dry rot too, or just termites?

Both. Our inspection is a full WDO (wood-destroying organism) inspection. Dry rot, fungal conditions, and moisture-related wood deterioration are all included. These are reported alongside any termite findings.

How do I know if termites are in the walls?

Wall-interior infestations are often invisible without opening walls. Signs that suggest infestation behind walls include frass (termite pellets) at the base of wall surfaces, tiny "kickout" holes in drywall or wood trim, hollow-sounding wood when tapped, and blistering or bubbling paint. Subterranean infestations can be detected by mud tubes along the exterior or in subareas. If your inspector suspects wall-interior activity, they will note it in the report and recommend treatment options accordingly.

Is your inspection limited to visible and accessible areas only?

Yes — by California SPCB regulations, all termite inspections are limited to visible and accessible areas. The inspector cannot open walls, remove insulation, or move stored items. If access to an area is blocked, the inspector will note it in the report as an inaccessible area — that area is excluded from the inspection findings.

Do you check for plumbing or roof leaks?

We note moisture conditions that could attract termites or contribute to fungal damage — but a termite inspector is not a plumber or roofing inspector and cannot certify the condition of plumbing or roofing systems. If moisture is found, we can note it in the report and recommend follow-up with the appropriate specialist.

If I'm not selling for 6 months, do I need an inspection now?

Not unless you have visible signs of infestation or want peace of mind. There is no urgency to inspecting in advance of a sale unless your listing agent has already flagged it as a requirement or you want to know the condition before pricing the home. Most sellers schedule the inspection when they're 4–8 weeks from listing — that keeps the report current and ensures it's available during escrow.

I've heard as a homeowner I can legally do my own termite work using the same chemicals you guys use — is that true, and can I still get a completion certificate?

California law allows homeowners to perform certain pest control work on their own residence using over-the-counter products. However, the chemicals available to homeowners aren't the same as professional-grade products — restricted-use pesticides like Termidor SC and Vikane (the fumigant used in tenting) require a licensed applicator. More importantly, certificates of completion and Section 1 clearance reports can only be issued by a California-licensed Structural Pest Control Operator (license number on file with the SPCB). If you're treating for your own peace of mind, DIY may be an option for surface-level concerns. If you need documentation for a sale, refinance, or warranty — including any "Notice of Completion" or Section 1 clearance — that has to come from a licensed company.

Schedule Your Free Termite Inspection Today

Same-week appointments available across Southern California. No charge, no obligation.

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