Termite Inspection vs. Treatment: What’s the Difference?
A termite inspection and termite treatment serve different purposes.
An inspection looks for signs of termite activity or damage. Treatment addresses a confirmed infestation using a method selected for the termite type, the location and extent of activity, and the structure.
An inspection doesn’t eliminate termites, and not every inspection leads to treatment. The findings help determine what, if anything, should happen next.
What does a termite inspection include?
A professional termite inspection looks for visible signs of activity or damage in accessible areas. Depending on the property and inspection scope, that may include mud tubes, discarded wings, damaged wood, or conditions such as excess moisture and wood-to-ground contact.
Some areas may be inaccessible or may require further evaluation. Ask the inspector what was examined, what could not be accessed, and what the report’s findings mean. UC IPM notes that detecting and determining the extent of drywood termite activity can require professional experience, and hidden infestations may be difficult to locate.
What does termite treatment do?
Treatment is intended to control or eliminate termite activity identified through an inspection. The recommended method depends on the findings; different termite types and infestation patterns can call for different approaches. Treatment may also involve follow-up or monitoring, depending on the method.
The inspection and treatment may be scheduled separately, and the inspection fee does not necessarily include treatment. Ask the provider to explain the recommended treatment’s scope, preparation requirements, follow-up, and any warranty. Most termiticide applications need to be performed by a trained pest management professional.
For a closer look at how options differ, see Killroy’s guide to choosing a termite treatment method.
What should you ask after an inspection?
- Was active termite activity found, or only evidence of past damage?
- What type of termite was identified?
- Which areas were inspected, and were any areas inaccessible?
- What treatment do you recommend, and what findings support it?
- What preparation, monitoring, or follow-up would be required?