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Termite Inspection in Fresno, CA
Termites do their damage out of sight — inside walls, under floors, behind trim. A thorough inspection finds it before it becomes a five-figure repair. Here's exactly what our licensed Fresno inspectors check, what your report includes, and what an inspection costs.
Most termite damage in the Central Valley is found by accident — during a remodel, a home sale, or when a floor starts to feel soft — long after the colony moved in. A professional termite inspection is the one reliable way to catch an infestation while it's still small and inexpensive to treat. At Total Pest Control Fresno, our inspectors are licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB), and we inspect homes across Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and the wider Valley every week.
When should you schedule a termite inspection?
Book an inspection if any of these apply to your home:
You're buying or selling a home. California real-estate transactions almost always require a termite (WDO) report — see our escrow & WDO inspection page below.
It's been more than a year or two since your last inspection. Annual checks are the cheapest insurance against hidden damage.
You've spotted a warning sign — mud tubes on the foundation, discarded wings on sills, pinhole 'kick-out' holes, or pellet-like frass.
It's spring and you've seen swarmers. Winged termites leaving the structure mean an established colony nearby is reproducing.
You have wood-to-soil contact, leaky plumbing, or heavy irrigation against the foundation — all conditions that invite termites.
Signs our inspectors look for
Termites are easy to miss until the damage is severe. These are the red flags we check every home for:
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| Mud tubes | Pencil-width tubes of dried soil — subterranean termites travelling from the ground to your wood |
| Discarded wings | A swarm has occurred; wings on sills and in spider webs point to a colony reproducing nearby |
| Frass (pellets) | Tiny ridged pellets below small holes — drywood termites pushing waste out of their galleries |
| Hollow or blistered wood | Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or floors and trim that blister — eaten from the inside out |
| Sticking doors & windows | Frames warped by the moisture and damage termite activity creates |
| Bubbling or peeling paint | Often a sign of moisture and termite activity behind the surface |
What happens during a professional termite inspection
A full inspection takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour for an average Fresno home and covers far more than a quick look around:
Exterior & foundation — we check the perimeter, siding, weep screeds, and foundation for mud tubes and wood-to-soil contact.
Sub-area / crawlspace — where accessible we go under the home to inspect piers, girders, subfloor, and plumbing for subterranean activity and moisture.
Interior — baseboards, door and window frames, bathrooms, the kitchen, and any prior repairs are probed and tapped for hollow wood.
Attic — we inspect rafters, sheathing, and eaves, where drywood termites commonly establish in older Fresno homes.
Garage & detached structures — sheds, fences, and garages are often the first wood drywood termites reach.
Moisture & conducive conditions — leaks, irrigation overspray, and poor drainage that attract termites are documented so you can correct them.
What’s in your termite inspection report
After the inspection you get a clear, written report that spells out:
Whether termites are present — and which type, subterranean or drywood.
Exactly where activity and damage were found, with locations noted.
The conducive conditions — moisture, wood-to-soil contact, cellulose debris — that put the home at risk.
Our recommended treatment, whether that’s a localized treatment, soil barrier, baiting, or fumigation.
A standard inspection is different from a California WDO (Wood Destroying Organisms) report used in escrow. If you’re in a real-estate transaction, you’ll need a documented report with Section 1 and Section 2 findings and, often, a clearance letter.
How much does a termite inspection cost in Fresno?
The cost of a termite inspection depends mainly on the size and layout of the home, how accessible the crawlspace and attic are, and whether you need a standard inspection or a documented WDO report for escrow. Rather than quote a number that may not fit your home, we give you a clear price up front when you call. In many cases, if you move forward with treatment, the inspection is rolled into the job — ask about a no-cost inspection when you book.
How often should you have your home inspected?
For most Fresno-area homes, an annual or every-other-year termite inspection is the right cadence — more often if you’ve had termites before, live in an older neighborhood with drywood pressure, or have ongoing moisture issues. Homes under a termite warranty or bond are usually inspected on a set schedule as part of the coverage.
Termite inspection FAQ
How long does a termite inspection take?
For an average Fresno home, plan on 45 minutes to an hour. Larger homes or those with hard-to-access crawlspaces and attics can take longer.
Do I need to be home, or move out?
You don't need to leave — a standard inspection is non-invasive. We do need access to the attic, garage, crawlspace, and areas like under sinks, so clearing those spots beforehand helps.
Is the termite inspection no-cost?
We quote the inspection up front when you call. If you move forward with treatment, we can often roll the inspection into the job — ask about a no-cost inspection when you book.
What’s the difference between a termite inspection and a WDO report?
A standard inspection tells you whether you have termites and what to do about it. A WDO (Wood Destroying Organisms) report is the formal, documented inspection used in California real-estate transactions, with Section 1 and Section 2 findings. See our escrow & WDO inspection page.
What happens if you find termites?
Your inspector explains exactly what was found, which species, and the right treatment — subterranean termites usually call for a soil barrier or baiting, while drywood termites may need localized treatment or whole-house fumigation. You get a clear plan and price before any work begins.
How often should I get my home inspected?
Annually or every other year for most Central Valley homes — and more often if you’ve had termites, live in an older drywood-prone neighborhood, or have moisture problems.
What is a Section 1 clearance on a termite report?
A Section 1 clearance means a licensed inspector found and corrected all active infestations and visible damage — live termites, fungus, or dry rot — and re-certified the property. Lenders and buyers usually require this Section 1 clearance before they will close escrow on a California home.
Part of our full service: see all our Fresno pest & termite inspections — including real-estate WDO/escrow reports, bed bug, and rodent inspections.
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