1. Less Than Thorough Inspections Many large termite companies tend to conduct inspections that are less detailed than they should be. Here’s why:

• Focus on Selling Fumigation: Once termites are detected, their main goal is often to sell you on fumigation. This is because their companies don’t offer comprehensive, non-tenting solutions. Since fumigation is their go-to solution, there’s little incentive to perform a deep inspection, as fumigation theoretically addresses all infestations.

• Overloaded Schedules: With too many inspections to complete in a day, thoroughness often takes a backseat.

2. Lack of Visual Evidence If an inspector claims to have found termite evidence in your attic or crawl space but fails to provide photographic proof, be cautious. Most customers are unlikely to inspect these areas themselves, and even if they did, they might not recognize termite evidence. A good inspector will always document their findings with photos and share them with you.
3. Minimal Attic or Crawl Space Inspections Inspectors who only stick their heads into the attic or crawl space without crawling through are not being thorough. These areas are critical in termite inspections, despite being unpleasant to navigate. Inspectors from larger companies may skip detailed inspections if they’ve already identified termites elsewhere, like in the eaves. You might think inspecting an attic or crawlspace isn’t necessary if you’re tenting for termites, but it’s crucial. Termite droppings don’t decompose, so identifying and addressing all infestation areas helps prevent old evidence from being mistaken for new activity later on.
4. No Walkthrough of Findings An inspection should not end with a simple statement like, “You have termites.” A diligent inspector will:

• Walk you around the property and show you every area of infestation.
• Clearly mark all findings on a graph, even if recommending fumigation.
• Ensure the termite report is a comprehensive snapshot of your home’s condition. This documentation is crucial for follow-up inspections and warranty purposes, as fumigation is not infallible.

5. Minimum Charges for All Jobs Some companies charge a flat rate regardless of whether you have one or ten areas of infestation. This practice often stems from management’s lack of trust in their inspectors’ pricing abilities, which is usually due to inexperience.
6. Offering Unnecessary Services Certain companies push inspectors to offer unrelated services like pest control, rodent exclusion, or mosquito control during a termite inspection. While it’s reasonable to suggest solutions for genuine needs, creating unnecessary ones is a red flag.
7. Inspector Vehicles Pay attention to the type of vehicle the inspector drives. If they’re using a small car like a Prius, it’s likely they don’t handle termite treatments, as California law prohibits storing chemicals in passenger compartments. Inspectors who don’t perform treatments might underestimate the time and effort required, leading to inaccurate pricing. Additionally, if one person inspects and another treats, you’ll face more appointments and scheduling challenges.
8. Lack of Proper Tools Inspectors without a long pole capable of reaching second-story eaves cannot conduct a proper inspection of your home. This tool is essential for thoroughly checking hard-to-reach areas.

Conclusion Not all termite companies are created equal. Price comparisons alone aren’t enough. Ensure your inspector is thorough, transparent, and prioritizes inspection over sales. Look for someone who shares their findings, provides visual evidence, and demonstrates professionalism throughout the process.