THE FRONTLINE OF EXTERMINATION   •   License #14169 • Bonded & Insured   •   Bay Area (510) 557-4918   |   Monterey Bay (831) 440-6169
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BAY AREA & MONTEREY BAY / TERMITE INSPECTIONS

Termite Inspections.
Clear answers.
Confident next steps.

Professional termite inspections for homeowners, buyers, sellers and real estate agents across the Bay Area and Monterey Bay. We look for termite activity and wood damage, explain the findings and help you plan your next step.
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Bay Area: (510) 557-4918
Monterey Bay: (831) 440-6169

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Vanguard technician inspecting a home's exterior
YOUR INSPECTION, AT A GLANCE

What a Termite Inspection Includes

  • A visual evaluation of accessible interior and exterior areas
  • A check for termite activity, wood damage and conditions of concern
  • Clear findings and recommendations for treatment or repairs, if needed
Buying or selling? Mention your escrow deadline and report needs when you call.

When to Schedule a Termite Inspection

You do not need to identify the species or choose a treatment first. Start by telling us what you have noticed and why you need the inspection.
01

You have noticed a change.

Droppings, discarded wings, mud tubes or damaged wood deserve a closer look. Other issues can look similar, so an inspection helps clarify the concern.
02

You are buying or selling.

Understand the condition of the property and discuss the inspection or report requested for your transaction.
03

You want to check a past concern.

Previous activity, repairs or treatment can be a reason to discuss a follow-up evaluation and the right inspection schedule.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Areas Checked During a Termite Inspection

An inspection evaluates visible evidence of termite activity, past damage and conditions that may warrant attention. Your inspector explains what was observed and which areas could not be evaluated.

Inside and around the structure

Depending on access and the agreed scope, areas may include attics, crawl spaces, garages, foundations, exterior siding and visible wood around doors or windows.

Evidence and conditions

The evaluation may identify termite droppings, discarded wings, mud tubes, wood damage or moisture concerns. Not every sign confirms an active infestation.
Know the limits: A visual inspection does not expose every concealed area. Restricted access or hidden damage may require additional evaluation.
Termites and visibly damaged wood
SPOT THE SIGNS EARLY

Common Signs of Termites

Between inspections, watch for changes in and around your home. Signs to discuss with your inspector include:
  • Hollow or visibly damaged wood
  • Cracked or bubbling paint
  • Discarded wings near windows or doors
  • Small holes in drywall
  • Mud tubes along the foundation
  • Swollen wood or floors
Other problems can cause similar changes. A professional inspection helps identify the cause and the appropriate next step.
Schedule a termite inspection
FROM FIRST CALL TO NEXT STEP

Our Termite Inspection Process

01 / SCHEDULE

Tell us about the property.

Share the address, property type, reason for the visit and any access constraints. For a sale, include the closing date and report requirements.
02 / INSPECT

Walk through the findings.

The inspector evaluates accessible areas and explains observed concerns. Point out the exact places where you have noticed signs or changes.
03 / PLAN

Review your options.

Discuss the findings, documentation and any recommendations. If treatment or repairs are proposed, review the scope and estimate before scheduling.
Start an inspection request
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

How to Prepare for Your Termite Inspection

The office can confirm preparation instructions for your property. Let the team know about access or mobility constraints before the appointment.
  • Make accessible attic and crawl-space entry points available.
  • Clear a practical path to areas where you have noticed concerns.
  • Arrange entry to locked rooms, garages or gates that need evaluation.
  • Have previous inspection reports or treatment records ready, if available.
  • Photograph signs and record where you found them.
  • Keep pets secured during the visit and share relevant access instructions.
Do not move heavy items or enter confined spaces to prepare. Ask the office what can be safely left for the visit.
BUYING, SELLING OR REPRESENTING A CLIENT?

Termite Inspections for Real Estate & Escrow

For an escrow inspection, share the address, access contact, anticipated closing date and requested documentation. Confirm report timing and fees before booking.
A transaction may have specific lender or contract requirements. Confirm those with the parties handling your sale so the inspection request matches what is needed.
Discuss an escrow inspection

Inspection pricing & documentation

The scope of the visit matters. Contact the office to confirm inspection pricing, any applicable offer, and the cost of transaction reports or reinspections before you book.
PROPERTY CHECK

Homeowner Inspections

Explain your concern and ask what is included in the inspection appointment.
ESCROW REPORT

Real Estate & Escrow Inspections

Specify the report needed, recipients and deadline. Confirm fees and expected delivery timing.
REINSPECTION

Follow-Up Inspections

Share prior reports, the work completed and any new signs. Ask which follow-up scope is appropriate.
IF TREATMENT OR REPAIRS ARE RECOMMENDED

Treatment & Repair Options After Inspection

TREATMENT

Local treatment

Explore treatment of identified areas of activity.

Learn about local treatment
TREATMENT

Fumigation

Learn about a whole-structure option for drywood termite activity.

Learn about fumigation
REPAIRS

Termite Damage & Wood Repairs

Discuss repairs to compromised wood identified during evaluation.

Explore repair services
Ask for the written warranty and follow-up terms associated with any proposed service. An inspection itself is not a guarantee against future termite activity.
COMMON QUESTIONS

Termite Inspection FAQs

How long does a termite inspection take?

Allow approximately one to two hours for many properties. Size, access and the inspection scope can change that estimate. Ask the office how much time to allow when scheduling.

Do I need an inspection if I have not seen termites?

Visible signs are only one reason to request an inspection. A home purchase, prior termite activity, wood damage or a maintenance concern can also be a reason to have accessible areas evaluated.

Can an inspector see inside every wall?

A visual inspection is limited to areas that can be accessed and evaluated. Concealed spaces and inaccessible areas may need further evaluation. Ask your inspector to explain any limitations in the findings.

Is an inspection the same as treatment?

No. An inspection evaluates the property and informs recommendations. Treatment and repairs have their own proposed scope and estimate and are scheduled separately.

Is a termite inspection free?

Contact the office to confirm the fee or any applicable inspection offer for your property. Ask specifically about pricing if you need a real estate report, reinspection or other documentation.

Can you help with an escrow inspection?

Yes. Provide the property address, access instructions, closing date and requested report details. The office will confirm availability, fees and expected report timing.

Should I clean up the droppings before the visit?

Photograph what you found and note its location. If practical, leave the evidence undisturbed so the inspector can examine it. Ask the office if you need specific preparation guidance.

What happens if termite activity is found?

The team explains the findings and recommended next steps. Depending on the property and activity, options may include local treatment, fumigation or repairs. Review the proposed scope and written estimate before authorizing work.

LOCAL SUPPORT, TWO BRANCHES

Request your
termite inspection.

Tell us about your property and the reason for your visit. The office will follow up to confirm availability and appointment details.

Redwood City

3102 Rolison Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063
(510) 557-4918

Watsonville

22 Walker St, Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 440-6169
Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Submitting a request does not reserve an appointment.
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