For most Fresno homeowners, a termite inspection is worth it. It costs far less than repairing termite damage; homeowners’ insurance usually won’t cover it, and the two termites common in the Central Valley are hard to spot until they have been feeding for a while.
Valley Wide Pest Control inspects homes across Fresno and Clovis, and this guide gives an honest look at when an inspection pays off, when it matters less, and how often to schedule one.
Are Termite Inspections Worth the Cost?
A termite inspection is worth the cost when it catches activity early, before damage spreads into framing, eaves, or floors. The inspection itself is a modest, predictable expense. Termite repairs are not, because the bill depends on how long the colony has been working and how much wood has to be replaced.
The problem is large. The National Pest Management Association estimates that subterranean termites alone cause about $5 billion in damage to U.S. structures every year, and most of that is found only after the damage has happened.
Why Termites Are Hard to Spot in Fresno Homes
Fresno homes face two very different termites, and neither one announces itself. That’s why a trained inspection is worth more than a quick look around the yard.
| Western drywood termite | Western subterranean termite | |
| Where it lives | Inside dry wood: attics, eaves, fascia, window frames, furniture | Underground colony; travels up through mud tubes |
| Main sign | Six-sided fecal pellets below tiny kickout holes | Mud tubes on foundations, crawl space piers, or slab edges |
| Swarm timing | Summer and fall | Warm, sunny days after fall or spring rains |
| Typical treatment | Professional local treatment or fumigation | Soil treatment or baits around the structure |
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites live entirely inside wood and never need contact with soil. According to the UC Statewide IPM Program, their range extends into the Central Valley, and the products needed to control them are not available to the general public. Small piles of six-sided pellets are often the first clue, but confirming how far an infestation has spread takes a trained inspector.
Subterranean Termites
The western subterranean termite is California’s most destructive termite. Its colonies live in the soil and reach wood through pencil-width mud tubes, often in crawl spaces or behind stucco where homeowners rarely look. Damage follows the grain inside the wood, so a board can look fine on the surface while it is hollow inside.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
Standard homeowners insurance policies generally exclude termite damage. Insurers treat termites as a preventable maintenance issue, not a sudden accident, so the homeowner usually pays for treatment and repairs. Check your own policy, but plan as if you are not covered.
That exclusion changes the math. An inspection is one of the few ways to limit a cost you would otherwise carry alone.
How Often Should You Get a Termite Inspection?
Most Fresno homeowners should schedule a professional termite inspection once a year. Annual inspections catch new colonies before they cause serious damage and give you a record of your home’s condition over time.
Some homes benefit from closer attention. Older homes, raised foundations with crawl spaces, homes with wood siding or wood-to-soil contact, and properties with past termite treatment should stay on a yearly schedule. Pairing inspections with preventative pest control helps catch moisture problems and other conditions that attract termites.
When an Inspection Matters Less
An annual inspection is less urgent for a newer home that had a clear inspection within the past year, has no wood touching soil, and shows no signs of swarmers or pellets. It is not wasted money in that case, but you can reasonably stretch the interval and check for warning signs yourself between visits.
Warning Signs to Watch for Between Inspections
- Winged termites or piles of discarded wings near windows and doors, especially after fall rains
- Small piles of sand-like pellets on windowsills, floors, or in the garage
- Mud tubes on the foundation, crawl space piers, or garage walls
- Paint that bubbles, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Doors and windows that suddenly stick
What Happens During a Termite Inspection?
A termite inspection is a room-by-room check of every accessible area for live termites, damage, and conditions that invite them. The inspector checks the attic, crawl space, garage, eaves, window and door frames, and exterior foundation, and notes moisture sources such as leaks or poor drainage.
Our full property protection inspections cover the home from attic to crawl space, so hidden areas get the same attention as the rooms you live in.
If we find termites, our termite control team recommends treatment matched to the species and size of the infestation.
If you are buying or selling rather than maintaining your current home, the process is different. Our guide to termite inspections for Fresno home sales explains what buyers and sellers should expect.
FAQ
How much does a termite inspection cost in Fresno?
Cost usually depends on the home’s size and access to the attic and crawl space.
How long does a termite inspection take?
Most single-family homes take about an hour, depending on size, attic and crawl space access, and how much storage blocks the walls and garage.
Is a home inspection the same as a termite inspection?
No. A general home inspector may note possible damage. Still, a termite inspection is done by a pest control professional who identifies the species, the extent of activity, and the treatment needed.
Can I treat drywood termites myself?
Not effectively in most cases. UC IPM notes that the products needed to control drywood termites aren’t available to the general public, so licensed professionals handle treatment.
What time of year is best for a termite inspection in Fresno?
Any time works, but many homeowners schedule in late summer or fall, when drywood termites swarm and subterranean termites often swarm after the first rains.
Do I need an inspection if I already had my home treated?
Yes. Treatments do not last forever, and a yearly inspection confirms the treatment is still working and catches new activity in untreated areas.
Schedule a Termite Inspection in Fresno
Valley Wide Pest Control is a veteran-led company that has served the Central Valley for more than 20 years, with 75+ years of combined team experience. We serve Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, Selma, Kerman, Reedley, and Visalia. Call (559) 285-8181 or get a free estimate to schedule your inspection.