Termite Inspection in Florida and Texas

A termite inspection is a visual examination of a structure for evidence of termites: active infestation, previous infestation, damage, and the conditions that invite it. What it does not automatically cover is fungi and wood-decay organisms. That wider scope is a wood destroying organism inspection.

"Termite inspection" is not itself a regulatory term. What an inspector issues for a Florida property sale is a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection report, from a licensed pest control business on a form the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services prescribes (Fla. Stat. 482.226).

Who is licensed to carry one out

Florida licenses pest control businesses through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), branch by branch, and each employee who performs WDO inspections must hold an FDACS identification card (section 482.091(9)). Texas licenses businesses through the Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service, with a termite category recorded against each licence.

Inspection is not the same as treatment

Many companies do both, and a free inspection is often offered by a company that sells treatment. That is a legitimate business model, but it is a different product from a paid independent report. If an inspection finds termites, get more than one written treatment quote before you sign.