Top Termite Inspection in Burbank, California Ranked

A termite inspection is a specialized assessment of your property to detect the presence of wood-destroying organisms, primarily termites. In Burbank, this service is vital for protecting your home from costly structural damage caused by local subterranean and drywood termite species. This guide explains what a termite evaluation entails, what inspectors look for, and how you can use this information to connect with qualified local professionals who can safeguard your investment.

HomeShield Pest Control

6108 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034

HomeShield Pest Control offers eco-friendly pest control services in Los Angeles, CA. They specialize in residential and commercial pest management, including bed bug treatment, rodent control, termite inspections, and mosquito control. The company uses green pesticide solutions from EcoSMART, focusing on child and pet safety. HomeShield serves a broad area including Sacramento, the Bay Area, Orange County, San Diego, the Inland Empire, and South Florida. They emphasize a professional and ethical approach to pest control and provide a 100% service satisfaction guarantee with unlimited maintenance calls.

5.0

2.9k Reviews

HomeShield Pest Control

2340 E Artesia Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90805

HomeShield Pest Control offers eco-friendly pest control services in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in residential and commercial pest management. Their services include bed bug treatment, rodent control, termite inspections, and mosquito control, using green products from EcoSMART. The company emphasizes safe, child- and pet-friendly solutions and provides a 100% service satisfaction guarantee with unlimited maintenance calls. HomeShield serves a broad area including Sacramento, the Bay Area, Orange County, San Diego, the Inland Empire, and South Florida.

5.0

1.1k Reviews

HomeShield Pest Control

716 Yarmouth Rd Suite 208, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

HomeShield Pest Control offers eco-friendly pest control services in Long Beach, CA, focusing on child and pet-safe solutions. They provide a range of services including termite control, rodent control, bed bug treatment, mosquito control, and commercial pest management. HomeShield uses green insecticides from EcoSMART and guarantees satisfaction with each visit, including unlimited maintenance calls between scheduled services. The company serves multiple regions in California and South Florida, emphasizing a responsible and ethical approach to pest control.

5.0

351 Reviews

CVA Exterminators, Inc.

28150 Ave Crocker Suite 211, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

CVA Exterminators, Inc. provides pest control services in Santa Clarita, CA, specializing in residential and commercial pest management. With over 25 years of experience since 1998, they handle a variety of pests including ants, termites, cockroaches, rodents, and spiders. The company offers thorough inspections and custom treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each property, emphasizing eco-friendly methods that prioritize safety for children, pets, and the environment. Their service area includes Santa Clarita and surrounding communities such as Valencia, Newhall, Saugus, Canyon Country, and Agua Dulce.

5.0

255 Reviews

HomeShield Pest Control

2100 N Sepulveda Blvd #15, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

HomeShield Pest Control offers eco-friendly pest control services in Los Angeles, CA. They specialize in home and commercial pest management, including bed bug treatment, rodent control, termite inspections, and mosquito control. The company uses green pesticide solutions from EcoSMART, focusing on child and pet safety. HomeShield serves a broad area including Sacramento, the Bay Area, Orange County, San Diego, the Inland Empire, and South Florida. Their team is experienced in addressing local pest challenges with a commitment to responsible and ethical service.

5.0

218 Reviews

See more providers in Burbank, CA

Why Termite Inspections Are Critical in Burbank

Burbank's climate is conducive to termite activity year-round. These pests work silently, often causing significant damage before homeowners are aware of an infestation. A professional termite inspection, or WDO (Wood-Destroying Organism) report, is your first line of defense. It provides a clear picture of your home's vulnerability, identifying not only active infestations but also conditions that could attract future problems ¹. For homeowners, it's a preventative measure; for buyers and sellers, it's often a required step in the real estate transaction process to ensure the property's integrity ².

Common Termite Species in the Burbank Area

Understanding your enemy is key. Burbank homes are primarily threatened by two types of termites, each with distinct behaviors and signs.

• Subterranean Termites: These are the most common and destructive species in California. They live in colonies underground and build distinctive "mud tubes" to travel between their nest and food sources (the wood in your home) without being exposed to air ^{1 3}. Inspectors pay close attention to your home's foundation, soil contact points, and any areas of excess moisture, as these termites are attracted to damp wood ⁴.
• Drywood Termites: Unlike their subterranean cousins, drywood termites infest dry, sound wood and do not require contact with soil. They often enter through attic vents or under roof eaves. Their telltale sign is the presence of frass-small, granular fecal pellets that they push out of their kick-out holes ^{5 6}. These pellets can accumulate on windowsills, in attics, or on the floor below infested wood.

What Does a Termite Inspector Look For?

A certified inspector conducts a thorough, systematic examination of your property, both inside and out. Their trained eye looks for specific evidence of termites and conditions that invite them.

Exterior Inspection Points:

• Mud Tubes: pencil-sized tunnels of soil and saliva on foundation walls, piers, sill plates, or in crawl spaces ^{7 8}.
• Wood-to-Soil Contact: Where siding, trim, or deck posts touch the soil, creating a direct highway for termites.
• Cracks in Foundation: Even hairline cracks can provide entry points.
• Damaged or Rotting Wood: Probing exterior wood with a tool to check for hollow spots or softness.
• Vegetation and Debris: Overgrown plants, mulch, or stored wood against the house creates moisture and hiding spots ^{9 10}.

Interior Inspection Points:

• Frass: The wood-colored pellets left by drywood termites.
• Discarded Wings: Swarmers (reproductive termites) shed their wings after finding a mate, often leaving piles near light sources or windows.
• Visual Wood Damage: This includes blistered or peeling paint (which can indicate moisture from termites within), sagging floors, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped ⁵.
• Structural Checks: Inspectors will examine baseboards, door and window frames, crawl space joists, and attic rafters for signs of tunneling or weakness ¹.

Conducive Conditions: A key part of the inspection is identifying factors that promote termite activity. This includes plumbing leaks, poor drainage, inadequate ventilation in crawlspaces, and excessive indoor humidity ⁸. Addressing these issues is often as important as treating an active infestation.

The Termite Inspection Process: Step-by-Step

Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and get the most out of your inspection.

1. Preparation: Before the inspector arrives, you can facilitate a more thorough check by clearing access to key areas. Move items away from perimeter walls in basements and garages, clear out crawl space access, and ensure attic areas are reachable ^{9 11}.
2. Exterior and Interior Scan: The inspector will methodically walk the perimeter of your home and then move inside, using flashlights, probes, and moisture meters to examine all accessible wood members ^{7 12}.
3. Evidence Collection & Documentation: If evidence is found, the inspector will document it with notes and photographs. They may collect a sample of frass or damaged wood for identification.
4. The Report: You will receive a detailed written report of the findings. For real estate transactions, this is often a formal Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection Report or a "Termite Report" that divides findings into Section 1 (active infestation or damage that needs correction) and Section 2 (conducive conditions that could lead to future infestation) ². The report will include recommended next steps, which may range from monitoring and correcting moisture issues to recommending a treatment plan from a licensed pest management professional.

Understanding Termite Inspection Costs in Burbank

The cost of a termite inspection in Burbank is generally an affordable investment in peace of mind. For a standard inspection of a typical single-family home (under 2,500 sq ft), homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $150 ^{2 13}. Several factors can influence this price:

• Size and Complexity: Larger homes, properties with multiple structures, or those with difficult-to-access crawl spaces or attics may see prices ranging from $150 to $250 or more ¹³.
• Escrow or WDO Report: If you need a formal report for a real estate sale, refinance, or loan, there is typically an additional fee. This can add $75 to $100+ to the base inspection cost ^{2 13}.
• Follow-up Services: The inspection quote is typically for the assessment only. Any recommended treatments (like localized spot treatments, bait systems, or whole-structure fumigation) are separate services with their own costs.

How Often Should You Get a Termite Inspection?

Industry experts and California state recommendations strongly advise an annual termite inspection. Given the persistent threat in Southern California, yearly check-ups are the best way to catch an infestation in its earliest, most treatable stages. Additionally, you should always schedule an inspection:

• Before Buying a Home: This is non-negotiable in most California real estate transactions.
• Before Selling a Home: Having a recent, clear report can streamline the sale.
• If You Notice Signs: Seeing frass, mud tubes, swarmers, or unexplained wood damage warrants an immediate call.
• After Significant Weather: Heavy rains or flooding can drive termites indoors and create new moisture issues.

Choosing a Qualified Inspector in Burbank

Not all inspections are equal. When selecting a provider for your termite inspection, look for:

• Licensing: Ensure the company is licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB).
• Experience & Reputation: Look for established local companies with strong reviews and a history in the Burbank area.
• Detailed Reporting: Choose a provider known for thorough, easy-to-understand reports with photographs.
• No Conflict of Interest: While many companies offer both inspections and treatments, a quality inspector will provide an unbiased assessment. Some homeowners prefer an inspection-only service to avoid any pressure to purchase unnecessary treatments.

Frequently asked questions

Sources