What's the difference between a general home inspection and a termite inspection?

A general home inspection evaluates the overall condition and systems of a house (roof, electrical, plumbing). A termite inspection is a specialized examination conducted by a licensed professional focused exclusively on evidence of wood-destroying insects and organisms, their damage, and conducive conditions.

How often should I get a termite inspection in Colton?

For ongoing protection, an annual termite check is recommended. It is also crucial to get an inspection before purchasing a home, if you notice any potential signs of termites, or if a neighboring property has had an infestation.

Are termite inspections required when selling a home in California?

While not always legally required by the state, most lenders will require a recent Termite Report (WDO Report) as a condition for a mortgage. It is a standard part of most real estate transactions in Southern California .

Can I perform my own termite inspection?

While homeowners can and should look for the obvious signs mentioned, a professional inspection is far more comprehensive. Licensed inspectors have the training, experience, and tools to identify subtle signs and access areas you might miss, providing a legally valid report for transactions.

What should I do to prepare my home for an inspection?

Ensure the inspector has clear access to your attic, crawlspace, garage interior, and all rooms. Move boxes and stored items away from foundation walls in basements and garages. It's also helpful to trim back any vegetation touching the house.

What does "Section 1" and "Section 2" mean on the report?

These are standard California categories. "Section 1" items are findings that require corrective action, like an active termite infestation or fungal decay. "Section 2" items are conditions that are likely to lead to a Section 1 issue if not addressed, such as excessive moisture or earth-to-wood contact .

If termites are found, does the inspector also do the treatment?

Many pest control companies offer both inspection and treatment services. However, you are never obligated to use the same company for treatment. Your inspection report provides an objective assessment that you can use to obtain multiple treatment bids.

Pest Control in Colton, CA,

A termite inspection is a vital assessment of your property for evidence of destructive wood-destroying organisms. In a region like Southern California, where termites are a constant threat, this service is essential for protecting your most valuable investment-your home. This guide will help you understand what a termite evaluation entails in Colton, why it's necessary, and how to find qualified local professionals to conduct a thorough examination.

Elite Group Inspection Professionals

9480 Utica Ave #608, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Elite Group Inspection Professionals offers comprehensive termite inspection and home inspection services in San Bernardino, CA. Serving the local community and surrounding Southern California areas, they provide detailed evaluations including termite inspections, mold testing, roof certification, and more. Established in 1984, Elite Group has extensive experience conducting thorough inspections with trained technicians. Their capabilities include specialized services such as sewer scope inspections and infrared thermal imaging to detect hidden issues.

5.0

1.4k Reviews

HomeShield Pest Control

850 E Parkridge Ave STE 113, Corona, CA 92879

HomeShield Pest Control offers eco-friendly pest control services in Irvine, CA, focusing on child and pet-safe solutions. They provide a range of services including home and commercial pest control, rodent and termite control, bed bug treatment, and mosquito control. HomeShield uses green pesticide products from EcoSMART, known for their 100% green insecticides. The company serves multiple regions including Orange County and the Inland Empire. They emphasize a professional and ethical approach to pest management and back their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and unlimited maintenance calls between scheduled services.

5.0

646 Reviews

ProCraft Pest Control

2315 W Foothill Blvd Ste 4, Upland, CA 91786

ProCraft Pest Control is a pest control and termite inspection company serving Fontana, CA. With over 20 years of experience in Southern California, they provide residential and commercial pest control services tailored to local pest challenges. Their licensed technicians use safe, quick-drying materials to treat homes and businesses, including termite eradication, helping protect properties from pest damage.

5.0

263 Reviews

Bug Baron Exterminator

fontana

Bug Baron Exterminator is a family-owned pest control company serving Fontana, CA, and the surrounding Inland Empire and San Bernardino County areas. They provide pest control services for homes and businesses, including treatment for bed bugs, ants, rodents, termites, and spiders. The company uses eco-friendly products and offers attic fogging as part of their initial service to target pests early. They also provide a one-year warranty on bed bug treatments for added assurance.

5.0

173 Reviews

Allied Pest Control

19751 Katy Way, Corona, CA 92881

Allied Pest Control is a local pest control company serving Irvine, CA, with a focus on year-round protection against common pests such as ants, cockroaches, termites, and rodents. Established in 2001, the company offers customized pest control plans that emphasize prevention, ongoing monitoring, and eco-friendly methods including integrated pest management (IPM). They provide expert fumigation services for severe infestations and prioritize using green products to minimize environmental impact.

5.0

121 Reviews

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Why Termite Inspections Are Critical in Colton

Colton's climate is highly conducive to termite activity. The warm temperatures and, in many areas, accessible soil moisture create an ideal environment for both subterranean and drywood termites to thrive. These pests work silently, often causing significant structural damage long before homeowners notice any signs. A professional termite inspection is your first and best defense, identifying active infestations, past damage, and conditions that could attract future colonies. Regular checks, especially before a real estate transaction or as part of routine home maintenance, can save you tens of thousands of dollars in repairs ¹ ².

Types of Termites Found in the Inland Empire

Local inspectors are trained to identify the two primary species that threaten Colton homes:

Subterranean Termites: The most common and destructive type in the area. They live in underground colonies and build distinctive mud tubes to travel between their nest and food sources (the wood in your home). They require contact with soil moisture to survive ¹ ³ ⁴.
Drywood Termites: These termites infest dry, sound wood and do not need contact with soil. They are often detected by the piles of pellet-like droppings, known as frass, that they push out of their kick-out holes. They can infest furniture, framing, and trim ¹ ⁴ ⁵.

What a Professional Inspector Looks For

A comprehensive termite inspection in Colton is a meticulous process. The inspector will examine both the interior and exterior of your property, focusing on common trouble spots.

Common Signs of Infestation:

Mud Tubes: Pencil-sized tunnels on foundation walls, in crawlspaces, or along pipes. These are a telltale sign of subterranean termites ¹ ².
Frass: Small, wood-colored pellets accumulating below kick-out holes, indicating drywood termite activity ³ ⁴.
Damaged Wood: Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, appears blistered, or is easily pierced by a screwdriver.
Discarded Wings: Piles of tiny, translucent wings near windowsills or doors, left behind by swarming termites (alates) ².
Exit Holes: Small, round holes in wood surfaces.

Conducive Conditions: Beyond active signs, inspectors identify factors that invite termites:

Wood-to-Soil Contact: Any structural wood, like siding or deck posts, touching the soil ⁶ ⁷.
Excessive Moisture: Leaky pipes, faulty grading, poor drainage, or inadequate ventilation in crawlspaces and attics ³ ⁶.
Debris & Cellulose Material: Wood piles, stored lumber, or even thick mulch directly against the foundation ⁷.

The Inspection Process: What to Expect

Knowing what happens during a termite check can help you prepare. A thorough inspection typically follows these steps:

Exterior Inspection: The inspector will walk the entire perimeter of your home, examining the foundation, stucco, vents, steps, and any attached structures like decks. They look for mud tubes, wood damage, and soil contact ¹ ⁶.
Interior Inspection: Every room, including closets, basements, and attics, will be checked. Special attention is paid to plumbing and utility entry points, window and door frames, and baseboards ³ ⁷.
Accessibility: For a complete assessment, the inspector will need clear access to your attic, crawlspace, and garage. Moving stored items away from walls and securing pets beforehand is helpful ⁶.
The Report: After the visual examination, you will receive a detailed report. In California, this often follows a standardized format that includes a diagram of your property, findings categorized as "Section 1" (active infestation) or "Section 2" (conducive conditions), photographs, and specific recommendations for treatment and repairs ⁷ ⁸.

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Understanding Inspection Costs in Colton

The cost of a termite inspection in Colton is generally reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential cost of undetected damage. Pricing is often based on the size and type of your property.

Basic Inspection (Under 2,500 sq. ft.): You can expect to pay between $100 and $150 for a standard visual inspection ⁸ ⁹.
Larger Homes (2,500-4,000 sq. ft.): The price typically ranges from $150 to $225 ⁸.
Official Escrow Report (WDO Report): If you need a formal report for a real estate transaction (often called a Wood Destroying Organism or Section 1 report), there is usually an additional fee of $75 to $100 on top of the inspection cost ⁸.
Treatment Costs: If treatment is recommended, costs are highly variable. Localized treatments for a small area may start in the hundreds of dollars, while whole-structure fumigation for drywood termites is a more significant investment. Your inspection report will provide the basis for specific treatment bids ⁸.

Beyond the Inspection: Next Steps

A termite inspection report is a roadmap for action. If no activity or concerning conditions are found, you gain peace of mind and a recommendation for when to schedule your next check-up. If issues are identified, the report will detail whether immediate treatment is needed (Section 1) or if corrective actions should be taken to prevent future problems (Section 2). Reputable inspectors can often provide referrals or bids for the necessary repair or treatment work, allowing you to address the issue promptly and protect your home's integrity ³ ⁶ ⁸.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Termite Control in California | Western Exterminator - https://www.westernexterminator.com/local-branches/california/termites ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵
What Happens During a Termite Inspection - Terminix - https://www.terminix.com/termite-control/inspection/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
The Value of Termite Inspections - Clark Pest Control - https://www.clarkpest.com/residential-service-blog-old/the-value-of-termite-inspections ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵
Complete Guide to Termite Inspection in Los Angeles - https://www.termikepestcontrol.com/post/termitei-nspection-los-angeles ↩ ↩² ↩³
Pest Control - https://www.calassoc-hoa.com/homeowners-association/general-information/pest-control/ ↩
Termite Inspections | Thrasher Termite & Pest Control, Inc. - https://thrasherpestcontrol.com/termite-control/termite-inspections/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵
Termite Inspection - https://www.specialtyteam.com/?page_id=301 ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
California Termite Inspection: Sections 1-3 Explained - https://www.usrealtytraining.com/blogs/termite-inspection-real-estate ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶
Termite Inspections for Homebuyers: Requirements & Costs - https://www.freedommortgage.com/learning-center/articles/termite-inspection-home-purchase ↩

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