Best Termite Inspection in Virginia Ranked

A termite inspection is a critical evaluation of a property for evidence of wood-destroying insects like termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles. In Virginia, this process is especially important for homebuyers using VA loans, where it may be a mandatory step to secure financing. This guide explains the inspection process, costs, and requirements, helping you understand what to expect and how to find a qualified local professional to protect your investment.

ClearDefense Pest Control

1108 E Main St #904, Richmond, VA 23219

ClearDefense Pest Control offers pest control services in Richmond, VA, focusing on household pests including cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes, and spiders. The company provides inspections and extermination services to manage and reduce pest populations effectively. ClearDefense Pest Control serves multiple locations beyond Richmond, indicating a broader service reach.

5.0

5.0k Reviews

Accel Pest & Termite Control

105 E St Suite 200, Hampton, VA 23661

Accel Pest & Termite Control provides comprehensive pest management services in Virginia Beach, VA. They offer treatments for a wide range of pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, bees, and wasps. The company is QualityPro accredited and serves various neighborhoods with specialized pest control plans tailored to the specific pest problem. Accel uses recognized termite treatment options like Termidor® and Sentricon® and has over a decade of experience in the industry.

5.0

1.4k Reviews

Final Analysis Property Inspections

5520 Greenwich Rd Suite 205, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Final Analysis Property Inspections is a termite inspection company serving Norfolk, VA, and the broader Hampton Roads area including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Established in 1991, the company provides detailed home and commercial inspection services with a focus on termite and moisture inspections, including photographic and video documentation of any damage found. Their inspectors are certified, licensed, and experienced professionals who use advanced tools such as infrared thermal imaging to enhance inspection accuracy.

5.0

1.2k Reviews

U.S. Pest Control

4272 Creighton Rd, Richmond, VA 23223

U.S. Pest Control is a locally owned and family-operated pest control company based in Richmond, VA. They provide services for residential and commercial properties, including cockroach, ant, rodent, and termite control, as well as crawl space encapsulation and total property inspections. The company offers thorough pest management plans and works closely with homeowners and real estate professionals to ensure accurate inspections and effective treatments. U.S. Pest Control stands behind its work with a service guarantee, returning at no cost if pests reappear between visits.

5.0

760 Reviews

Frontline Pest and Termite of Richmond

6836 Atmore Dr, Richmond, VA 23225

Frontline Pest and Termite of Richmond provides residential pest control services in Richmond, VA. With over 18 years of experience, they offer treatments for general pests, termite prevention, rodent exclusion, and mosquito reduction. Their licensed technicians use safe and effective methods to protect homes and families. The company emphasizes customer satisfaction and employee education, backing their work with a satisfaction guarantee.

5.0

606 Reviews

See more providers in Virginia

Understanding Termite and WDI Inspections

A termite inspection, often formally called a Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection, is a visual examination conducted by a licensed professional. The goal is to identify past or present activity from insects that consume or damage the structural wood in a home. In Virginia's climate, subterranean termites are a prevalent threat, but inspectors also look for carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and powderpost beetles ^{1 2}. The inspection results are documented on a standard form, which is crucial for real estate transactions.

When is a Termite Inspection Required in Virginia?

The most common trigger for a mandatory inspection is the home buying process, particularly for certain types of mortgages.

• VA Loans: For veterans and active-duty service members using a VA loan, a WDI inspection is required if the VA appraiser notes the property is in a "moderate to heavy" termite risk area or observes signs of potential infestation or damage during the appraisal ^{3 4 5}. Even without a noted concern, many lenders and realtors in Virginia recommend one as a standard precaution.
• Conventional & FHA Loans: While not always mandatory, lenders may require an inspection if the appraiser sees evidence of pests. It is a common contingency in most Virginia real estate purchase contracts.
• Routine Home Maintenance: Outside of real estate transactions, homeowners are advised to get a professional inspection annually or bi-annually as a preventative measure to catch problems early.

The Inspection Process: What to Expect

A thorough WDI inspection in Virginia follows a standardized procedure to ensure no critical area is missed.

Who Conducts It: The inspection must be performed by a licensed pest control professional or a qualified home inspector certified for WDI inspections ^{1 2}.

What Gets Inspected: The inspector will examine all accessible areas of the property, including:

• Interior and exterior foundation walls
• Crawl spaces, basements, and attics
• Window and door frames
• Wood siding, decks, fences, and sheds
• Around plumbing penetrations and utility lines

They look for telltale signs like mud tubes (used by subterranean termites), frass (insect droppings), damaged or hollow-sounding wood, shed wings, and live insects ^{2 6}.

The Report: Findings are documented on the official NPMA-33 WDI Inspection Report form. This is the industry-standard document required for VA loan compliance and is widely accepted in all real estate transactions ^{4 2}. The report will state whether evidence of active or past infestation was found and will include recommendations for any treatment or repairs needed.

VA Loan Requirements and the NPMA-33 Form

For VA loan transactions in Virginia, understanding the specific rules is essential.

• The NPMA-33 Form: This is the only acceptable report for VA loan compliance. It provides a consistent format for documenting findings ^{4 2}. Always ensure your inspector will use this form.
• Timing: The inspection must typically be completed within 90 days of the loan closing date ^{1 7}.
• Requirements for Active Issues: If the inspection finds active infestation or damage affecting the home's structural integrity, the VA mandates that the issue be treated and necessary repairs completed before the loan can close ^{3 6}. The work must usually be verified by a follow-up inspection or contractor's receipt.
• Recent Rule Changes: As of July 2025, VA borrowers are now allowed to pay for the termite inspection themselves, whereas previously it was often a seller-paid item ⁸. This provides more flexibility in negotiations.

Costs and Who Pays for the Inspection

The financial aspect of an inspection is straightforward, while treatment costs can vary significantly.

• Inspection Fee: In Virginia, a standard WDI inspection typically costs between $50 and $200, with most falling in the $75 to $150 range ^{1 7 9}. The price depends on the property's size, age, and location.
• Treatment & Repair Costs: If active pests are found, treatment costs are highly variable. Localized treatments for a small area may cost a few hundred dollars, while whole-structure fumigation (tenting) for a severe drywood termite infestation can range from $1,200 to $2,500 or more ^{1 9}. Repairing structural damage is an additional cost that can vary widely based on extent.
• Who Pays: This is always negotiable between the buyer and seller. Traditionally, the seller often paid for the inspection report in a VA transaction. With the new rules, the buyer can now pay ⁸. Payment for any required treatments is also negotiable but is frequently addressed in the sales contract, with sellers often agreeing to pay to ensure the sale proceeds.

How to Prepare for an Inspection

A little preparation can ensure the inspection is thorough and efficient.

1. Ensure Access: Clear clutter away from foundation walls, in basements, and in crawl space access points. Make sure attic hatches are accessible.
2. Address Moisture: Since pests are attracted to moisture, fix leaky faucets, ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation, and improve ventilation in damp crawl spaces ⁷.
3. Trim Vegetation: Cut back shrubs, vines, and tree branches that are touching the house, as these can provide bridges for pests.
4. Move Items: Pull furniture, boxes, and stored items at least a foot away from interior walls in basements and garages.

Choosing a Qualified Inspector in Virginia

Selecting the right professional is key. Look for:

• Virginia State License: Confirm the individual or company holds a current pest control license from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• Experience with Real Estate: Choose an inspector familiar with the NPMA-33 form and the timing pressures of real estate closings.
• Insurance: Ensure they carry errors and omissions (E&O) and general liability insurance.
• Detailed Reporting: They should provide a clear, comprehensive NPMA-33 report with photos of any findings.
• Local Knowledge: A professional familiar with Virginia's common pest threats (like subterranean termites) and housing styles will be more effective.

Frequently asked questions

Sources