Termite Inspection Sacramento (2026 Cost)

Last updated: March 29, 2026

By James — Founder of Pest Control Pricing

A termite inspection in Sacramento costs $75 to $200 for a paid independent evaluation, with the average around $125. Sacramento is one of the few California regions that has significant pressure from both subterranean and drywood termites, which means inspectors must check for two completely different types of infestations that require completely different treatments. Many pest control companies offer free inspections, though these come with a sales pitch. Real estate WDI (Wood Destroying Insect) reports for home sales run $100 to $175 in the Sacramento market. Prices last updated March 2026.

This guide covers the specific termite species Sacramento homeowners face, what an inspection includes for each species, how much it costs through different channels, how California's Section 1 and Section 2 classification system works, which Sacramento neighborhoods have the highest risk, when you need an inspection, what treatment costs if termites are found, and how to choose a qualified inspector. For national termite inspection pricing, see our termite inspection cost guide. For comprehensive Sacramento pest control pricing, see our Sacramento pest control cost guide.

What Termite Species Are in Sacramento?

Sacramento sits in a zone where two major termite groups overlap, creating a dual-threat that many other California cities do not face to the same degree. Both subterranean and drywood termites are active in the Sacramento metropolitan area, and each species behaves differently, enters homes through different pathways, causes different patterns of damage, and requires completely different treatment approaches. An inspector who checks for only one type and misses the other leaves the homeowner exposed.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are the more destructive of the two groups in Sacramento and the most economically damaging pest in the United States. The primary species in the Sacramento region is the western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus), though the arid-land subterranean termite (Reticulitermes tibialis) is also present in parts of the Sacramento Valley. These termites live in underground colonies in the soil and must maintain contact with ground moisture to survive. They reach the wood in your home by building mud tubes, which are pencil-width tunnels made of soil, saliva, and fecal material that bridge the gap between the soil and the wood structure above.

Subterranean termites attack from below. They enter through foundation cracks, expansion joints, plumbing penetrations, and any point where wood contacts or is close to soil. Sacramento homes with crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable because the crawl space provides a sheltered, humid environment where mud tubes can extend from the soil to floor joists and subfloor without being visible from the living space. Slab-on-grade homes are not immune; subterranean termites can travel through cracks in concrete slabs as narrow as 1/32 of an inch.

A mature subterranean termite colony contains 60,000 to one million workers. A colony of this size can consume roughly 5 to 10 pounds of wood per year. While this rate seems slow, the damage is cumulative and hidden inside structural members. By the time visible signs appear (sagging floors, warped door frames, hollow-sounding wood), the colony has often been feeding for years and structural damage may be significant.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites (Incisitermes minor, primarily the western drywood termite) are the second major termite threat in Sacramento. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need soil contact or ground moisture. They live entirely inside the wood they consume, extracting the small amount of moisture they need from the wood itself. This means they can infest any wooden member in the home regardless of its location, including attic rafters, window frames, door frames, fascia boards, hardwood floors, and furniture.

Drywood termites enter homes during their annual swarming flights, which in Sacramento occur from late August through November. Winged reproductive termites (alates) fly from existing colonies, shed their wings, pair up, and bore into an exposed wood surface to start a new colony. Common entry points include attic vents, gaps around window and door frames, exposed rafter tails, and any unfinished or unpainted wood surface. Once inside the wood, a pair of drywood termites can establish a colony that grows slowly over several years before producing visible signs.

The primary visible sign of a drywood termite infestation is frass, which consists of tiny, hexagonal fecal pellets that drywood termites push out of small "kick-out" holes in the infested wood. Frass accumulates in small piles below the infestation and looks like coarse sand or sawdust with a distinctive elongated, six-sided pellet shape. Homeowners often notice frass on windowsills, on the floor near baseboards, or in the attic.

Why Having Both Species Matters

The treatment for subterranean termites and drywood termites is completely different. Subterranean termite treatment targets the soil around and beneath the foundation, using liquid termiticide barriers or bait stations to intercept workers traveling between the colony and the structure. Drywood termite treatment targets the wood itself, using localized chemical injection for small infestations or whole-structure fumigation for widespread infestations. An inspector in Sacramento must methodically check for both species, examining both the subterranean entry points (foundation, crawl space, soil-to-wood contact) and the drywood indicators (frass, kick-out holes, attic wood members). Missing one type while treating the other leaves the home vulnerable.

What Does a Termite Inspection in Sacramento Include?

A thorough termite inspection in Sacramento takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for an average-sized home and involves a systematic visual examination of every accessible area of the structure. Because Sacramento has both subterranean and drywood termite pressure, the inspector must evaluate the home from the ground up and from the roof down, covering pathways used by both species. The inspection is non-invasive, meaning the inspector does not open walls or remove building materials, though they may tap or probe accessible wood with a screwdriver or similar tool to test for hollowness or softness.

Exterior Foundation and Perimeter

The inspector begins by walking the exterior perimeter of the home, examining the foundation for mud tubes, cracks, and any points where wood contacts or is close to the soil. In Sacramento, common exterior risk factors include stucco that extends to grade level (hiding the foundation-to-framing transition), planter beds or raised soil against the foundation, irrigation heads spraying directly on the foundation, untreated wood fence posts or trellis structures attached to the home, and firewood stacked against exterior walls. The inspector also checks the grading around the home to determine whether water drains away from the foundation or pools against it.

Garage

Sacramento garages are a common entry point for subterranean termites because the slab-to-framing transition is often exposed and accessible. The inspector examines the bottom plate (the horizontal wood member that sits on the concrete slab), the door frames, any storage shelving, and the ceiling area where the garage framing meets the attic or living space. Water heaters, washing machines, and other moisture sources in the garage create conditions that attract subterranean termites to nearby wood members.

Crawl Space or Basement

Many Sacramento homes, particularly those built before 1970 in neighborhoods like Land Park, Curtis Park, East Sacramento, and Midtown, have raised foundations with crawl spaces underneath. The crawl space inspection is one of the most critical parts of the evaluation because this is where subterranean termite activity is most commonly found. The inspector enters the crawl space and examines the foundation walls, piers, posts, floor joists, subfloor, and any plumbing penetrations for mud tubes, damaged wood, and moisture conditions. Crawl spaces with bare soil floors, poor ventilation, standing water, or high humidity are at elevated risk.

The crawl space is also where the inspector can most clearly see the structural framing and identify damage that would be hidden from above by finished floors and drywall. Sounding wood with a screwdriver (tapping to listen for hollow spots) and probing suspect areas are standard techniques in the crawl space.

Attic

The attic inspection targets drywood termites specifically. The inspector examines roof rafters, ridge boards, collar ties, and sheathing for frass, kick-out holes, damaged wood, and live termite activity. Sacramento attics can reach extreme temperatures during summer months, but drywood termites remain active in the wood even at high temperatures. The inspector also checks where the roof structure meets exterior walls, since this is a common entry point for drywood termite swarmers. Attic vents without screens or with damaged screens are flagged as conducive conditions.

Interior Living Space

Inside the home, the inspector checks baseboards, window frames, door frames, bathroom and kitchen areas (where moisture is highest), and any visible wood structural elements. Bathrooms are high-risk areas because ongoing moisture from showers, tubs, and plumbing creates conditions attractive to subterranean termites. The inspector looks for bubbling or peeling paint, sagging or soft spots in flooring, doors and windows that no longer close properly (which can indicate structural shifting from termite damage), and any visible frass piles.

Wood-to-Soil Contact

Any point where wood directly contacts soil provides a pathway for subterranean termites to bypass the foundation and enter the structure without building visible mud tubes. Common wood-to-soil contact points in Sacramento homes include porch posts or deck posts set directly into the ground, wood siding that extends below the soil line, basement or crawl space framing that contacts grade, planter boxes built against the home, and untreated landscape timbers or railroad ties near the foundation. The inspector documents all wood-to-soil contact points and recommends corrections.

The Inspection Report

After completing the physical inspection, the inspector produces a written report. In California, licensed inspectors use the SPCB (Structural Pest Control Board) Form 43, which is the standardized Wood Destroying Organism inspection report. This report documents all findings, categorizes them as Section 1 or Section 2 (explained in detail below), lists all areas that were inspected, notes any areas that were inaccessible, and provides treatment recommendations with estimated costs. The report typically takes 1 to 3 business days to complete and deliver after the physical inspection.

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost in Sacramento?

Termite inspection costs in Sacramento range from free to $200 depending on the type of inspection, who performs it, and the purpose of the evaluation. Understanding the different pricing tiers helps homeowners choose the right option for their specific situation.

Free Inspections from Treatment Companies

Many Sacramento pest control companies offer free termite inspections as a way to generate treatment leads. The inspector evaluates the home and, if termites are found, provides an on-the-spot treatment estimate. Free inspections are available from most major national companies (Terminix, Orkin, Aptive) and many regional and local Sacramento operators. The limitation of free inspections is that the inspector works on commission and has a financial incentive to recommend treatment. This does not mean the findings are fabricated, but the assessment may lean toward recommending treatment in borderline situations where an independent inspector might simply recommend monitoring.

Free inspections are appropriate when you suspect you have termites and want a professional evaluation before deciding on treatment. They are not appropriate for real estate transactions, which require a formal written report.

Paid Independent Inspections

Independent termite inspections from licensed inspectors who are not affiliated with a treatment company cost $100 to $200 in Sacramento. These inspections provide an unbiased assessment because the inspector is paid for the evaluation itself and does not profit from selling treatment. Independent inspections are the best option for homeowners who want an objective evaluation of their home's termite status without a sales pitch attached to the findings.

Real Estate WDI Reports

A WDI (Wood Destroying Insect) or WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) report for a Sacramento real estate transaction costs $100 to $175. This is a formal documented inspection using the California SPCB Form 43, which categorizes findings as Section 1 or Section 2. The report is a legal document that becomes part of the property disclosure record. Most Sacramento real estate agents have established relationships with inspection companies and can recommend a qualified inspector.

Annual Inspection Under a Termite Bond or Maintenance Plan

Homeowners who have had previous termite treatment often maintain an annual inspection agreement with the treatment company. These annual inspections cost $75 to $150 per year in Sacramento and include a visual inspection of the entire property with a written report. If the property is under a termite bond (a warranty that guarantees retreatment if termites return), the annual inspection may be included in the bond fee.

California SPCB Regulation

All termite inspections in California must be performed by a licensed Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) operator or registered company. The SPCB regulates the pest control industry in California, sets standards for inspections and reports, investigates complaints, and enforces compliance. Homeowners can verify a company's license status and check for complaints through the SPCB website. California's SPCB oversight provides a higher level of consumer protection than many other states, where termite inspection licensing requirements may be less stringent.

What Are California Section 1 vs Section 2 Findings?

California uses a unique classification system for termite inspection findings that homeowners in other states do not encounter. The SPCB Form 43 report divides all findings into two categories: Section 1 and Section 2. Understanding this distinction is critical for Sacramento homeowners, especially those involved in real estate transactions, because it directly affects which repairs are required, who pays for them, and whether a transaction can close.

Section 1: Active Infestations and Visible Damage

Section 1 findings are active infestations of wood-destroying organisms or infections (such as wood decay fungi), as well as the visible damage caused by these organisms. Examples of Section 1 findings include active subterranean termite infestations with live termites or fresh mud tubes, active drywood termite infestations with fresh frass or live termites, active wood-boring beetle infestations, wood decay (dry rot or wet rot) that has visibly damaged structural or non-structural wood members, and fungus damage to wood members.

Section 1 items require treatment or repair. In a real estate transaction, Section 1 findings are typically the seller's responsibility to address before the sale closes. Most lenders, especially VA lenders, will not fund a mortgage until all Section 1 items have been cleared. A "Section 1 clearance" is a supplemental report issued after treatment and repair, confirming that all active infestations have been addressed and the work has been completed according to the recommendations in the original report.

Section 2: Conditions Conducive to Infestation

Section 2 findings are conditions that do not involve active infestations but are likely to lead to future infestation if not corrected. Examples include excessive moisture in the crawl space, wood-to-soil contact (such as a fence post touching the foundation framing), insufficient ventilation in the crawl space, plumbing leaks that create moisture in wall cavities or under floors, earth-filled porches or planters against the foundation, debris in the crawl space (wood scraps, cardboard, paper), and missing or damaged attic vent screens that allow drywood termite swarmers to enter.

Section 2 items are recommendations, not requirements. In a real estate transaction, Section 2 findings are negotiable between the buyer and seller. Some buyers insist that all Section 2 items be corrected before closing, while others accept them as maintenance items to address after purchase. VA loans typically require only Section 1 clearance, but individual lenders may request Section 2 corrections depending on the severity of the findings.

How Section 1 and Section 2 Affect a Sacramento Home Sale

In the Sacramento real estate market, the termite inspection report carries significant weight in negotiations. A clean report with no Section 1 findings is a strong selling point. A report with Section 1 findings triggers a negotiation about who will pay for treatment and repair, with the seller typically responsible. The cost of Section 1 repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for a minor drywood spot treatment to $5,000 or more for extensive subterranean treatment plus repair of damaged structural members.

Section 2 findings are used as a negotiating tool by buyers who want to either reduce the sale price or have the seller make improvements before closing. Common Section 2 items in Sacramento homes include inadequate crawl space ventilation, minor wood-to-soil contact, and debris in the crawl space. These are typically inexpensive to correct (often under $500 total) but can become sticking points in negotiations if not addressed proactively.

Which Sacramento Neighborhoods Have the Highest Termite Risk?

Termite risk in Sacramento varies significantly by neighborhood based on the age of the housing stock, construction type, landscaping maturity, proximity to water sources, and soil conditions. While no part of the Sacramento metropolitan area is immune to termites, certain neighborhoods have consistently higher rates of termite findings on inspection reports.

Land Park and Curtis Park

Land Park and Curtis Park are among the highest-risk neighborhoods in Sacramento for termite activity. Homes in these areas were predominantly built in the 1920s through 1950s, with construction methods that predate modern termite prevention practices. Raised foundations with crawl spaces are standard, and the mature tree canopy, established landscaping, and proximity to Land Park's William Land Park create a moisture-rich environment ideal for subterranean termites. The older construction also means more exposed wood framing, more opportunities for wood-to-soil contact, and decades of potential undetected termite activity. Many Land Park and Curtis Park homes have had previous termite treatments, and reinfestation is common.

East Sacramento

East Sacramento, including the neighborhoods around Fabulous 40s, McKinley Park, and East Portal, has a housing stock similar in age and construction to Land Park and Curtis Park. Homes built in the 1920s through 1960s with raised foundations, hardwood floors, plaster walls, and mature landscaping dominate the area. The proximity to the American River corridor adds moisture to the environment. East Sacramento regularly shows up as one of the highest-activity areas for subterranean termites in Sacramento County pest control data.

Midtown and Oak Park

Midtown Sacramento features a mix of older homes (1900s through 1940s) and newer infill construction. The older Victorian and Craftsman-style homes are at elevated risk due to their age, construction type (wood frame with minimal foundation separation), and the neighborhood's dense urban canopy. Oak Park's housing stock dates primarily to the 1910s through 1950s, with similar risk factors. Both neighborhoods have areas where deferred maintenance has allowed wood-to-soil contact, plumbing leaks, and other conducive conditions to persist uncorrected.

Sacramento River and American River Corridors

Homes located near the Sacramento River, American River, and their associated creeks and flood channels face elevated subterranean termite risk due to higher soil moisture levels. The water table is closer to the surface in these areas, and the riparian vegetation provides a continuous habitat corridor for termite colonies. Neighborhoods along the Garden Highway, along the American River Parkway in Arden-Arcade and Rancho Cordova, and near Dry Creek in North Natomas are examples of areas where river-corridor moisture contributes to termite pressure.

Elk Grove, Natomas, Folsom, and Roseville

Newer suburban communities in Elk Grove, North Natomas, South Natomas, Folsom, and Roseville have more recent construction (1990s through present) that benefits from modern building codes requiring pre-construction termite treatment. Slab-on-grade foundations, which are standard in these newer developments, reduce subterranean termite risk compared to raised foundations with crawl spaces. However, newer homes are not immune. Subterranean termites can penetrate slab cracks, and drywood termites can enter any home through attic vents, gaps around windows, and unfinished wood surfaces regardless of the home's age.

Drywood termite infestations in newer Sacramento suburbs are increasingly common, particularly in homes where attic vents lack fine mesh screens. As the housing stock in these areas ages past the 10-year mark and pre-construction treatments degrade, subterranean termite activity is expected to increase as well.

When Do You Need a Termite Inspection in Sacramento?

There are several situations where a termite inspection is either required, strongly recommended, or prudent for Sacramento homeowners. The timing of the inspection matters because termite activity is seasonal, and different triggers call for different types of inspections.

When Buying a Home

A WDI (Wood Destroying Insect) inspection is standard practice in Sacramento real estate transactions. While California state law does not require a termite inspection for conventional mortgage loans, the inspection is so deeply embedded in Sacramento real estate practice that skipping it would be unusual and most buyers' agents would advise against it. VA loans, which are extremely common in Sacramento due to the city's proximity to multiple military installations (Mather, McClellan, Travis AFB), require a WDI inspection as a condition of the loan. FHA loans strongly recommend a termite inspection, and the lender may require one if the appraiser notes concerns about the property condition.

For buyers, the termite inspection protects against purchasing a home with hidden structural damage that could cost thousands of dollars to repair. The inspection report also provides negotiating leverage if Section 1 findings are present.

When Selling a Home

Sacramento sellers often order a pre-sale termite inspection before listing the property. A clean inspection report is a selling point that can accelerate the transaction and prevent surprises during the buyer's inspection period. If the pre-sale inspection reveals Section 1 findings, the seller can complete the treatment and repair before listing, obtaining a Section 1 clearance that tells prospective buyers the issue has been resolved. This proactive approach typically produces better outcomes than waiting for the buyer's inspection to uncover problems during negotiation.

When You See Signs of Termites

If you observe any of the following signs in your Sacramento home, schedule an inspection promptly. Mud tubes on the foundation, piers, or walls are the primary indicator of subterranean termites. These tubes are most commonly found in crawl spaces and on the exterior of the foundation, but they can appear on interior walls and in garages as well. Small piles of frass (hexagonal fecal pellets that resemble coarse sand) indicate drywood termites. Frass typically appears on windowsills, on floors near baseboards, or in the attic below infested rafters.

Swarmers are winged termites that emerge from mature colonies to start new colonies. Subterranean termite swarmers in Sacramento appear from March through May, usually after a warm rain event when daytime temperatures reach 70 degrees or higher. They are dark-bodied with translucent wings of equal length. Drywood termite swarmers appear from September through November, often during warm evenings. They are reddish-brown with smoky wings. Seeing swarmers inside your home, especially if you find discarded wings on windowsills or near light fixtures, is a strong indicator of an active infestation within the structure.

Other signs include doors or windows that suddenly stick or are difficult to open, soft or hollow-sounding wood when tapped, bubbling or peeling paint on wood surfaces, and sagging or buckling floors. For a complete list of signs, see our signs of termites guide.

Routine Annual Inspections

Annual termite inspections are recommended for all Sacramento homeowners, especially those with homes built before 1980, homes with crawl spaces, homes in older neighborhoods, or homes with a history of previous termite treatment. Annual inspections cost $75 to $150 and catch infestations early, when treatment is least expensive and structural damage is minimal. Given Sacramento's dual subterranean and drywood termite pressure, annual inspections provide a proactive defense that saves money in the long run. For more on when professional pest control is warranted, see our guide on when to call an exterminator.

What Does Treatment Cost If Termites Are Found?

If a termite inspection in Sacramento reveals an active infestation, treatment costs depend on the species identified, the size and location of the infestation, and the treatment method required. Here is a breakdown of typical treatment costs in the Sacramento market.

Subterranean Termite Treatment

Subterranean termite treatment in Sacramento uses one of two primary methods: liquid barrier treatment or bait station systems. Both methods target the colony in the soil and the connection between the colony and the structure.

Liquid barrier treatment involves applying termiticide (most commonly Termidor or an equivalent fipronil-based product) to the soil around and beneath the foundation. The termiticide creates a continuous treated zone that subterranean termites cannot cross without exposure. Workers that contact the treated soil carry the product back to the colony, where it spreads to other members through grooming and food sharing (transfer effect). Liquid barrier treatment in Sacramento costs $1,200 to $3,000 depending on the linear footage of the foundation, accessibility of treatment areas, and whether the home has a crawl space (easier to treat) or slab foundation (may require drilling). For detailed pricing, see our termite treatment cost guide.

Bait station systems (Sentricon, Trelona, Hex-Pro) involve installing monitoring stations in the soil around the foundation perimeter. Stations are checked periodically, and when termite activity is detected, active bait is placed in the station. Workers consume the bait and share it with the colony, eventually eliminating the colony over a period of weeks to months. Bait station systems in Sacramento cost $1,500 to $3,500 for initial installation, plus $150 to $350 per year for ongoing monitoring and bait replenishment. For more on subterranean treatment specifically, see our subterranean termite treatment cost guide.

Drywood Termite Treatment

Drywood termite treatment in Sacramento depends on whether the infestation is localized (confined to one or a few areas) or widespread (multiple locations throughout the structure).

Spot treatment (localized chemical injection) is appropriate for small, accessible drywood infestations confined to a specific area. The technician drills small holes into the infested wood and injects termiticide directly into the gallery system. Spot treatment in Sacramento costs $300 to $1,000 per treatment area, depending on the size and accessibility of the infestation. Spot treatment is cost-effective for limited infestations but does not address drywood termites in other parts of the structure that may not yet be visible.

Whole-structure fumigation (tenting) is the definitive treatment for widespread drywood infestations or infestations in inaccessible areas (inside walls, behind finished surfaces). The home is sealed in a gas-tight tent, and sulfuryl fluoride gas (Vikane) is introduced to penetrate all wood members throughout the structure. Fumigation kills all drywood termites regardless of their location in the structure. Fumigation in Sacramento costs $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the size of the home (measured in cubic footage), the severity of the infestation, and the number of preparation steps required. Homeowners must vacate the home for 2 to 3 days during fumigation. For more on fumigation pricing, see our fumigation cost guide and our guide on how much it costs to tent a house.

Damage Repair Costs

Treatment kills the termites, but it does not repair the damage they caused. If the inspection reveals structural damage, repair costs are separate from treatment costs. Minor cosmetic damage (surface wood replacement, baseboard replacement) may cost $200 to $500. Structural repairs (replacing damaged joists, subfloor sections, or support posts) can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on the extent of the damage and the accessibility of the affected members. In Sacramento real estate transactions, Section 1 findings typically include both treatment and repair of visible damage, so sellers should budget for both when reviewing the inspection report. For information on insurance coverage, see our guide on whether termites are covered by homeowners insurance.

How Do You Choose a Termite Inspector in Sacramento?

Choosing the right termite inspector in Sacramento involves verifying licensing, understanding the inspector's relationship to treatment companies, and getting multiple opinions when termites are found. Here are the key factors to consider.

Verify California SPCB Licensing

All termite inspectors in California must hold a license issued by the Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB). There are three branches of pest control licensing in California. Branch 1 covers fumigation. Branch 2 covers general pest control (ants, spiders, rodents, etc.). Branch 3 covers wood-destroying organisms, including termites, wood-boring beetles, and wood decay fungi. A termite inspector should hold a Branch 3 operator's license or work under a Branch 3 licensed company. Homeowners can verify a company's license status, check for complaints, and confirm that the license is current through the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and SPCB databases.

Independent Inspectors vs Treatment Companies

There is an inherent potential conflict of interest when the company performing the inspection is the same company that would perform the treatment. An inspector working for a treatment company has a financial incentive to find problems because finding termites leads to a treatment sale. This does not mean their findings are fabricated, as most pest control professionals are honest and competent. But it does mean the assessment may lean toward treatment in borderline cases.

Independent inspectors who are paid for the evaluation itself, and who do not perform treatment, remove this conflict. The inspection fee is their revenue, regardless of the findings. For real estate transactions and annual monitoring, independent inspections tend to provide the most objective assessment. For suspected active infestations where treatment is likely needed regardless, a free inspection from a treatment company is a reasonable first step, followed by obtaining multiple treatment quotes.

Get 2 to 3 Treatment Quotes

If a termite inspection identifies an active infestation and treatment is recommended, obtain at least 2 to 3 treatment quotes from different companies before committing. Treatment recommendations and pricing can vary significantly between companies. One company may recommend fumigation for a drywood infestation while another recommends spot treatment, with a price difference of several thousand dollars. Getting multiple opinions helps homeowners make informed decisions and ensures competitive pricing. For guidance on evaluating pest control companies, see our guide on how to find a good exterminator.

Check Reviews and References

Review platforms (Google Business Profile, Yelp, BBB) provide insight into a company's reputation and customer experience. When evaluating reviews, focus on comments about thoroughness of the inspection, clarity of the report, professionalism, and follow-up communication. A company with hundreds of reviews and a 4.5-plus rating provides more confidence than a company with a handful of reviews. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing shows whether complaints have been filed and how the company resolved them.

Ask About the Report

Before scheduling the inspection, ask what the report will include. A proper California termite inspection report should follow the SPCB Form 43 format, clearly delineate Section 1 and Section 2 findings, include a diagram of the property showing the location of findings, list all areas inspected and all areas that were inaccessible, and provide treatment recommendations with cost estimates. If a company cannot describe what their report includes or seems reluctant to provide a written report, choose a different inspector. For general information about the pest inspection process, see our pest inspection cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get a Termite Inspection in Sacramento

Whether you are buying a home, selling a property, dealing with a suspected infestation, or simply want the peace of mind that comes with annual monitoring, a professional termite inspection is the first step. Sacramento's dual subterranean and drywood termite pressure makes regular inspections particularly important for homeowners in the region. Call (866) 821-0263 to connect with a licensed termite inspector in the Sacramento area and get a free quote for your inspection.

For national termite inspection pricing, see our termite inspection cost guide. For termite treatment pricing after an inspection, see our termite treatment cost guide. For comprehensive pest control pricing in the Sacramento area, see our Sacramento pest control cost guide. For general pest control pricing nationwide, visit our complete pest control cost guide.