Termite inspections aren’t just for buying or selling. San Diego’s climate keeps subterranean termites active year-round. Most homes have inactive damage from past infestations, and a professional termite inspection catches active colonies before the damage spreads.
Cost ranges in San Diego
- Standard home (under 2,000 sq ft): Fixr puts a one-time termite inspection at $150-$350
- Larger home (2,000-3,500 sq ft): Costs more as square footage, crawl space, and attic access add inspection time
- Estate (3,500+ sq ft): Priced higher for additional structures, larger crawl spaces, and more attic access to cover
- Multi-family or commercial: Scoped and quoted separately based on the number of units, structures, and overall complexity
Most inspections take 30-60 minutes plus written report.
What’s included
A standard termite inspection covers:
- Subterranean termites (most common in San Diego, Reticulitermes hesperus)
- Drywood termites (roof framing, attic, exposed wood)
- Dampwood termites (uncommon, near water-damaged areas)
- Wood-destroying fungus (fungal rot in damp areas)
- Water-damaged wood (precursor to termite damage)
The report shows: location of activity, evidence of past activity (galleries, frass), structural risk areas, treatment recommendations.
Why it’s required for home sales
Most San Diego mortgage lenders require a Section 1 termite report (clear of active termites) before closing. The seller usually pays for inspection and any required treatment.
A “Section 1” item is active infestation or significant damage. Must be treated/repaired before sale.
A “Section 2” item is conditions conducive to infestation (wood-soil contact, moisture issues). Disclosed but not always required to fix.
Treatment cost (if needed)
Localized treatment (small drywood infestation): quoted after inspection, based on how many spots need treatment Spot soil treatment (small subterranean): quoted after inspection, based on the size of the area treated Full subterranean treatment: quoted after inspection, based on the home’s perimeter and soil conditions Tent fumigation (full home, drywood): Fixr puts whole-structure fumigation at $1 to $4 per square foot, about $1,800 to $7,200 on an 1,800 square foot home Termite bait system installation: quoted after inspection, driven by perimeter length and station count
Frequency recommendations
- Standard home: Every 2 years
- Wood-frame older home (pre-1990): Annual
- Recently treated home: Annual for first 2 years to verify
- Selling: Within 90 days of close
Frequently asked questions
How much does a termite inspection cost in San Diego?
Inspection is priced separately from any treatment, and the figure depends on the size of the structure and how accessible the crawlspace, attic, and perimeter are. Ask whether the quote includes the written WDO report, because that document is the thing a lender or escrow company actually needs.
Is a termite inspection the same as a WDO inspection?
Yes. WDO stands for Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms, and it’s the formal name for the report a licensed inspector files. Lenders and escrow companies in San Diego County ask for it by that name, so a termite inspection and a WDO inspection produce the same document.
What is the difference between Section 1 and Section 2 on the report?
Section 1 covers active infestation or existing damage, the things a lender usually requires cleared before closing. Section 2 covers conditions likely to lead to infestation if left alone, such as wood-to-soil contact, poor drainage, or moisture against the structure. Section 2 items are recommendations rather than findings of active damage, which is why the two get negotiated differently in a sale.
How often should a San Diego home be inspected for termites?
Every couple of years is reasonable for most homes, and annually for older coastal properties, where marine humidity and original wood framing raise drywood pressure. Any home approaching the 40-year mark that hasn’t been looked at in the last five years is worth booking, because decades of foundation irrigation create the conditions subterranean colonies look for.
When to call us
The inspectors we match you with provide clear written reports accepted by all major California lenders.
Call us at (858) 400-6561 for a termite inspection in San Diego County. We’ll match you with a licensed local inspector.