Inspections are the first line of defense against termite damage — most of it happens out of sight, long before anyone notices. Call (404) 647-6677 to schedule an inspection.
What a termite inspection actually involves
UGA Extension puts it plainly: “Inspections are the cornerstone of continuing protection against termite infestation, and thus the first line of defense against damage.” Georgia sets a specific expectation for what an inspector does: “in Georgia the Department of Agriculture’s expectation is that inspectors ‘probe and sound all visible and accessible wood in a structure.'” A thorough inspection also checks moisture — UGA Extension notes that “wood moisture readings should be less than 15%” in areas that can be checked directly, since excess moisture is what draws termites in the first place.
Inspection time varies by home size and construction type. Per UGA Extension: “The inspection time of an average size home varies depending on construction type, and could take up to one hour or more.”
How often should you be inspected
UGA’s Integrated Pest Management program recommends the same interval every Georgia homeowner should plan around: “A good preventative strategy is to have the home inspected annually for termites.” Georgia’s own contract rules build this in directly — a subterranean termite control warranty contract must include “an annual inspection of the structure.” If you’re not under an active contract with automatic annual visits, it’s worth scheduling one yourself each year.
Construction type changes what gets checked
Where an inspector looks depends heavily on how the home is built. For a crawlspace or raised foundation, that means visually checking the sub-floor for shelter tubes and other signs of termites — which is also why UGA Extension advises property owners to “keep their crawlspace accessible and free of debris” so the inspection can actually be done. On slab construction, the highest-risk points are utility access areas, since “termites commonly infest structures by building shelter tubes in the space that develops between the concrete and utility pipes that penetrate the slab.” Basements, garages, and porches get particular attention at expansion joints, where a gap between slab sections gives termites an easy way in.
Because so much of a structure’s wood is hidden behind walls, floors, and finishes, UGA Extension is upfront about the limits of a visual inspection: “visual inspections for subterranean termites are cursory at best.” That’s not a reason to skip one — it’s why regular, repeated inspections matter more than a single one-time check.
Our inspection process
- Exterior and foundation walk. We check the foundation perimeter, grade, and any visible shelter tubes or damage.
- Accessible interior areas. Crawlspaces, basements, and attics are checked for shelter tubes, damaged wood, and moisture.
- Probing and sounding. Accessible wood is probed and sounded to check for hollowed or damaged sections.
- Moisture check. Readings are taken where excess moisture could be drawing termites toward the structure.
- Report and diagram. You get a written summary of what was found, including any conditions that could attract termites going forward.
Common questions
How long does an inspection take?
It depends on the home’s size and construction — UGA Extension puts the average at up to an hour or more.
How often should I get inspected?
Annually, at minimum — that’s both UGA Extension’s general recommendation and the baseline Georgia builds into termite control warranty contracts.
What should I do to prepare?
Clear debris from the crawlspace or any sub-floor area so it’s accessible, and make sure the inspector can reach utility penetrations, expansion joints, and other key areas without obstruction.
Will an inspection catch every problem?
Not necessarily. Most of a home’s wood framing is hidden behind walls and flooring, so a visual inspection is inherently limited — which is exactly why annual inspections matter more than relying on a single check.
What’s a Wood Infestation Inspection Report?
It’s Georgia’s official documentation of an inspection’s findings, commonly requested during real estate transactions. Ask us for one if you need it for a sale, purchase, or refinance.
Already seeing signs of termites?
If activity is already confirmed, see Termite Bait Systems or Termite Treatment. If damage has already been done, see Termite Damage Repair.
Schedule a termite inspection
Call (404) 647-6677.
Sources: UGA Extension B1241, Termite Control Services: Information for the Georgia Property Owner; UGA Integrated Pest Management, Subterranean Termites; Rules of the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission, Chapter 620-6.
