Should I Get a Termite Inspection When Buying a Home in Texas?
YES! When you're buying a home in Texas, there's a lot to consider. Location, price, square footage, school districts...but one essential step that often gets overlooked (until it’s too late) is a termite inspection. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or selling your property, a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) should be on your must-do list before closing the deal. And for VA Loans or new builds, you may require an NPMA-33 or an NPMA-99.
At BUGCO® Pest Control, we’ve conducted thousands of real estate termite inspections across Texas, and one question continues to come up:
"Why do I need a termite inspection when buying a home?"
It’s a fair question, especially when you’re already juggling appraisals, insurance, closing costs, and moving expenses. But a termite inspection isn't just another box to check; it’s a critical investment protection tool.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
Why lenders require termite inspections
What signs to look for during your home tour
How termite damage impacts your home’s value
What to expect during a WDI report
How termite inspections work in different cities across Texas
And why you should never skip this essential step
Let’s dig in.
Why Mortgage Lenders Often Require a Termite Inspection in Texas
In Texas, it’s common for mortgage lenders to require a termite inspection before funding a loan, especially in areas where termite activity is high. That includes Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and other humid or wooded regions prone to infestations.
Why do lenders care?
Because termites can do serious structural damage that could significantly devalue the property, making it a bad investment for the bank. Think of it like this: if the bank is putting up hundreds of thousands of dollars for your home loan, they want to ensure the asset (your house) isn't being slowly eaten from the inside out.
Termite inspections are commonly required for:
VA loans (Veterans Affairs)
FHA loans (Federal Housing Administration)
Conventional loans, particularly if the appraiser notes any signs of damage or previous treatment
In most cases, the buyer pays for the inspection, but some sellers choose to cover the cost as a buyer incentive—especially if their home has been on the market for a while.
What is a WDI Report and Why Is It Important?
A termite inspection for real estate purposes is often referred to as a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR), and it must be completed by a state-licensed pest control technician.
This report doesn’t just check for active termite infestations; it also looks for:
Previous damage
Signs of previous treatment
Evidence of other wood-destroying insects, such as carpenter ants or beetles
Conducive conditions or conditions that make infestations more likely
WDI reports are standardized in Texas by the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS), and they are required for many real estate transactions.
What Happens During a Professional Termite Inspection?
Here’s what you can expect when you schedule a termite inspection through a licensed pest control company like BUGCO® Pest Control:
Interior Inspection – Inspectors will check walls, baseboards, windowsills, attics, garages, and crawl spaces for visible signs of damage.
Exterior Inspection – They'll examine the foundation, siding, fascia boards, and any wooden structures like decks, fences, or sheds.
Moisture Check – Areas with high moisture are prime real estate for termites. Technicians may use moisture meters to assess risk.
Reporting – If any signs of termites or wood-destroying insects are found, they'll be documented in the WDI report along with photos and recommendations for treatment or repair.
A typical inspection takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the home’s size and accessibility.
Common Signs of a Termite Infestation (DIY Pre-Check)
Before your official inspection, you can do a quick walkthrough and look for some tell-tale signs of termite activity:
Swarmers: Winged termites, often confused with flying ants, may gather around windows, doors, or light fixtures—especially in spring.
Discarded Wings: Look for small, translucent wings in piles on window sills or near baseboards. Termites shed these after they swarm and find a nesting site.
Bubbling Paint: Moisture buildup caused by termite tunnels behind walls can make paint appear bubbled or cracked.
Hollow-Sounding Wood: Knock on wood surfaces like trim or beams. If it sounds hollow, it could be infested.
Mud Tubes: These pencil-thin tunnels are often found along the exterior foundation. They protect termites as they travel between the soil and the wood structure.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Even minor visible damage could signal a larger hidden infestation. Some buyers choose to walk away from a home showing these red flags, especially if the seller isn’t willing to address the issue.
How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost in Texas?
The average cost of a termite inspection in Texas ranges from $75 to $150, depending on the square footage and location of the home*. Some companies offer free inspections, but keep in mind that real estate WDI reports typically have a flat fee, since they must be filed with official documentation.
At BUGCO Pest Control, we provide affordable, fast, and fully licensed termite inspections tailored for Texas real estate transactions. Our technicians are trained to work directly with agents, buyers, and title companies to ensure everything is squared away before closing.
Termite Damage in Texas Homes: Real Risks, Real Costs
Texas is home to multiple types of termites, including:
Subterranean termites (the most destructive and common)
Drywood termites
Formosan termites (aggressive and fast-spreading, especially in Southeast Texas)
If left untreated, termites can:
Weaken load-bearing walls
Compromise the foundation
Damage hardwood floors, cabinetry, and framing
Cause thousands in repair costs
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage annually in the United States, and most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover it.
Texas Cities with High Termite Activity
While termites are found statewide, these cities are considered termite hotspots due to their warm, humid climates, the number of structures so built so closely together (like a buffet), and soil conditions:
Houston – Frequent rainfall and clay soil create perfect conditions for subterranean termites.
Austin – New developments often disturb termite colonies, leading to more frequent infestations in suburban neighborhoods.
Dallas-Fort Worth – Extreme seasonal shifts (wet springs, dry summers) can make wooden homes vulnerable.
San Antonio – A mix of older historic homes and new builds makes termite inspections essential in real estate transactions.
If you're buying property in any of these areas, a termite inspection isn’t just recommended—it’s critical.
Can a Termite Infestation Kill a Real Estate Deal?
Yes. A confirmed termite problem, especially one that’s been left untreated, can:
Delay or prevent mortgage approval
Scare off buyers
Lead to costly negotiations and repair demands
Trigger withdrawal of the offer altogether
That’s why many sellers in Texas choose to preemptively schedule a termite inspection and present the WDI report to potential buyers as part of their disclosure packet.
Tips for Buyers: What to Do If a Home Fails a Termite Inspection
If termite damage is found during the inspection:
Don't panic. Minor infestations can be treated quickly and affordably.
Request a Treatment. Ask the seller to cover the cost of professional termite treatment.
Get Repair Estimates. If structural damage exists, obtain a quote and request compensation or repairs before closing.
The Bottom Line: Termite Inspections Save You Money and Headaches
Buying a home is likely the largest financial decision you’ll ever make. A $100 termite inspection could save you $10,000+ in repairs down the line. It’s an easy, fast, and smart step in the home-buying process, especially in Texas.
At BUGCO Pest Control, we’re proud to serve homeowners, real estate agents, investors, and title companies across the Lone Star State. We offer:
Fast WDI report turnaround
Licensed and insured inspectors
Competitive pricing
Local expertise on Texas termite species
Flexible scheduling to meet closing deadlines
Schedule Your Termite Inspection Today
Remember, consult your Real Estate Professional, Pest Specialist, and other professionals if you’re buying or selling a home in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, or anywhere in Texas, and give BUGCO Pest Control a call!