Termite Inspection in Arcadia, CA

What a termite inspection covers

In California, termite inspections are done by companies licensed for wood-destroying pests and organisms. The inspector looks at every reachable part of the structure for termites, wood-boring beetles, fungus and dry rot, and for conditions that are likely to lead to them.

• Attic framing, rafters and the underside of roof sheathing.
• Eaves, fascia, rafter tails and exterior trim.
• Garage framing, door jambs and the garage door itself.
• Crawlspace framing, sill plates and piers on raised foundations.
• Slab edges, patio joints and anywhere soil meets the house.
• Window and door frames, decks, porches, fences attached to the house and wood patio covers.
• Plumbing leaks and moisture areas that cause fungus damage.

The inspector does not open walls, lift carpet, move heavy furniture or walk on tile roofs. Those areas are listed as inaccessible in the report, often with a recommendation for further inspection.

Section 1 and Section 2 findings, in plain terms

A California termite report sorts what it finds into categories. If you are buying or selling in Arcadia, these are the words you will see in escrow.

Section 1

Active infestation or existing damage. Live drywood termites in the attic, subterranean termites in the sill plate, or wood rotted by fungus. These items usually get negotiated between buyer and seller.

Section 2

Conditions likely to lead to infestation or damage if left alone, such as wood touching soil, a leaking toilet base or excess moisture in a crawlspace. Not active damage yet.

Further inspection

An area the inspector could not reach or see clearly, like a finished ceiling or a stored-goods corner of the garage, that should be checked before the report is final.

Clearance

Once Section 1 work is completed and re-inspected, the company can issue a completion notice. Lenders often call this a termite clearance.

When Arcadia homeowners should get an inspection

• You found pellets, wings, mud tubes or damaged wood.
• You are buying or selling a home. Most Arcadia purchase contracts include one.
• You are refinancing and the lender asks for one.
• Your home is more than 20 years old and has never had one.
• You are planning a remodel, new roof or exterior paint job and want problems found first.
• It has been more than a year since your last one, particularly in an older home with exposed wood eaves.

Termite inspections for real estate in Arcadia

Arcadia moves a lot of high-value property, and escrow timelines are tight. A termite report early in escrow gives both sides time to deal with findings. Buyers get a clear picture of what they are taking on. Sellers can choose to complete Section 1 work before listing or credit the cost.

For a smooth escrow, make sure the inspector can get into the attic, garage and crawlspace. Clear stored items away from garage walls and move anything stacked against the house. Every inaccessible area becomes a line item that someone will ask about later.

What happens during the inspection

1. Schedule the visit

   Call (626) 555-0142. Tell us if this is for escrow, the address, the approximate square footage and the date you need the report by.

2. Exterior walk-around

   The inspector checks the foundation, eaves, trim, patio covers, decks and attached fences.

3. Attic and garage

   The inspector goes into the attic and checks the garage framing and doors closely, since this is where Arcadia drywood activity turns up most.

4. Crawlspace or slab

   For raised foundations, the inspector enters the crawlspace. For slabs, the focus is on edges, cracks and plumbing penetrations.

5. Written report

   You get a report with a diagram, findings by section and recommended repairs or treatments, with prices.

Termite inspection FAQ