How to Read a Termite Inspection Report: A Homeowner's Guide

You've just received a termite inspection report — a document filled with checkboxes, diagrams, technical terminology, and findings broken into categories you may not fully understand. What does it all mean? What requires immediate action? What can wait? And what do you do next?

This guide walks you through a California termite inspection report from start to finish — in plain language, without the jargon.

What Is a Termite Inspection Report?

In California, a termite inspection report is formally called a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) report. It's produced by a licensed Structural Pest Control company after completing a thorough inspection of your home, and it documents every finding related to wood-destroying organisms — termites, wood rot, fungal decay, and other conditions that affect the structural integrity of your home's wood.

The report is an official document filed with the California Structural Pest Control Board. It becomes part of the permanent record of your home — particularly relevant in real estate transactions where buyers, sellers, and lenders all rely on it.

The Two Main Sections: Section 1 and Section 2

Every California termite inspection report is organized around two primary findings categories. Understanding the difference between them is the most important thing you can take away from this guide.

Section 1 — Active Infestations and Infections

Section 1 items represent conditions that require immediate attention. These are active problems causing damage right now:

• Active termite infestations (drywood or subterranean)

• Active fungal decay or wood rot

• Any other active wood-destroying organism activity

What Section 1 means for you: These items need to be treated or repaired. In real estate transactions, lenders — particularly FHA and VA — typically require Section 1 clearance before a loan can close. Even outside of a real estate context, Section 1 findings should be addressed promptly to prevent ongoing structural damage.

Section 2 — Conditions Conducive to Future Problems

Section 2 items are conditions that don't represent an active infestation today but create an environment where one is likely to develop:

• Wood-to-soil contact

• Excessive moisture in crawl spaces

• Inadequate ventilation

• Evidence of past (but no longer active) termite damage

• Earth-filled porches or planters against the structure

What Section 2 means for you: These items are disclosed so you understand the full condition of your home. They're not always required to be corrected, but addressing them reduces your long-term termite risk significantly. In real estate transactions, Section 2 items often become negotiation points between buyer and seller.

Reading the Report: Key Components

The Property Diagram

Most California termite inspection reports include a diagram or sketch of the property — a simple floor plan or site map with numbers or letters marking the locations of findings. Each marked location corresponds to a specific finding described in the written portion of the report.

How to use it: Match the numbered or lettered locations on the diagram to the written findings descriptions. This tells you exactly where on the property each issue was found — whether it's in the attic, crawl space, a specific wall, or an outdoor structure.

The Findings Descriptions

For each finding, the report will typically describe:

• The location (e.g., "attic framing, north side" or "crawl space, sill plate, west wall")

• The type of organism or condition (e.g., "drywood termite infestation" or "fungal decay")

• Whether it's a Section 1 or Section 2 item

What to look for: Pay attention to which findings are Section 1 vs. Section 2, and where they're located. Section 1 findings in structural areas — floor joists, sill plates, main beams — are more urgent than the same finding in a fence or outbuilding.

The Recommendations Section

Following the findings, the report includes treatment and repair recommendations for each Section 1 item. This section tells you what the inspector recommends to address each finding — fumigation, localized treatment, soil treatment, structural repair, etc.

What to look for: Make sure each Section 1 finding has a corresponding recommendation. If a finding is listed but no recommendation is provided, ask for clarification.

The Inaccessible Areas Notation

California termite inspection reports must note any areas that were inaccessible during the inspection — finished walls that couldn't be opened, areas blocked by storage, crawl space sections with insufficient clearance, etc. Findings cannot be made for areas the inspector couldn't access.

What to look for: If significant areas of your home are listed as inaccessible, understand that those areas weren't assessed. If you have concerns about an inaccessible area, discuss with the inspector what options exist for further evaluation.

The Inspector's License Information

Every California termite inspection report must include the name, license number, and signature of the licensed inspector who performed the inspection. This information should be present on the report — if it's not, that's a red flag.

What to Do After Receiving the Report

If There Are Section 1 Findings

• Review each finding and its corresponding recommendation carefully

• Ask the inspector to walk you through the findings if anything is unclear

• Get a written treatment quote for all Section 1 items

• Decide whether to proceed with the recommending company or get a second opinion — both are reasonable choices

• If you're in a real estate transaction, share the report with your agent immediately to discuss next steps

If There Are Only Section 2 Findings

• Review each condition noted and understand what's causing it

• Prioritize addressing any moisture or wood-to-soil contact issues — these are the most likely to develop into active infestations if left unaddressed

• Schedule a follow-up inspection within the next year to confirm no Section 1 activity has developed

If the Report Is Clear

• A clear report is great news — file it with your home records

• Note the date and schedule your next annual inspection

• Use the inaccessible areas notation to plan any follow-up assessments needed

Common Terms You'll See in a California Termite Report

Frass: Drywood termite fecal pellets — small, sand-like droppings pushed out of infested wood through kick-out holes.

Mud tubes: Pencil-thin tunnels of soil and termite saliva built by subterranean termites to travel between soil and wood.

Galleries: Tunnels created inside wood by termites feeding or traveling.

Conducive conditions: Environmental factors that make a home more susceptible to termite infestation — moisture, wood-to-soil contact, debris accumulation.

Fungal decay / dry rot: Wood damage caused by moisture-feeding fungi — often found alongside termite activity in Bay Area crawl spaces.

Inaccessible: Areas the inspector could not physically access during the inspection.

Clearance: A separate document issued after treatment confirming that identified Section 1 conditions have been addressed.

The Bottom Line

A termite inspection report is a detailed, important document — and understanding it puts you in a much stronger position whether you're a homeowner managing ongoing maintenance, a buyer evaluating a property, or a seller preparing for a transaction. Section 1 requires action; Section 2 requires awareness; a clear report requires filing and following up next year.

If you have questions about a termite report you've received — from us or from another company — we're happy to walk through it with you. Call or text Good Sense Termite at (408) 418-9152 or request your free inspection online.

It's just good sense.

Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding a Termite Inspection Report

What is the difference between Section 1 and Section 2 on a termite report?

Section 1 items represent active infestations or infections requiring immediate attention — active termite activity, wood rot, or other live wood-destroying organism conditions. Section 2 items are conducive conditions that don't represent an active problem today but increase the risk of future infestation. Section 1 items typically must be addressed before a real estate transaction closes; Section 2 items are disclosed and often negotiated.

Do I have to fix Section 2 items on a termite report?

Section 2 items are not always required to be corrected — particularly outside of a real estate transaction. However, addressing them is strongly recommended because they create conditions that are likely to lead to active infestations over time. In a real estate transaction, whether Section 2 items are corrected is typically a negotiation between buyer and seller.

What does it mean if areas of my home are listed as inaccessible on the termite report?

Inaccessible areas are portions of your home the inspector could not physically access — finished walls, blocked crawl space sections, areas with insufficient clearance, etc. No findings can be made for areas not inspected. If you have concerns about an inaccessible area, discuss with your termite company what options exist for further evaluation.

How long is a termite inspection report valid?

For real estate purposes, most lenders and escrow companies consider a report current if completed within the past few months. Reports older than six months are often flagged for re-inspection. For general homeowner use, the report reflects conditions at the time of inspection — annual re-inspection is recommended to keep your picture current.

Can I get a second opinion on a termite inspection report?

Absolutely. Getting a second inspection and report is completely reasonable — particularly if Section 1 findings require significant treatment. A reputable termite company will support your right to seek a second opinion without pressure. Make sure any second inspection is also performed by a licensed Structural Pest Control company.

What is a clearance and how is it different from the inspection report?

The inspection report documents what was found during the inspection. A clearance is a separate document issued after treatment has been completed, confirming that identified Section 1 conditions have been addressed. Lenders and escrow in real estate transactions typically require clearance, not just the original report.