Termite Reports And Red Flags: Phrases Homeowners Should Not Ignore
- Jameson Elam
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
About the Author: Jameson Elam is the owner and operator of Good Sense Termite, serving Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in the termite control industry, Jameson specializes in thorough inspections, accurate diagnostics, and long-term solutions tailored to California homes. His deep knowledge of local termite behavior and building structures has made Good Sense Termite a trusted name for homeowners and real estate professionals alike.
“Your House Passed The Termite Inspection” Is Not The Whole Story
Most homeowners only see the summary line of a termite report. Something like:
“No visible evidence at time of inspection”
“Clearance issued”
“Section 1 items corrected”
It sounds final. It sounds safe.
The truth is, termite reports are written in careful language that protects everyone on paper, but can leave owners confused in real life. Some phrases sound reassuring when you read them quickly, but they quietly point to risk, blind spots, or unfinished work.
At Good Sense Termite, we review a lot of reports from other companies and then walk the same properties. There are certain phrases that always make us slow down and look closer.
This post breaks those down in plain language so you know what you are really looking at.
1. “Inaccessible” Or “Limited Access”
This is one of the most important lines in any report, and one of the most ignored.
You might see:
“Crawlspace inaccessible”
“Limited access to attic”
“Some areas not inspected due to stored items or low clearance”
What it really means:
The inspector did not see these parts of your home
There could be damage, termites, or moisture problems in those areas
The report is not a full opinion on the structure, only on what was visible
This is not always the inspector’s fault. Sometimes hatches are too small, crawlspaces are too tight, or belongings block access. The problem is when no one explains that to the homeowner.
What you should do:
Ask exactly which areas were inaccessible
Ask if there is a way to gain access for a follow up inspection
Understand that “no evidence” does not apply to places no one saw
2. “No Visible Evidence Of Infestation At Time Of Inspection”
This phrase shows up often in clean reports. It sounds like “you are all clear.” It is not quite that simple.
What it actually says:
On the day of the inspection
In the areas that were accessed
The inspector did not see visible signs of termites or damage
What it does not say:
That termites are not present anywhere in or near the structure
That there is a guarantee for a certain number of years
That inaccessible areas were free of problems
This wording is careful by design. Wood destroying organisms can be hidden inside walls, behind finishes, under insulation, or below grade.
What you should do:
Treat this as a good sign, but not a lifetime guarantee
Combine it with information about access, age of home, and local risk
Ask how often the inspector suggests rechecking, based on your house
3. “Monitor” Or “Recommend Further Evaluation”
These phrases are often tucked into the findings section:
“Area should be monitored”
“Recommend further evaluation by licensed contractor”
“Recommend continued observation of this condition”
They tend to sound gentle, but they matter.
What they usually indicate:
The inspector saw something that is not full blown damage yet
There is concern about moisture, stress, or early signs of problems
The inspector is flagging it without calling for immediate correction
Examples:
Slightly soft subfloor under a bathroom
Hairline cracks in foundation or stucco near grade
Early fungus staining on joists
What you should do:
Ask, “If I ignore this, what is the likely outcome in a few years”
Get clarity: “Is this cosmetic, minor, or a serious risk if left alone”
If a contractor is suggested, actually get that second look
4. “Section 1” Versus “Section 2”
In California termite reports, you will often see findings grouped into:
Section 1
Section 2
Many people only know that Section 1 seems more serious. Here is the basic difference:
Section 1
Active infestations
Evidence of current damage or fungus
Items that require treatment or repair to correct
Section 2
Conditions that can lead to infestations in the future
Examples: earth to wood contact, leaks, poor ventilation, high soil
The mistake we see is treating Section 2 as optional. Many Section 2 items are exactly where future Section 1 problems come from.
What you should do:
Ask your inspector to walk through which Section 2 items matter most
Prioritize conditions related to moisture and soil contact
Treat Section 2 as early warning, not a throwaway category
5. “Treatment Completed” Without Details
Sometimes a report or addendum will say:
“Treatment completed”
“Work performed per contract”
and not spell out what that actually covered.
Missing details can include:
Which areas of the house were treated
Which species were treated (Drywood vs Subterranean)
Whether the work was full structure or localized
Whether any areas were left untreated due to access
Without that information, it is easy for buyers and even agents to assume that “the termite problem” was fully handled.
What you should do:
Ask for the original work order or completion report
Confirm what was treated, with a simple map or list if possible
Ask if any areas were excluded or if only spot work was done
6. Warranty Language That Sounds Better Than It Is
Some reports mention:
“Warranty in place”
“Property under warranty until [date]”
“Re treatment at no cost during warranty period”
Important questions:
Does that warranty transfer to a new owner
Does it cover only re-treatment, or repairs as well
Does it cover the whole structure, or only treated areas
Are there conditions that can void it, such as unapproved DIY work
We often meet homeowners who assume they are fully covered, only to find that:
The warranty expired
The warranty stayed in the seller’s name
The warranty only applied to one side of a duplex or one structure on the lot
What you should do:
Ask the termite company directly what the warranty covers
Get any transfer terms in writing
Keep a copy of the work order, inspection report, and warranty together
7. “Clearance” That Is Only Partial
The word “clearance” is very reassuring. It sounds like a full green light.
In practice, we see cases where:
Only one unit in a multi unit property was inspected and cleared
Only one structure on a lot was included, such as the main house but not a detached garage
Clearance applied only to certain findings, not the entire property condition
If the scope is not clear, the buyer can think they are getting more protection than the document actually provides.
What you should do:
Ask, “Does this clearance apply to the whole structure or only part of it”
Confirm if other units or buildings were inspected separately
If you are unsure, have a fresh inspection that covers the entire property
How Good Sense Termite Handles Reports And Red Flags
We aim to make reports something you can understand, not just file away.
Our approach includes:
Clear notes on access, with plain language about what we did and could not do
Photos of key findings, so you can see what we are talking about
Explanations of Section 1 and Section 2 in simple terms
Time on site or by phone to answer questions about wording and risk
For homeowners who are not in active escrow, we offer these inspections at no cost. If your home is in escrow, we provide fee based inspections that meet real estate requirements.
We are also happy to review an existing report from another company, walk the property, and explain what it all means for your situation.
FAQ: Termite Reports And Confusing Phrases
Q: My report says “no visible evidence at time of inspection.” Does that mean I am termite free
It means the inspector did not see visible signs in the areas they could access on that day. It is a good sign, but not a long term guarantee or a statement about inaccessible areas.
Q: Should I worry if my report mentions inaccessible areas
You should at least ask what those areas are and whether access can be improved. If key areas like the crawlspace or attic were not inspected, it may be worth scheduling a follow up.
Q: If the seller has a clearance letter, do I still need my own inspection
It is wise to get your own inspection. A clearance may be partial or older, and a fresh report lets you ask questions directly and understand current conditions.
Q: Can Good Sense review a termite report I already have
Yes. We can review your existing report. We will however still perform our own inspection of the property, and give you a clear explanation of what everything means and whether any follow up is needed.
Final Thoughts: Do Not Just Read The Summary Line
Termite reports are useful tools, but only if you understand what the language is actually saying. A few lines about access, conditions, and scope often matter more than the single sentence at the top.
You do not have to decode it alone.
If you have a report you are unsure about, or you want a second set of eyes on your home, we are here to help.
Schedule an inspection or report review with Good Sense Termite. Straight answers, clear reports, no guesswork.
It is just Good Sense.
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