Termite Inspection & Termite Letters

A termite inspection is a visual check of the accessible parts of a home: the foundation, the crawlspace or basement, the garage, the attic where it can be reached, and exterior wood. The inspector looks for termites, damage and the conditions that invite them, such as wood touching soil and moisture. Many companies inspect for free when a treatment sale may follow. A standalone inspection typically runs about $75–$250 (Fixr Georgia; Angi Atlanta). Inspections tied to a home sale are different, because Georgia has an official form for them.

In Georgia, the 'termite letter' is the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report, or WIIR. Under the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission rules, it's the official document certifying that a structure is apparently free of wood-destroying organisms, as a basis for transferring the property. The Georgia Department of Agriculture's WIIR fact sheet says it's the only form accepted for Georgia transfers, and the national NPMA form isn't. Buyers and lenders often request one at closing, but the rules themselves don't say it's required, so ask your agent or lender what your contract calls for.

Only a company with a WDO-certified operator may issue a WIIR. A WDO-certified or WDO-registered technician may carry out the inspection, but the company's WDO Designated Certified Operator signs the report. Typical fees are about $100–$200 (Fixr Georgia; Angi), though some companies charge more.

The WIIR comes with a guarantee that can't be altered. If an infestation is found within 90 days of the report's issue date, the issuing company must treat it free. Conducive conditions that existed at the time of inspection but weren't reported must also be corrected free within 90 days. Keep the report, and note its issue date, with your closing papers.

A termite letter is not a structural report and not a warranty that termites are absent. It covers only five wood-destroying organisms and only readily accessible areas, and it excludes mold. It must disclose any past treatments by the issuing company, any current contract and its expiration date, whether the warranty transfers to a buyer and at what fee, any Official Waiver, and areas that were obstructed or inaccessible. If the report notes damage, have a building-trade inspector or contractor evaluate it. The Georgia Department of Agriculture may inspect the work within two years of a WIIR's issue.

Atlanta Pest Guide routes inspection and termite-letter requests to independent local companies; we don't inspect homes or issue reports. Before booking, look the company up on the Georgia Department of Agriculture's license search and ask whether its operator holds Category 30 (WDO).