How to Become a Termite Inspector: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re considering becoming a termite inspector, you’re stepping into a vital role that helps protect homes and businesses from these meddlesome insects. As a colony that’s millions strong, termites can wreak havoc on buildings, causing structural damage that’s expensive to repair. As a termite inspector, your job is to detect early signs of these infestations, saving property owners from potential disaster. 

The demand for such inspection services is growing, especially in areas with high termite activity like Florida. With more homeowners and businesses looking to protect their properties, now is a great time to consider a career as a termite inspector. This guide will walk you through all the steps to become one, whether you’re looking to work for an established company or start your own business. 

Steps to Become a Termite Inspector

Step 1: Learn About Termite Inspections and Pest Control

Before diving in, it’s important to understand just what termite inspectors do. You’ll need to know how to identify termites themselves, their nesting habits and the different signs of an infestation. Studying the broader field of pest control will also give you a solid foundation, as customers are attracted to diverse service offerings and termite inspections are just one part of protecting a home from pests. 

Step 2: Research Education and Training Requirements 

While a formal degree isn’t typically required, many termite inspectors benefit from pest control courses or certifications. These programs cover everything from termite biology to the most effective treatment methods. Look into community colleges, vocational schools or even online courses that can provide the necessary training. 

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience

Experience is key in termite inspection. Consider working as an apprentice or assistant with a licensed termite inspector to get hands-on practice. You’ll learn how to use inspection tools, what to look for during inspections, and how to interact with clients professionally. 

Step 4: Obtain Necessary Certifications and Licenses 

Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain certain certifications or licenses to work as a termite inspector. This often involves passing a state exam that tests your knowledge of pest control regulations and best practices. Make sure to research the specific requirements in your area. 

Step 5: Obtain Necessary Insurances 

Running any type of inspection business requires insurance. As a termite inspector, you’ll want to have both general liability insurance and professional liability insurance. This protects you in case of accidental damage during an inspection or any errors in your reporting. 

Step 6: Build Your Business or Find Employment 

Once you’ve completed your training and certifications, it’s time to decide whether you want to start your own business or find employment. Many termite inspectors work for pest control companies or home inspection businesses. If you prefer independence, you can build your own termite inspection company and start offering your services to homeowners and businesses. 

Step 7: Develop Essential Skills and Knowledge 

Being a termite inspector isn’t just about knowing termites. You’ll need strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to write clear reports. It’s also helpful to develop business management skills if you plan to start your own company. 

Step 8: Market Your Services Effectively 

Whether you’re running your own business or working for someone else, marketing is essential. Use online tools like social media and local business directories to promote your services. Networking with real estate agents and contractors can also help you find clients who need termite inspections for property transactions or renovations. 

» Know about State-Specific Licensing Requirements

Step-by-Step Termite Inspection Process

1. Preparation

Before starting the inspection, gather all the necessary tools such as moisture meters, flashlights, and screwdrivers. You’ll also need a good understanding of the property layout and the specific areas prone to termite activity. 

2. Exterior Inspection 

Start by examining the outside of the property. Look for mud tubes, damaged wood, or any signs of termite activity around the foundation, siding, and exterior wood elements. 

3. Interior Inspection 

Next, inspect inside the property, paying close attention to basements, attics, and crawl spaces. These are prime areas where termites hide and cause damage. Look for hollow wood, blistered paint, or small holes in walls that indicate termite presence. 

4. Documentation 

As you conduct the inspection, take detailed notes and photographs. This documentation is crucial for creating a thorough report and will be helpful if treatment is necessary. 

5. Reporting 

After the inspection, compile your findings into a clear report. Include any signs of termite activity, areas of concern, and recommendations for treatment. If termites are found, you’ll need to advise the client on next steps for extermination and prevention. 

Become a Home Inspector to Provide a Wide Range of Services

While termite inspections are important, offering a broader range of services can increase your income and expand your business. By becoming a home inspector, you can offer services like roof inspections, mold testing, and HVAC assessments, giving your clients a comprehensive view of their property’s health. 

If you’re considering starting your own business, joining a franchise like WIN Home Inspection can give you a major head start. As the #1 ranked home inspection franchise in the U.S., WIN provides training and support for over 35 essential services, including termite inspections. With 30+ years of experience and the largest support team in the industry, WIN offers the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Plus, as the fastest-growing home inspection franchise, WIN ensures you’re backed by the latest innovations and in-house technologies. 

For more information on how to start a WIN Home Inspection franchise, fill out an interest form, and one of our franchise advocates will reach out to you. 

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful termite inspector. 

State-Specific Licensing Requirement

State	Licensing Body	License Required
Alabama	Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries	Wood Destroying Organisms Commercial Applicator Permit  (WDC/WDO)       Pre-requisite certifications required
Alaska	Alaska Department of Environmental Health	Certified Pesticide Applicator License     See a complete list of Applicator categories for Alaska
Arizona	Arizona Department of Agriculture Pest Management Division	Wood Destroying Organism Management     Pre-requisite certifications required
Arkansas	Arkansas Department of Agriculture Pest Control Program	Commercial Applicator License – Structural Pest Control
California	California Structural Pest Control Board	There are 3 types of licenses required – depending on the work being done, you may need one or more (details):   – Applicator License   – Field Representative License   – Operator License
Colorado	Colorado Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Certified Licensing Program	Commercial Applicator License  Certified Operator License     For termite work, exam sections required may include:    301 Wood Destroying Organism Pest Control  303 Fumigation  304 Residential/Commercial Pest Control  Which exam should be taken may depend on an individual’s role within your organization
Connecticut	Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Pesticide Management	– Commercial Junior Operator Certificate   – Commercial Supervisory Certificate   Which exam should be taken may depend on an individual’s role within your organization
Delaware	Delaware Department of Agriculture – Pesticide Management	Certified Applicator License
Florida	Division of Agricultural Environmental Services	Certified Commercial Structural Pest Control Operator     Must be certified in Termite and Wood Destroying Organisms Control
Georgia	Georgia Department of Agriculture – Structural Pest Division	Commercial Pesticide Applicator License   Georgia has a number of license categories that may apply to your business. Speak with your state representative to ensure your employees go through the proper certification
Hawaii	State of Hawaii Plant Industry Division	Pesticide Applicator Certification     Most applicators will want to select the category of Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Public Health-Related Pest Control, which includes termites, but if your business uses certain products or works in certain facilities, you may need to explore other certification categories.
Idaho	Idaho State Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Resources Division	Professional Applicator License
Illinois	Illinois Department of Public Health – Structural Pest Control	Structural Pest Control Certification:   – General Use   – Restricted Use Products   Illinois requires specific certification for Termites and/or Wood Products Pest Control in its Restricted Use Products Category; however, all applicants must pass the General Standards Examination first.
Indiana	Office of Indiana State Chemist – Pesticide Section	Category 7b-Termite Control Certification     Category 7b-Termite Control does not include any pests other than termites and wood-destroying organisms. For additional pests, Category 7a-General Pest Management is required.   Additional categories may be required based on your business.
Iowa	Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship – Pesticide Bureau	Commercial Applicator License     – Category 7A: General and – Household  Category 7B: TermitePest – Control  Category 7C: Fumigation   Depending on the type of services your business offers, you may need to select one of these three categories. Applicators can take an exam for up to 6 categories offered by the state.
Kansas	Kansas Department of Agriculture – Pesticide and Fertilizer Program	Pesticide Commercial Applicator License     To register for an exam, you must have a KDA account.
Kentucky	Kentucky Department of Agriculture – Structural Pest Control Branch	Commercial Structural Pest Control License     Structural Pest Control  Structural Fumigation  Depending on the services offered by your business, you may need to take both parts of the exam listed above.
Louisiana	Department of Agriculture and Forestry – Pesticide and Environmental Programs	Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
Maine	Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry – Board of Pesticides Control	Commercial Applicator License     – Category 7F Termites
Maryland	Maryland Department of Agriculture – Office of Plant Industry and Pest Management	Commercial Pest Control Applicator License     – Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health Related Category, Wood Destroying Insects
Massachusetts	Pesticide Program	– Commercial Applicator License   – Commercial Applicator Certification
Michigan	Department of Agriculture and Rural Development – Pesticide Licensing and Certification	Commercial Pesticide Applicator License     – Category 7B Wood Destroying Pest Management
Minnesota	Minnesota Department of Agriculture	Core Pesticide Applicator License   – Commercial Applicator   – Structural Applicator   Depending on the work an individual conducts, they may need to have both licenses listed above. Each comes with specializations in different categories that may apply to your organization or the individual’s work.
Mississippi	Department of Agriculture and Commerce – Pesticide Program	Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification
Missouri	Missouri Department of Agriculture – Pesticide Control	– Certified Commercial Applicator   – Certified Commercial Operator   ○ Category 7B Termite Pest Control   Which license an individual may need may depend on their role within your organization.  Termite category licensing in Missouri has pre-requisite experience requirements.
Montana	Montana Department of Agriculture	– Certified Commercial Applicator   – Certified Operator   Which license an individual may need may depend on their role within your organization.
Nebraska	Nebraska Department of Agriculture – Pesticide Program	Commercial Applicator Certification       – Category 08W – Wood Destroying Organisms
Nevada	Nevada Department of Agriculture – Pest Control	Pest Control Applicator License       – Urban and Structural Category – C3 and C4 Specialties
New Hampshire	New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets and Food – Division of Pesticide Control	Commercial Pesticide Applicator License        – Category F3 – Termites and Wood Destroying Insects
New Jersey	State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection	– Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicator   – Commercial Pesticide Operator   New Jersey conducts all licensing examinations through its state university, Rutgers.  Which license an individual may need may depend on their role within your organization.
New Mexico	New Mexico Department of Agriculture – Pesticide Compliance	– Commercial Applicator License   – Commercial Operator/Technician License   Additional Requirements for Wood-Destroying Pest Control (Category 7D): For both Commercial Applicators and Commercial Operators/Technicians, to have licensure for Wood-Destroying Pests category, you must be able to show one year of wood-destroying organisms experience and document 4 hours of training.
New York	New York State Department of Environmental Conservation	Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator   Certified Commercial Pesticide Technician   ○ Category 7C – Termites   New York has pre-requisite training requirements for licensing. Be sure to review the pages linked above for details.  Which license an individual may need may depend on their role within your organization.
North Carolina	North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Structural Pest Control Section	– Licensed Structural Pest Control Operator   – Certified Applicator   – Registered Technician   Phase W Certification is required for termite work.  Which license an individual may need may depend on their role within your organization.
North Dakota	North Dakota Department of Agriculture	Commercial/Public Applicator License     North Dakota administers its licensing program through the North Dakota State University Extension Office.
Ohio	Ohio Department of Agriculture	Commercial Pesticide Applicator License     – Category 12: Wood Destroying Insect Diagnostic Inspection
Oklahoma	Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry	Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator
Oregon	Oregon Department of Agriculture – Pesticide, Fertilizer, and PARC Program	Commercial Applicator License     Category: Industrial, Institution, Health and Structural (I.I.H.S.)   ○ Subcategories: Structural pest, Space fumigation
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture – Pesticide Program	Commercial/Public Pesticide Technician License           Registered Pesticide Technician                 Applicants must pass the Core test and at least one category test; for termites, that category test would be Wood Destroying Pests.
Rhode Island	Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management – Pesticide Safety and IPM Training	Commercial Applicator License     ○ Category 7B: Industrial, Structural and Health-Related Pest Control – Termite and Structural Pest
South Carolina	South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation	Commercial Pesticide License       To achieve licensure in South Carolina, applicants must pass the Core exam and at least one category exam. Category 7A: Industrial, Institutional, Structural, and Health-Related Pest Control and Category 7B may be required, depending on the termite services offered by your business.    South Carolina’s pesticide program is managed through Clemson University.
South Dakota	South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources – Department of Inspection, Compliance, and Remediation	Commercial Applicator License     All applicators must pass the General exam, as well as any other category exams that apply to their business. For termites, this would be ○ Category 8 – Industrial, institutional, structural and health-related pests.
Tennessee	Tennessee Department of Agriculture	Pest Control Applicator License – Commercial Certification     To achieve licensure in Tennessee, applicants must pass the Core exam and any category exam that covers the services they perform. For termites, this would be Wood Destroying Organisms.
Texas	Texas Department of Agriculture – Structural Pest Control Service	Certified Commercial Applicator License     All applicants are required to pass the General Exam and at least one category exam; for termite work, that would be Termite Control. It may also include the Structural Fumigation category, depending on what services your business offers.
Utah	Utah Department of Agriculture and Food	Commercial Pesticide Applicator License     Utah has current COVID-19 licensing restrictions in place.
Vermont	State of Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets	Commercial Applicator License     All applicants are required to pass the Core exam, as well as any category exams that apply to the work they do. For termites, that is Category 7A General (Structural) Pest Control.
Virginia	Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Office of Pesticide Services	– Commercial Applicator License   – Registered Technician License   Commercial Applicators must be certified in the categories that cover the work they do. For termites, this includes categories 7B Wood Destroying Pest Control and 7C Fumigation (Non-Agricultural).  Which license an individual may need may depend on their role within your organization.
Washington	Washington State Department of Agriculture	– Commercial Applicator License   – Structural Pest Inspector License   Which license an individual may need may depend on their role within your organization. A Structural Pest Inspector License does not allow the licensee to apply pesticides.  To perform termite work in Washington State, the PCO Structural category must be passed.
West Virginia	West Virginia Department of Agriculture – Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division	– Commercial Applicator License   – Registered Technician Certification   West Virginia has published Wood Destroying Insect treatment standards that all applicators should be familiar with.
Wisconsin	State of Wisconsin          Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection	Commercial Applicator License      The state of Wisconsin has 20 categories that can be achieved as part of certification. Category 7.3 covers termite control.
Wyoming	Wyoming Department of Agriculture – Pesticide Program	Commercial Pesticide Applicator License       All applicants must pass the Commercial Core Exam as well as any category exams that cover the work they will do. For termites, it includes categories 907X and potentially 907G.
Washington, D.C.	Department of Energy and Environment	– Pesticide Applicator License   – Registered Technician License   Applicants in Washington, D.C. must pass both a Core exam and any category exams that apply to the work they do. For termites, this is Category 7: Industrial, Institutional, Structural, and Health-Related Pest Control, Subcategory B: Wood Destroying Organisms.  Which license an individual may need may depend on their role within your organization.