Termites are silent destroyers. They can chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper for years before you notice anything’s wrong, and by then, the damage is often extensive. Nationally, these tiny pests cause up to $5 billion in property damage every year. That’s not a typo.
Here in Billings, Montana, we see our fair share of termite activity, particularly in older homes and properties with wood-to-ground contact. Whether you’re buying a new home, selling your current one, or just want peace of mind, scheduling a termite inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make as a property owner.
But what actually happens during a termite inspection? What should you do to prepare, and what comes next if the inspector finds something? We’ve put together this guide to walk you through the entire process, from start to finish, so you know exactly what to expect.
Why Termite Inspections Matter in Billings
You might be thinking, “Do I really need to worry about termites in Montana?” It’s a fair question. We don’t exactly have the tropical climate that termites love, but that doesn’t mean Billings is immune. Subterranean termites, the most common and destructive species in the U.S., can thrive just about anywhere there’s soil, moisture, and wood. And yes, that includes our part of Montana.
Termite inspections matter because they catch problems early. By the time most homeowners notice visible damage, soft spots in flooring, buckling drywall, or mud tubes snaking up the foundation, the colony has often been active for months or even years. An inspection lets us get ahead of that.
For buyers, a termite inspection is often required by lenders before closing. It protects your investment and gives you leverage to negotiate repairs if issues are found. For sellers, having a clean inspection report can speed up the sale and prevent last-minute surprises. And for homeowners just living their lives? Regular inspections (we recommend every one to three years) offer ongoing protection and peace of mind.
At Best Pest Control, we’ve inspected thousands of homes across Billings and greater Montana. We know what to look for, where termites tend to hide, and how to spot the early warning signs before they become big problems.
How to Prepare for Your Termite Inspection
A termite inspection isn’t something you need to stress over, but a little prep work goes a long way. The easier it is for your inspector to access key areas of your home, the more thorough and accurate the inspection will be.
Clear Access to Key Areas
Termites love dark, damp, undisturbed spaces, which means your inspector needs to get into some of the less glamorous parts of your home. Before your appointment, make sure these areas are accessible:
- Garage: Move stored boxes, tools, and clutter away from walls so inspectors can check the perimeter and any exposed wood.
- Basement or crawl space: If you have a crawl space, ensure the access point is clear. This is often where termites enter homes, so it’s a critical area.
- Attic: Remove any items blocking the attic entry. Inspectors will check for signs of termite damage in roof supports and wooden structures.
- Foundation perimeter: Trim back shrubs, move firewood piles, and clear debris from the exterior foundation. This allows us to spot mud tubes or damage along the base of your home.
You don’t need to deep clean or do anything fancy, just clear a path.
Gather Relevant Documentation
If you’ve had previous termite treatments or inspections, pull together any documentation you have. This gives your inspector helpful context about your home’s history. Old inspection reports can reveal recurring problem areas or confirm that previous issues were properly addressed.
If you’ve noticed anything concerning lately, like swarming insects, discarded wings near windows, or hollow-sounding wood, make a note of it. Sharing this information with your inspector can help them focus their attention where it’s needed most.
What Inspectors Look for During the Process
When one of our inspectors arrives at your property, they’re not just doing a quick walk-through. A professional termite inspection in Billings is a systematic, methodical process designed to uncover any signs of current or past termite activity.
Common Signs of Termite Activity
Termites are sneaky. They work from the inside out, which means they can cause significant damage before you see anything obvious. Here’s what trained inspectors look for:
- Mud tubes: These pencil-sized tunnels, usually found on foundation walls, are highways termites build to travel between their colony and their food source (your home). If you see mud tubes snaking up walls or your foundation, that’s a major red flag.
- Wood damage: Inspectors tap and probe wood surfaces to check for hollowness or soft spots. Termite-damaged wood often sounds hollow when tapped and may have a honeycomb pattern inside.
- Frass (termite droppings): Drywood termites leave behind tiny, pellet-shaped droppings near infested wood. While subterranean termites are more common in Montana, we check for signs of all species.
- Swarmers and discarded wings: Termite swarms typically happen in spring when reproductive termites leave the colony to start new ones. Finding piles of discarded wings near windows or doors suggests an active colony nearby.
- Moisture issues: Termites need moisture to survive. Inspectors look for water damage, leaky pipes, and poor drainage that could attract termites to your home.
Areas Most Vulnerable to Infestation
Certain parts of your home are more susceptible to termite activity than others. During an inspection, we pay extra attention to:
- Foundation and basement walls: This is ground zero for subterranean termites. Any cracks in the foundation or gaps where pipes enter the home can provide entry points.
- Crawl spaces: Dark, damp, and often neglected, crawl spaces are termite magnets. We check support beams, floor joists, and any wood touching or near the soil.
- Wooden structures in contact with soil: Deck posts, porch supports, and wooden steps that touch the ground are at high risk.
- Window and door frames: These areas can trap moisture and are often overlooked until damage is visible.
- Attics and roof structures: While less common, termites can work their way up into roof framing, especially if there’s a moisture problem.
How Long a Termite Inspection Takes
One of the most common questions we get is, “How long is this going to take?” The answer depends on the size and condition of your property, but most termite inspections in Billings take between 30 minutes and an hour.
For an average single-family home, plan on about 45 minutes. Larger homes, properties with multiple outbuildings, or homes with extensive crawl spaces may take a bit longer. If we find evidence of termite activity and need to investigate further, that adds time too.
The inspection itself is non-invasive. We’re not tearing into walls or ripping up flooring. Instead, we use visual inspection, probing tools, and moisture meters to assess your home’s condition. In some cases, we may recommend a more detailed inspection if we suspect hidden damage, but we’ll discuss that with you first.
You don’t need to be home during the entire inspection, but we recommend being available at the beginning and end. This gives you a chance to point out any concerns and hear our findings firsthand.
Understanding Your Inspection Report
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining what we found. This isn’t some generic checklist, it’s a comprehensive document specific to your property.
Here’s what a typical termite inspection report includes:
- Areas inspected: A list of all locations examined, including the interior, exterior, basement, crawl space, attic, and garage.
- Evidence of termite activity: Any signs of current or past infestation, including the type of termites suspected and the severity of the problem.
- Damage assessment: A description of any structural damage found, along with photos documenting the affected areas.
- Conditions conducive to infestation: Even if we don’t find active termites, we’ll note any issues that could attract them in the future, like wood-to-soil contact, moisture problems, or cracks in the foundation.
- Recommendations: Suggested next steps, whether that’s treatment, repairs, or preventive measures.
If the inspection is for a real estate transaction, the report will typically follow a standard format required by lenders. We’ll explain everything clearly and answer any questions you have. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, understanding your report is important.
A clean report means no signs of termite activity or damage were found. That’s great news, but it doesn’t mean you should never inspect again. Termites can show up at any time, so regular inspections remain important.
What to Do If Termites Are Found
Finding termites in your home isn’t the news anyone wants to hear. But here’s the thing: it’s not the end of the world. Termite infestations are treatable, and catching the problem during an inspection means you found it before the damage got worse.
If our inspection reveals termite activity, here’s what happens next:
Assessment and treatment options. We’ll explain the extent of the infestation and recommend the best treatment approach for your situation. Options typically include:
- Liquid termiticides: Applied to the soil around your foundation, these create a barrier that kills termites on contact or as they attempt to enter your home.
- Bait systems: Strategically placed stations attract termites, which then carry the bait back to the colony. This method can eliminate the entire colony over time.
- Direct wood treatment: For localized infestations, treating the affected wood directly can be effective.
At Best Pest Control, we also offer chemical-free and green pest control solutions for homeowners who prefer a more eco-friendly approach. We’ll walk you through all your options so you can make an well-informed choice.
Repairs and follow-up. Depending on the damage, you may need repairs to affected wood structures. We can advise you on what needs attention and connect you with trusted contractors if needed. After treatment, we recommend follow-up inspections to ensure the termites are gone and haven’t returned.
Prevention moving forward. Once you’ve dealt with an infestation, prevention becomes key. This includes addressing moisture issues, eliminating wood-to-soil contact, and scheduling regular inspections. We can help you set up an ongoing treatment plan to keep your home protected year-round.
Conclusion
A termite inspection in Billings isn’t something to put off or dread, it’s a straightforward process that protects one of your biggest investments. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, knowing what’s happening beneath the surface gives you control.
Now you know what to expect: a thorough examination of your property’s most vulnerable areas, a detailed report explaining the findings, and clear guidance on next steps if anything turns up. The whole process typically takes under an hour, requires minimal prep on your part, and delivers valuable peace of mind.
At Best Pest Control, we’ve been helping Billings homeowners tackle pest problems of all kinds, termites included, for years. If you see mud tubes on your foundation, notice soft spots in your floors or trim, or just want the reassurance of a professional inspection, we’re here to help. Give us a call or contact us today to schedule your termite inspection. Because when it comes to termites, what you don’t know can definitely hurt you.