What Happens If Your Atlanta Home Inspection Uncovers Termite Activity?

Introduction: Termites in Georgia — The Hidden Threat

Buying or selling a home in the Atlanta metro area? There’s one word that can send a chill down any homeowner’s spine during a home inspection: termites.

Known as the “silent destroyers,” termites cause over $5 billion in damage annually in the U.S., and Georgia’s warm, humid climate makes it a perfect breeding ground. Whether it’s an older Decatur craftsman or a newer townhome in Kennesaw, no property is completely safe.

If termite activity or damage is found during a home inspection, it’s not the end of the world — but it does mean you’ll need to take swift, informed action. And that starts with one golden rule:

Always consult a licensed pest control company — not your home inspector — for treatment, evaluation, and clearance documentation.

This blog will walk you through exactly what happens when termites show up on your inspection report in Georgia and how to handle it like a pro.

Why Termites Are So Common in the Atlanta Market

Before diving into what to do, let’s quickly explore why Georgia homes are at such high risk for termites:

• Warm, moist climate year-round — ideal for subterranean termites

• Older homes with crawlspaces and outdated moisture control

• Soil conditions, especially in areas like Marietta and Roswell, that retain water and create ideal habitats

• Dense tree coverage in many suburbs adds to infestation risk

• Many homes lack recent termite bonds or inspections

The most common culprits in Georgia are Eastern subterranean termites. These pests live in underground colonies and silently eat away at wood, often for years before anyone notices.

What a Home Inspector Looks for When Checking for Termites

Home inspectors in Georgia conduct visual, non-invasive inspections. We’re not licensed exterminators or pest control professionals, but we’re trained to spot evidence of possible infestation or damage. Here’s what we look for:

• Mud tubes along foundation walls or crawlspaces

• Wood damage that sounds hollow when tapped

• Frass (termite droppings) resembling sawdust

• Wings near windows, sills, or baseboards

• Moisture issues or poor grading that promote infestation

💡 Important: A home inspector can’t confirm whether termites are currently active or if the damage is historic — that’s why a licensed pest company must always be brought in for confirmation and treatment.

What Happens If Termite Activity Is Found?

So, your inspector flags signs of termite activity. Here’s what typically happens next:

1. It’s Documented in the Inspection Report

The report will detail the observed signs (e.g., damaged wood, mud tubes) and recommend further evaluation. Home inspectors in Georgia are not allowed to diagnose infestations or offer treatment options.

2. You’ll Be Advised to Hire a Licensed Pest Control Company

Your inspector will strongly recommend hiring a licensed pest control company for a full wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection. This step is critical — you need an expert who can:

• Confirm active vs. historic infestation

• Provide treatment options and cost estimates

• Issue a termite clearance letter (often required in Georgia real estate deals)

Do not rely on a handyman, general contractor, or even the inspector for this. Only licensed professionals have the credentials, tools, and legal standing to evaluate and treat termite issues.

3. Buyers May Re-negotiate (or Walk Away)

If you’re a buyer, finding termite damage could be a powerful negotiation point. You may:

• Ask the seller to treat the infestation and repair damage

• Request a termite bond be issued

• Renegotiate the price

• Walk away, depending on severity and your contract terms

If you’re a seller, this can be a deal-breaker if not handled professionally and quickly. That’s why many Georgia sellers proactively get a termite inspection before listing.

4. Treatment Must Be Performed by a Licensed Pest Control Company

There’s no substitute. A licensed pest company in Georgia will perform:

• Chemical soil treatments (e.g., Termidor)

• Bait stations (Sentricon systems)

• Structural repairs if needed (often with subcontractors)

• Official documentation, including WDO reports and termite clearance letters

This paperwork is vital for real estate deals, particularly if an FHA, VA, or USDA loan is involved.

The Importance of a Termite Bond in Georgia

In the Atlanta area, many pest companies offer termite bonds — contracts that include:

• Annual inspections

• Retreatment guarantees

• Damage repair (in some cases)

• Transferability to new buyers

If your inspection reveals termite concerns, ask the pest company about obtaining or transferring a bond. This can reassure buyers and lenders alike.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Termite Checks — Even in New Homes

Here’s something we stress constantly as Atlanta home inspectors:

Even new construction homes need termite inspections.

Builders often spray the soil or apply limited treatment during construction — but that doesn’t guarantee long-term protection. We’ve found termite activity in homes less than 5 years old, especially when:

• Landscaping brought wood close to the foundation

• Grading directed water toward the slab

• No annual inspections were done

What Sellers Should Do if They Know Termites Are Present

Trying to sell a home in Georgia with known termite issues? Here’s your checklist:

1. Hire a licensed pest company immediately for treatment

2. Obtain a termite clearance letter after treatment

3. Disclose prior infestations and treatments truthfully

4. Consider getting a termite bond to transfer to the buyer

5. Be proactive in providing documentation during escrow

Hiding termite activity is not only unethical but can lead to legal issues in post-sale disputes.

Real-World Example: A Termite Surprise in Sandy Springs

A recent client of ours in Sandy Springs was under contract on a 1980s ranch home. During the home inspection, we noted mud tubes in the crawlspace and hollow-sounding floor joists. We advised calling in a licensed pest control company.

The buyer did — and it turned out to be an active infestation. The treatment and repairs were estimated at $3,700. The seller agreed to pay for the treatment and provide a 5-year bond, and the sale moved forward.

Had they skipped the inspection, the buyer would’ve inherited thousands in hidden damage.

FAQs About Termite Activity and Home Inspections in Georgia

Q: Can my home inspector treat termites?

A: No. Home inspectors in Georgia are not licensed to perform pest treatments. Always use a licensed pest control company.

Q: How much does termite treatment cost in Atlanta?

A: It varies, but most range from $800 to $2,500 depending on severity and type of treatment.

Q: Is termite damage always a deal-breaker?

A: Not necessarily — many infestations can be treated and the damage repaired. But the cost, severity, and buyer’s risk tolerance all factor in.

Q: What’s a termite clearance letter?

A: It’s an official document from a licensed pest company stating the home has been inspected and treated if necessary — often required by lenders.

Q: Do I need a termite inspection if I already have a home inspection?

A: Yes. Home inspectors are not WDO professionals. Hire a licensed pest pro for a full termite evaluation.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic — Get Professional Help

If your Atlanta home inspection uncovers termite activity, don’t panic — but don’t delay either. These pests can cause serious damage, but when caught early and handled properly by a licensed pest control company, the situation is manageable.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we routinely uncover signs of termite damage during inspections throughout Atlanta, Marietta, and surrounding areas. While we don’t treat termites ourselves, we have trusted referrals and will always guide you on the next step.

Ready to Book Your Home Inspection in Atlanta?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just doing due diligence, our certified team at Reynolds Home and Property Solutions can help. We inspect homes throughout the Atlanta metro area, including Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Kennesaw, and beyond.

👉 Schedule your inspection today and make sure your biggest investment isn’t quietly being eaten from the inside out.