Questions to Ask a Termite Company Before You Sign

Most people ask a termite company one question: how much? These fifteen get you a better answer to that one, and they tell you within a few minutes whether you're talking to a professional or a salesperson.

By John Updated 5 min read
Sketch of a clipboard with a numbered list of questions and a pencil, next to a termite inspector's flashlight

The short version

Ask what termite they found and where, with proof; which treatment they recommend and why; the product name and label; what areas won't be treated; whether the warranty covers repair or only retreatment; what it excludes; what renewal costs and whether it can rise; and the license number. Get the answers in writing.

On this page
  1. Why the questions matter more than the price
  2. Before and during the inspection
  3. About the treatment
  4. About the contract and warranty
  5. Answers that should end the conversation
  6. How to use the list
  7. Questions

Why the questions matter more than the price

Termite quotes differ for real reasons: the method, the product, how much concrete has to be drilled, whether repairs are covered. Two quotes that differ by a thousand dollars may be for different jobs. The questions make the jobs comparable, and they flush out the things that cost you later: untreated areas, missing coverage, a renewal that climbs.

Several Southern states require much of this information in writing. Texas, for example, requires written termite estimates with a diagram, the product label, treatment details and warranty terms before treatment. Wherever you live, it's fair to ask for the same. The hiring process start to finish is in how to choose a termite company.

Before and during the inspection

Ask these while the inspector is at your house. The answers should involve pointing at things.

Questions about what they found
Question A good answer Why it matters
1. What kind of termite is it? A specific answer: native subterranean, Formosan or drywood, and how they know The termite decides the treatment; Formosan and drywood jobs differ from native ones
2. Where exactly is the activity? Can you show me? Mud tubes, damage or live termites you can see, marked on a diagram You're paying to fix a specific problem
3. Is it active now, or old damage? Live termites or fresh signs, or an honest "old damage, no activity found" Texas A&M notes damage alone can't be dated
4. What areas couldn't you inspect? A specific list: the finished basement wall, the covered patio, the attic over the garage Inaccessible areas are where the next surprise is
5. What conditions are inviting termites here? Moisture, soil against the siding, wood touching soil, with fixes Fixing them may be part of keeping a warranty

About the treatment

Questions about what they'll do
Question A good answer Why it matters
6. What treatment do you recommend, and why that one? A method matched to the termite and the house, with alternatives explained Liquid, bait, tenting, heat and spot jobs are different products
7. What product will you use? Can I see the label? The product name and a copy of the label The label is the law; it sets rates, placement and precautions
8. Is this a full treatment, partial or spot? A clear answer, with untreated areas listed A spot job priced like a whole house is a common complaint
9. Will you drill the slab, porch and patio? Yes, where the label and standards call for it, with the footage Drilling is often the difference between two quotes
10. Who does the work, and are they licensed? Named technicians, licensed or supervised under your state's rules You can check a license in minutes

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About the contract and warranty

Questions about what you're buying
Question A good answer Why it matters
11. Does the warranty cover repairs, or only retreatment? One clear answer, in writing on the contract Repairs are where the money is
12. What does the warranty exclude? A specific list, not "conditions conducive" Vague exclusions can swallow coverage
13. What does renewal cost, and can it go up? A dollar figure, and a written rule on increases Texas A&M's benchmark: renewals no more than 20% of the original treatment
14. Does it cover Formosan termites? Yes or no, in writing South Carolina requires contracts to say; elsewhere, ask
15. Does the contract transfer if I sell? Yes, with the process and any fee A transferable bond helps a sale

The clauses behind questions 11 to 15 are covered in termite contract red flags and repair vs retreatment termite warranties.

Answers that should end the conversation

A few answers tell you everything:

  • "We can only offer this price today." There's almost never a termite emergency that can't wait a few days. Georgia's consumer protection office lists pressure to sign immediately among its pest control red flags.
  • "It's a secret formula." Every termiticide used legally has a registered label. Georgia's office lists "secret formulas" as a red flag too.
  • "We'll know what kind once we start." An inspector should identify the termite before proposing a treatment, or tell you how they'll find out.
  • "Everything's covered." Nothing is. Ask for the exclusions in writing.
  • "We treat every year to be safe." In Texas, annual retreatment without evidence of new termites or a broken barrier isn't allowed.

How to use the list

  1. Ask every company the same questions

    Comparable answers make comparable quotes.

  2. Get the important answers in writing

    The termite type, treated and untreated areas, product, price, renewal, coverage and exclusions all belong in the proposal or contract.

  3. Check the license yourself

    Ask for the license number, then look it up. See how to check a pest control license.

  4. Sleep on it

    Read the contract at home before you sign. UGA entomologist Brian Forschler's advice was to get bids from several firms, compare the warranties, and try to lock in the renewal rate.

Questions people ask

What questions should I ask a termite company?

Ask what termite they found and where, whether it's active, what they couldn't inspect, what treatment and product they'll use, whether any areas won't be treated, whether the warranty covers repairs or only retreatment, what it excludes, what renewal costs and whether the contract transfers.

What should a termite inspector show me?

The evidence: live termites, mud tubes, damage or pellets, and where they are, ideally marked on a diagram of the house. They should also tell you which areas they couldn't inspect.

How do I know if a termite quote is fair?

Compare quotes for the same method and areas, and ask what drives the price, such as linear feet of foundation and concrete to drill. Our cost estimator gives a range from 2026 price guides for your house size.

Termites in your state

Sources