When purchasing a home with a VA loan, it’s important to understand which steps are required and which are recommended. One area that causes confusion is the termite inspection.
Unlike general home inspections, which aren’t required by the Department of Veterans Affairs, termite and pest inspections are often mandated. What makes things more complicated is that these inspections are not universally required—they vary by state, county, and even by what the VA appraiser observes.
For veterans and active-duty service members using their VA loan benefit, it’s crucial to know when these inspections apply, what they cost, and why getting one—even when not required—could be in your best interest.
Key Takeaways
- VA termite inspection requirements vary by location. Some states mandate them for all VA loans, others require them only when flagged by the appraiser, and some counties enforce their own rules.
- Inspections typically cost $50 to $280. Recent policy changes allow buyers to cover this cost if necessary.
- Even when not required, termite inspections are worth the investment. They can help prevent major issues, protect your home, and give you confidence that your investment is sound.
VA Loan Termite Inspection Requirements by State
The VA doesn’t mandate a pest inspection for every loan. Instead, the requirement depends largely on the geographic risk for termite activity. The U.S. is broken into zones based on termite prevalence, with the most at-risk areas triggering automatic inspection requirements.
There are three main categories:
- States where termite inspections are required for all VA loans
- States where inspections are discretionary based on the VA appraiser’s findings
- States with county-level requirements
Understanding which category your potential property falls into can save time, eliminate surprises, and ensure you remain compliant with VA lending guidelines.
States Where Termite Inspections Are Required
Every VA loan is required to have pest inspections in states with a high or moderate risk of termite activity, regardless of whether the appraiser notes visible issues. These are typically warm, humid states where termites are most likely to thrive and cause structural damage.
According to the Termite Infestation Probability Map and VA lending policies, termite inspections are required in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
These states are classified as having either “Moderate to Heavy” or “Very Heavy” termite infestation potential. The VA requires inspections in these areas to protect veterans from purchasing homes that may have underlying structural issues due to termite damage.
Requiring these inspections ensures that any infestation or structural concerns are identified and treated before closing. This protects the financial investment and the physical safety of the homeowner.
Discretionary States
In lower-risk states, the termite inspection requirement is discretionary.
That means it only comes into play if the VA appraiser notes an issue—like damaged wood, staining, sagging floors, or mud tubes—or if the property is located in a region with periodic pest issues.
Discretionary states include:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
- Washington
In these states, VA lenders rely on the judgment of the VA appraiser. If there are no obvious signs of infestation or damage, the requirement may be waived. However, if the appraiser identifies any red flags or if the area has a documented history of pest issues, an inspection becomes mandatory.
This flexibility allows the VA to adapt to changing pest activity trends, but it also places more responsibility on the appraiser and lender to make the call.
County-Dependent States
Some states allow counties to determine whether termite inspections are needed. This adds a layer of local governance to the process, requiring homebuyers and real estate agents to check with the lender or county guidelines early in the homebuying journey.
States with county-based requirements include:
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
In these states, some counties may require inspections while others do not. That makes early communication with your lender crucial to avoid last-minute delays in the loan approval process.
In borderline cases, erring on the side of caution and ordering the inspection upfront can be a smart move.
What About Other Loan Types?
The VA isn’t alone in recognizing the threat of termite damage. Other mortgage types may also require inspections—but the rules differ.
- Conventional Loans: Termite inspections are usually not required unless the appraiser flags specific issues or the property is in a known problem area. The decision is more lender-driven than policy-driven.
- FHA Loans: The Federal Housing Administration has similar inspection requirements to the VA. If the property is located in an area where pest inspections are mandated by state or local jurisdiction, or if the appraiser finds signs of possible damage, an inspection becomes mandatory.
- USDA Loans: While USDA loans don’t mandate termite inspections, they may be required by the lender, appraiser, or if state law mandates it, or if the appraiser finds signs of termite damage. This is especially common in older homes or in regions with known infestation history.
While VA loans are more likely to mandate pest inspections, buyers using any loan product should consider one regardless of whether it’s required.
How the Inspections Work
A VA termite inspection typically occurs after the appraisal but before closing. The process is conducted by a licensed pest control specialist who thoroughly evaluates the property for any signs of wood-destroying organisms, including:
- Subterranean termites
- Drywood termites
- Carpenter ants
- Powderpost beetles
- Wood-decaying fungi
The inspector will check the foundation, attic, crawl spaces, baseboards, wooden window frames, and attached structures such as porches or decks.
If no infestation is found, the report is submitted to the lender and the closing process continues. If active infestation or damage is identified, treatment must occur before loan approval. Treatment could include fumigation, spot treatment, or repair of compromised structural components.
VA pest inspection reports are typically valid for 90 days, which gives buyers time to close without having to repeat the process.
How Much Do They Cost and Who Pays?
On average, you can expect to pay around $100 for a basic pest inspection. However, termite inspection costs can range from $50 to $280, depending on geographic region, home size, and provider.
Historically, VA loan rules restricted veterans from paying for termite inspections in many states. The goal was to reduce the financial burden on the veteran. However, in 2022, the VA updated its policy to allow veterans to pay for pest inspections nationwide, if necessary. The rule change may give buyers a better chance at getting an accepted offer since the seller doesn’t have to pay for the inspection.
Despite this update, many sellers still agree to cover the cost to keep deals moving forward—especially in states where these inspections are customary.
What If Treatment is Needed?
If the appraiser discovers termite damage, it needs to be repaired prior to closing the VA loan. This could cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of this issue. For example, a simple pest treatment is much less expensive than fixing structural damage.
The seller may not offer closing cost concessions in lieu of repair, since that would require you, the new buyer, to do repairs after closing. It’s also unwise to pay for repairs or attempt repair on a home you don’t own yet. If the seller is unwilling, the sale could fall through.
The termite inspection is a net positive, though. You avoid an expensive repair that would not have been discovered until after you own the home.
Should You Get a Termite Inspection Even If It’s Not Required?
Yes. A termite inspection is a smart investment, even if it’s not a VA loan requirement.
Why? Ignoring or skipping this step could jeopardize the loan approval process or lead to costly repairs down the line.
Termites can cause significant, hidden damage. Infestations often go unnoticed until repairs become expensive. According to Orkin, the average cost of termite damage repair is around $3,000, and homeowner’s insurance often doesn’t cover these repairs.
Even in discretionary or county-based areas, getting an inspection offers peace of mind. Think of it like a safety net—a simple step that protects your biggest financial asset.
Real estate professionals often advise homebuyers to treat termite inspections the same way they treat home inspections: as a non-negotiable part of their due diligence.
Whether you’re just starting the VA loan process or preparing to close, knowing the termite inspection requirements in your area will help you avoid surprises and move forward with confidence.
Fact-checked by Tim Lucas.
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