VA Loan Termite Inspection: Requirements, Costs, and Buyer Guide

The process begins when a licensed pest control professional visits the property. They will conduct an in-depth inspection of accessible areas, including crawl spaces, attics, and the exterior foundation. They look for live insects, “mud tubes,” discarded wings, or damaged wood. Once finished, they issue a Wood-Destroying Insect Information Report (often Form NPMA-33).

The VA appraiser does not perform the pest inspection themselves, but they do review the findings. If the va loan termite inspection report indicates active infestation or dry rot, the appraiser will list these as “conditions” on the appraisal. The loan cannot move to closing until these conditions are cleared by a professional.

A va loan termite inspection report is typically valid for 90 days from the date of the inspection. If your closing process is delayed significantly and the 90-day window expires, the lender may require a new inspection to ensure no new pest activity has occurred during the delay.

The pest inspection cost typically ranges between $50 and $200, depending on the size of the home and your geographic location. This is a relatively small fee compared to the total cost of the home, and it ensures that your future investment is structurally sound.

Yes. Even if the VA doesn’t mandate a pest inspection for a va loan in your area, it is a wise investment for “peace of mind.” Wood-destroying organisms can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage before they are even visible to the untrained eye. Paying the pest inspection cost upfront can save you from a financial nightmare down the road.

Requirements vary significantly based on geography. Currently, over 30 states (primarily in the South, Mid-Atlantic, and West Coast) require a va termite inspection for every VA purchase. These include states like Texas, Florida, California, and Virginia. In other states, such as Pennsylvania or Illinois, requirements may be determined on a county-by-county basis.

If the inspection “fails” due to pests or damage, the VA requires two things: 1. Treatment: A licensed professional must treat the home for the specific pest found. 2. Repairs: Any structural damage caused by the insects must be repaired. Once completed, the inspector must provide a “clearance” letter or a second report showing the home is now free of active infestation.

If you are buying a home in a “none-to-slight” probability zone (like Alaska or portions of the Upper Midwest), the VA typically does not require a report. Furthermore, termite inspections are usually waived for VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRLs), as these are streamline refinances that don’t always require a full appraisal or interior inspection.

A termite inspection for a VA loan is generally required if the property is located in an area the VA deems “moderate to heavy” or “very heavy” for termite activity. The VA uses a Termite Infestation Probability Map to determine these zones. Additionally, if a VA appraiser notices any visual evidence of wood-destroying insects during their initial visit—regardless of the location—they will flag the home for a mandatory inspection.

In the past, the VA strictly prohibited Veterans from paying for this service. However, as of June 2022, VA rules changed. Now, the Veteran is allowed to pay the pest inspection cost in any state. While you can still negotiate for the seller to cover this fee, you no longer have to worry about the deal falling through if the seller refuses to pay.