Termite Letter FAQs

In Georgia, there are no laws that require a termite letter for a home sale. However, most lenders and homebuyers will request a termite letter before closing on a real estate transaction. The termite letter must be issued by a licensed pest control company and follow the guidelines set by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

A termite letter for closing is a document confirming a home for sale has been inspected for any signs of wood-destroying insects. And there were no termites or wood-destroying insects found. This makes such letters an essential part of the due diligence process⁴. A termite letter for closing is typically issued in connection with the purchase or refinancing of a home. The report involves more than just an inspection for termites. A licensed evaluator / inspector will look for other types of wood-destroying insects, such as wood-boring beetles and wood-decaying fungi, signs that a previous infestation has been treated, or indications (including conducive conditions) that there is a risk of future infestation. A termite letter for closing is usually done within 30 days before closing. If the closing is delayed it may be necessary to get another termite letter to ensure that it falls within the 30-day window. 

The cost of a termite letter can vary depending on the company, location, reason for the inspection, and other factors. Generally, inspecting for termites and issuing the official report will cost anywhere from $85 to $150 depending on the company you choose. Some companies may charge extra for a termite letter or official report that confirms a professional conducted a termite inspection and that no termites were found (or that, if found, they were taken care of). If you need such a letter for the sale or insurance purposes, you’ll spend $100 to $200 on top of the cost of insect treatment. Some companies may waive the cost of the letter if termites are found and they're hired to perform the treatment. Termite clearance letters are only good for 30 to 90 days, depending on the state. 

A clear termite letter is a termite letter that states that the home does not appear to have any active termites or other wood-destroying infestations. A clear termite letter is essentially a 90-day letter that states that the home does not appear to have any active termites. If termites are found within the 90 days, the termite company is responsible for performing an adequate treatment in the home at no cost to the homeowner. A clear termite letter can expedite the sale of a home and provide security for both the buyer and seller. 

A termite letter is usually valid for 30 days, but it can depend on the pest control company or your location. Some states may have different regulations regarding the validity of termite letters. For example, in South Carolina, a termite letter is valid for 45 days. In Georgia, a termite letter is valid for 90 days. It is important to check with your local pest control company or state authorities to confirm how long a termite letter is good for in your area.

A termite bond and a termite letter are different things.

A termite bond is an agreement between a homeowner and a pest control company that provides ongoing protection and treatment against termite infestations.

A termite letter is a document that confirms a home has been inspected for termites and other wood-destroying insects.

A termite bond is more than a termite letter. It is a guarantee that after a treatment, the pest control company ensures that if a termite infestation occurs during the bond agreement, the company will cover the cost to remove the infestation. A termite bond also provides ongoing coverage and protection against future termite activity. A termite bond is a regulatory requirement for termite control companies and is typically transferable to new homeowners if the property is sold.

A termite letter, on the other hand, is a one-time document that states the condition of the property at the time of the inspection. A termite letter does not guarantee that the property will remain termite-free or that the pest control company will provide any treatment or warranty. A termite letter is usually required for real estate transactions, especially for FHA and VA loans, and may be required by mortgage companies.