Pest inspections cost $50 to $200 on average, depending on the type and the reason for the inspection. Many lenders require certain kinds of inspections before a home is sold. This protects buyers from unknowingly buying a home in need of major repairs.

Wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspections cost $100 to $200 on average and specifically target pests like termites and fungi that invade wood. Mortgage lenders across the country request WDO inspections, especially in areas that commonly have wood damage.

If you're not selling your home and don't need an official report, you may be able to get a free homeowner's inspection from a company like Terminix, Orkin, or Aptive.

A pest inspection is the professional search for bugs or other organisms that can cause health hazards and damage to a home. Many homeowners get cheap or free inspections annually as part of a pest control service. Others get pest inspections and an official report as part of the home-selling or home-buying process.

Professionals recommend getting a pest inspection annually or before selling a house. This will verify that the home is free of pests and allows homeowners to act before an infestation gets out of control. Consider a pest inspection if you notice any of these signs:

• Chewed wiring
• Cracking or bubbling paint
• Damaged wood
• Droppings
• Grease marks on the floor or wall
• Holes in the walls or floors
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Lawn damage or holes
• Mud tubes
• Nests
• Scratching sounds behind walls, ceilings, or floors
• Spots of blood on beds or furniture
• Wings, skin, or exoskeletons

During a home sale, prospective buyers typically pay for pest inspections as part of the closing costs. Sometimes sellers will proactively pay for an inspection before listing their home to show buyers that there are no pests. Most inspections are only valid for 30 to 90 days, so they will need to pay again if the home is not sold before then.

The homeowners pay for all pest inspections that are not related to a home sale.

Pest inspections take 30 to 60 minutes on average, depending on your home size and accessibility. Pest inspections usually include examining attics, crawl spaces, exterior walls, and other areas of the house and recording any signs of bugs or pests in the home.

If you do have any kind of infestation, the inspector will recommend the best course of action for removal and repair.

You can prepare for a pest inspection by:

• Moving any items that block access points to the attic, basement, crawl space, sink, and garage
• Making a list of any signs you've seen of pests
• Restraining or moving your pets temporarily

Before hiring a pest inspection service, be sure to:

• Get quotes from 3+ inspection businesses with several years of experience.
• Read ratings and reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
• Confirm that they have valid certification and insurance.
• Avoid the lowest price, which may indicate subpar service.
• Hold onto a copy of the estimate and service agreement.
• Don't make the final payment until the inspection is complete.

Ask these questions to find the best possible pest inspector:

• How long have you been working as a pest inspector?
• What training or certifications do you have?
• Can you give me a written quote for this?
• Do you have any reviews or customer testimonials I can read?
• How long will this inspection take?
• If you found pests, where are they located?
• Will I need any repairs on my house?
• How do I get a report for the inspection?