How to Read a California Termite Inspection Report: Section 1 and Section 2 Explained
The Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms Inspection Report is a specific California form. Here is how to read it section by section, and what to do with each part.
A California termite report lists findings on a diagram and sorts them into Section 1, evidence of active infestation or damage that needs treatment or repair, and Section 2, conditions likely to lead to infestation that call for preventive correction. Further-inspection items are areas the inspector could not reach. Reports come from a Branch 3 licensed company and are filed with the Structural Pest Control Board.
Local help: Need the report itself, or a second set of eyes on one you were handed? ExterMetro is licensed for Branch 3 and inspects across the San Gabriel Valley. Call or text (626) 409-1584 or get a free quote.
A California termite inspection produces a specific document: the Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms Inspection Report, on the form the Structural Pest Control Board prescribes, issued by a company licensed for Branch 3. Homeowners and board members get handed one and are not sure what they are looking at. Here is how to read it, section by section, and what to do with each part.
The parts of the report
- Property and inspection details: the address, date, who inspected, and whether it is a complete, limited, supplemental or reinspection report.
- The diagram: a sketch of the structure with numbered or lettered findings placed where they were seen. Read the findings against the diagram; the location is half the information.
- Findings and recommendations: each item states what was found, where, and what the company recommends, with a code for the section it falls under.
- Inaccessible or not inspected areas: the parts of the building the inspector could not see, with the reason.
Section 1 versus Section 2
| Section | What it covers | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Evidence of active infestation or infection, or conditions that have resulted in damage: live termites, fresh pellets, mud tubes, fungus-damaged wood, existing damage | Work that addresses an existing problem. This is the list people focus on. |
| Section 2 | Conditions likely to lead to infestation or infection, with no visible evidence yet: earth-to-wood contact, excessive moisture, faulty grade, cellulose debris under the house, unsealed openings | Preventive corrections. Cheaper to fix now than as Section 1 items later. |
| Further inspection | Areas the inspector could not reach or open, or evidence that needs an opening to evaluate | A decision: open the area and reinspect, or accept the unknown. |
Reading the findings
Each finding has three pieces: the evidence, the location, and the recommendation. "Drywood termite pellets, exterior fascia at the northeast corner, recommend localized treatment" is a complete Section 1 item. If a finding recommends fumigation, look for why: widespread activity, multiple structures, or areas that cannot be reached for localized work. If it recommends a Section 2 correction, it is describing a condition, not an infestation.
What "further inspection" is asking
Attics without access, walls behind built-ins, a garage packed to the ceiling, slab areas under flooring. The inspector is telling you the report is only as complete as the access. You can leave it, or authorize the opening and get a supplemental report. For a board deciding on a building-wide budget, the further-inspection items are usually where the surprises live.
After the work: the completion notice
When recommended work is done, the company issues a notice of work completed and not completed, listing which items were handled. Keep it with the report and the warranty; together they are the record of what was found, what was fixed, and what is covered.
Reports are public records
Inspection reports are filed with the Structural Pest Control Board, and the Board can provide copies of reports filed on a property in recent years on request. That makes the report a record that outlives the company that wrote it, which is one reason it is worth reading carefully rather than just filing.
Questions worth asking the inspector
- Which Section 1 items are active versus old damage, and how did you decide?
- Is localized treatment an option for the drywood items, or is fumigation the only route, and why?
- Which Section 2 conditions are feeding the Section 1 findings?
- What does it take to clear the further-inspection items?
- What warranty applies to each recommended treatment, and what does it exclude?
ExterMetro holds Branch 3 and issues these reports across the San Gabriel Valley. The inspection page covers what the walk-through includes, and the warranty guide covers the last question above.
Sources
Common Questions
Quick Answers.
What is the difference between Section 1 and Section 2 on a termite report?
Section 1 is evidence of active infestation or infection, or damage that has resulted from it: live termites, pellets, mud tubes, fungus-damaged wood. Section 2 is conditions likely to lead to infestation or infection with no visible evidence yet, such as earth-to-wood contact, excess moisture or cellulose debris. Section 1 items are treatment and repair; Section 2 items are prevention.
What does 'further inspection' mean on a termite report?
It flags areas the inspector could not reach or open, or evidence that needs an opening to evaluate. The report is only complete for the accessible areas. You can authorize the opening and get a supplemental report, or leave the item as an unknown.
Does a termite inspection report include dry rot?
Yes. The report covers wood-destroying pests and organisms, which includes fungus damage. Rot findings appear as Section 1 items, usually with the moisture condition that caused them listed as a Section 2 item.
Who can issue a termite inspection report in California?
A company licensed by the Structural Pest Control Board for Branch 3, wood-destroying pests and organisms, through a licensed field representative or operator. ExterMetro holds Branch 3 and issues the report across the San Gabriel Valley.
Is a termite inspection report a public record?
Reports are filed with the Structural Pest Control Board, and the Board can provide copies of reports filed on a property in recent years on request, so the record outlives the company that wrote it.
About the Author
Joshua A. Westad is the owner and licensed operator of ExterMetro Termite and Pest Control in Arcadia, CA. He holds California SPCB Company Registration #8828 (Branch 2 & 3), is a licensed WDO inspector, and has worked San Gabriel Valley homes and businesses for over twelve years — hands-on in the field on every kind of job the valley throws at him.
Think you just found termite evidence?
Bag a few wings or pellets, snap a photo, and text it to (626) 409-1584 — quotes from photos are free, and your job stays under licensed ExterMetro oversight from inspection through follow-up.