The Termite Inspection Process

State of Hawaii law requires your termite inspector to make a visual inspection of the property; this usually means that the inspector will ‘tap’ on the wood trying to identify hollow or dead spots. Additionally, the inspector will be looking for termite droppings, visible damage caused by subterranean ground termites in all accessible locations, such as the crawlspaces and in the attic. The inspection process will not cover ‘inaccessible locations such as behind the refrigerator, cabinets, locked doors or blocked closets. These inaccessible areas will be clearly noted in the termite inspection report. Your Termite Inspection Report is good for up to 15 days.

When a Hawaii residential property is sold, it is standard to have a Hawaii Termite Inspection Report completed on the property. In the state of Hawaii, the Termite Inspector must adhere to HRS 460-j section 19, and report on form PC-9. The Hawaii Termite Inspector is looking for the following 8 items:

1. General description of the building or premises inspected. (house, condominium, etc.)
2. Were any areas of the building or premises obstructed, enclosed, or otherwise concealed from inspection?(There are always some areas that can not be inspected such as between the walls, under the carpets, etc.)
3. Describe the areas of the building or premises which were not inspected due to obstruction, enclosure or inaccessibility, and the location of each such area, together with the reason(s) that each such area was not inspected. (Inaccessible areas should be listed.)
4. Was visible evidence of active (i.e. live) termite infestation observed? (Drywood or ground) (The inspector is looking for evidence of live termites. However, he does not need to find live termites to come to the conclusion there is an active infestation.)
5. Was visible evidence of inactive termite infestation observed? (Are there signs the house was infested in the past?)
6. Was visible damage due to termites observed? (Damage is noted but only a contractor or architect can determine if the damage is a structural problem.)
7. Is further treatment for control of drywood and/or subterranean termites recommended? State general type of treatment recommended. (The inspector makes recommendations as to what type of treatment; tent fumigation, ground termite treatment, etc.)
8. State whether any existing conditions of the premises contain the potential for future termite infestation.(Are there situations that could lead to future infestation of termites, such as leaking plumbing, soil-to-wood contact, construction defects?)

Termite Inspection For The Seller

Before the termite inspector arrives, the property seller should make sure all areas of the property are accessible and unlocked. Be prepared to present any prior pest control documentation to the inspector.

Termite Inspection For The Buyer

The buyer will be given a copy of the written termite inspection report noting all areas inspected, pest damage (if any), future pest control recommendations, and areas of future pest infestation.