Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Preserve wings or a specimen in a sealed container without pesticide.
- Photograph tubes or damage from a safe, accessible location.
- Avoid disturbing structural or concealed areas.
- Verify the professional’s Georgia license and ask to see the treatment label.
- Compare inspection evidence, method, follow-up, renewal, and warranty.
Homeowner paths
Choose the guide that matches the decision
How to Spot Signs of Termites in Your Home
Learn to recognize termite evidence, avoid common lookalikes, and know when to call a licensed professional. Practical guidance for homeowners.
Open guide →Decision guideTermites vs Ants: A Safe Visual Comparison
Learn how to compare termites and ants by wing length, waist, and antennae. Includes safe steps for collecting a specimen and when to call a licensed pro.
Open guide →Decision guideTermite Inspection: Areas, Access, and Report Limits
Learn what a termite inspection includes, from accessible areas to moisture checks. Understand report limits and questions to ask before treatment.
Open guide →Decision guideWhat Affects Termite Treatment Cost
Understand what influences termite treatment cost in Atlanta. Learn about inspection findings, treatment methods, and questions to ask before you get a quote.
Open guide →Decision guideLiquid Termite Treatment: What Homeowners Should Know
Understand what a liquid termite treatment includes, how licensed professionals apply it, and what to ask about monitoring and warranty before you commit.
Open guide →Decision guideTermite Bait Systems: What to Ask Before You Sign
Learn how termite bait stations work, what monitoring and service involve, and which questions to ask before signing a contract. Practical guidance for Atlanta homeowners.
Open guide →Recognize the Signs
Termites often leave subtle clues before major damage appears. In Atlanta, the humid climate can make homes especially vulnerable. Look for discarded wings near windowsills, mud tubes on foundation walls, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Not all damage is visible. Termites may be active inside walls or under flooring. If you notice paint that is cracked or bubbling, it could be a sign of moisture or termite activity underneath. Early detection helps limit repair costs.
- Discarded wings: Swarmers shed wings after mating; piles near doors or windows are common.
- Mud tubes: Pencil-width tunnels on concrete, brick, or wood provide moisture for subterranean termites.
- Hollow wood: Tap baseboards or beams; a dull thud can indicate internal damage.
- Frass: Drywood termites push out tiny, wood-colored pellets that may collect below infested wood.
- Bubbling paint: Uneven or peeling paint can signal moisture from termite activity.
Safe First Actions
When you find evidence, your first instinct might be to clean it up or spray it. That can make a professional inspection less accurate. Instead, collect a sample if you can do so safely, and take clear photos.
Do not apply over-the-counter pesticides or disturb the area. Breaking open wood or removing mud tubes can cause termites to retreat and spread, making treatment more difficult and expensive.
- Preserve a specimen in a sealed container without any pesticide.
- Photograph the evidence from a safe distance; include a coin or ruler for scale.
- Do not disturb mud tubes, damaged wood, or frass piles.
- Avoid entering crawlspaces or attics if you suspect structural damage.
- Contact a Georgia-licensed pest management professional for an inspection.
What to Expect from an Inspection
A thorough termite inspection in Atlanta should cover the interior and exterior of your home, including the foundation, crawlspace, and attic. The inspector will look for live termites, damage, and conditions that attract termites, such as moisture or wood-to-ground contact.
After the inspection, you should receive a detailed report that includes findings, identification of the termite species, a diagram of affected areas, and a recommended treatment plan. The plan should specify the method, treatment area, and any necessary preparations.
- The inspector should check accessible areas inside and outside, including basements and crawlspaces.
- You should receive a written report with findings, species identification, and a treatment proposal.
- The proposal must include the product label, application method, and safety instructions for occupants and pets.
- Ask about monitoring, follow-up inspections, and warranty or retreatment terms.
- Verify the professional’s license with the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Comparing Treatment Plans
Treatment options vary based on the termite species and the extent of the infestation. Common methods include liquid soil treatments, bait systems, and wood treatments. Each has different application requirements, timelines, and follow-up needs.
When comparing quotes, look beyond the price. Consider the scope of the treatment, the product being used, the warranty period, and what is included in renewal fees. A lower upfront cost may not include annual inspections or retreatment if termites return.
- Liquid treatments create a barrier in the soil; ask about drilling, trenching, and safety precautions.
- Bait systems use stations to eliminate colonies; ask about monitoring frequency and replacement costs.
- Wood treatments may be used for drywood termites; ask about the product and application method.
- Compare warranty length, renewal terms, and what retreatment covers.
- Request a written plan that includes all costs, follow-ups, and exclusions.
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Inspection findings and species identification
- Treatment area and method (liquid, bait, wood treatment)
- Access drilling or trenching requirements
- Product label and licensed application details
- Occupant and pet safety instructions
- Monitoring and follow-up inspection schedule
- Wood or moisture corrections needed
- Repair exclusions (what the treatment won’t fix)
- Renewal terms and annual fees
- Warranty or retreatment conditions
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Can I treat termites myself?
The EPA recommends using a licensed professional for termite control because treatments require specialized knowledge and equipment. Over-the-counter products may not eliminate the colony and can make professional treatment less effective.
How do I know if I have termites or ants?
Termites have straight antennae, a uniform waist, and wings of equal size. Ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and front wings longer than hind wings. A professional can confirm identification.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage, as it is considered preventable maintenance. Check your policy or contact your insurer to confirm your specific coverage.
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked July 31, 2026
- Termites: how to identify and control themU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Identification uncertainty, licensed treatment, and label-compliant control.
- Introduction to Integrated Pest ManagementU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Multi-step prevention, monitoring, and control principles.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.