Do I need a termite inspection when buying a house?
In most cases, yes. Many lenders serving Miami require a WDI report before closing, and VA loans require one in many states. Even when it is optional, an inspection on a Miami home costs little and can surface damage or old treatments the seller may not know about.
What does a WDI report include?
The report is a snapshot of what a licensed inspector could see at a Miami, Florida property on that day. It covers the foundation, crawl space, garage, attic, and exterior. It does not open walls. Hidden damage in a Miami home can still surface later, which the report states.
Can I treat termites myself?
Partly. Fixing moisture, moving mulch, and sealing cracks are good Miami, Florida homeowner tasks. Treating the colony is not. Retail sprays kill what they touch and warn the rest. Save the money for a Miami inspection and a proper treatment.
Does fumigation kill subterranean termites too?
Fumigation and subterranean treatment solve different problems for a Miami home. Gas handles drywood termites hidden in framing and furniture. Soil treatment handles colonies that tunnel in from outside. Many Miami homes with both species end up needing both.
Is termite treatment safe for kids and pets?
Yes, with normal precautions. A Miami applicator will tell you when treated areas are dry and safe. Keep pets from digging in freshly treated soil for a day. For fumigation, the home in Miami is cleared with gas monitors before anyone returns, and aquariums must go with you.
What is a termite renewal contract?
Before comparing Miami quotes, note this: about 83% of pest-control company locations offered annual termite renewal services, per Pest Control Technology (PCT) magazine's 2025 termite market report, a BASF-sponsored Readex survey of roughly 145 professionals covering 2024 operations; this is a share of companies, not of homes under contract. Miami homeowners comparing quotes should ask each provider which of these patterns they see locally and why.
Is termite fumigation common?
No. For Miami, Florida the relevant figure is this: in Pest Control Technology (PCT) magazine's 2025 termite market report (a Readex Research survey of roughly 145 pest-control professionals about 2024 operations), fumigation was among the least common termite services, offered by 16% of responding locations, a company-offering figure rather than an infestation rate. Local conditions in Miami, Florida can differ from the survey population, so confirm the specifics with an on-site inspection.