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Quick, low-risk steps
- Do not enter areas with visible sagging, cracking, or spongy floors.
- Photograph damage from a safe distance without touching or disturbing it.
- Contact a licensed pest control professional to confirm active infestation and treatment.
- Ask whether a structural engineer or qualified contractor should evaluate the damage.
- Get repair estimates only after treatment is complete and structural safety is confirmed.
Who Handles What After Termite Damage
Termite damage often requires two separate professionals: a pest control operator to stop the infestation and a building professional to assess and repair structural harm. Pest control companies are licensed to apply treatments, but they are not typically licensed to perform structural repairs or certify a building as safe.
In Georgia, structural pest control is regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, while building repairs fall under contractor licensing rules. A pest control report may note visible damage, but it is not a structural engineering assessment. Always ask for clarification on what the inspection covers.
- Pest control: identifies termite activity, treats infestation, may note visible damage.
- Structural engineer: evaluates load-bearing integrity, specifies repair requirements.
- Licensed contractor: performs wood replacement or reinforcement per engineer's plan.
- Home inspector: may identify damage but cannot certify structural safety.
- You: collect documentation, verify licenses, and coordinate the sequence.
When to Call a Structural Expert
If termite damage is found in load-bearing walls, floor joists, roof supports, or foundation elements, a structural engineer should evaluate the home before anyone enters or works in the area. Signs like doors that stick suddenly, sloping floors, or visible cracks in drywall can indicate movement.
Even if damage appears minor, hidden tunnels inside wood can reduce strength significantly. A professional can use tools like moisture meters and probing devices to assess the extent without causing further damage. Do not rely on a visual inspection alone to determine safety.
- Sagging or bouncy floors over a crawlspace or basement.
- Cracks in interior walls or ceilings that widen over time.
- Doors or windows that no longer close squarely.
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped with a screwdriver handle.
- Visible termite tunnels in structural wood members.
Repair Sequencing and Documentation
Repairs should not begin until the termite infestation is fully treated and the structure is deemed safe. Rushing into repairs can trap moisture, conceal ongoing activity, or create new safety hazards. A clear sequence protects both your home and your finances.
Keep records of all treatment reports, damage photos, and professional assessments. These documents may be needed for insurance claims, future disclosures, or warranty claims. Note that most homeowner policies exclude termite damage, but check your policy to confirm.
- Complete termite treatment with a licensed professional.
- Obtain a written report confirming treatment and any damage noted.
- Hire a structural engineer if load-bearing elements are affected.
- Get repair bids based on the engineer's scope of work.
- Save all permits, invoices, and warranty documents.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay
Before hiring anyone, verify their license and ask specific questions about what they will and will not do. A pest control company should explain their treatment method, the chemicals used, and any occupant safety steps. A contractor should provide a detailed scope of work and proof of insurance.
Be wary of any company that offers to do both pest control and structural repairs without a separate engineering report. Combining these services can create a conflict of interest. Always get multiple opinions for major repairs.
- Are you licensed for pest control, contracting, or engineering in Georgia?
- Will you provide a written report separating treatment from structural assessment?
- What is the warranty on treatment and how are retreatments handled?
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation?
- Can you provide references for similar damage repair projects?
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Written pest control treatment report with damage notations
- Structural engineer's assessment if load-bearing wood is affected
- Contractor's license and insurance verification
- Detailed repair scope and materials list
- Permits required by local building department
- Warranty terms for treatment and repair work
- Photos of damage before, during, and after treatment
- Receipts for all professional services
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage repair?
Most standard homeowners policies do not cover termite damage, as it is considered preventable maintenance. Check your specific policy or contact your insurer to confirm.
Can a pest control company also do the repairs?
Some companies may offer both, but it is generally recommended to separate treatment from structural repairs to avoid conflicts of interest. Always require an independent structural assessment for load-bearing damage.
How do I know if the damage is structural or cosmetic?
Only a qualified structural engineer or experienced contractor can determine if damage affects load-bearing capacity. Visual inspection alone is not reliable. If in doubt, stay out of the area and get a professional evaluation.
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.