Why a General Inspector Won’t Comment on Termites or Asbestos

We are often asked if we also do the termite inspection.

Many termite inspectors specialize in termites and don’t do other types of pest work. And anything included in a termite inspection falls under their purview, which means we would need a state license to do anything they would do. This includes the shower pan, which means the general inspector must exclude it, since he is not licensed for it.

Clients have wondered why we don’t comment on evidence of rodents or other pests.

This is another thing that requires a state license. We aren’t allowed to specifically comment on rodent droppings. Because we are not licensed pest operators. Instead, we may comment on it in a vague way, such as “animal activity.”

We’ve also been asked if we can test for lead or asbestos.

Sometimes, the inspector is even asked to take a sample for testing. In California, to consult or advise in any way — which includes taking samples — requires a state license. If we make a comment on lead or asbestos, it’s only to flag it as a possibility.

And that’s why your general inspector won’t include the above information in the reports. We can’t perform any inspections for which we do not have a state required license.