What Fails a Termite Inspection in Escrow? Fullerton, CA

Escrow doesn’t usually “fall apart” because of termites — it gets delayed because the report language triggers required corrections, re-inspection, and paperwork.

If you’re buying or selling in Fullerton, this guide answers one question clearly: what fails a termite inspection in escrow, what’s negotiable, and what you can fix quickly to keep closing on track.

If you need a fast answer for your specific property, you can schedule a free inspection or call (888) 683-3592.

Quick-Answer (escrow reality in 30 seconds)

• What fails a termite inspection in escrow most often?

• Section I findings: active infestation/infection, or damage tied to it.

• Do Section II items “fail” escrow too?

• They can delay closing when buyers/lenders require corrections (even if there’s no active infestation).

• Does “No Access” fail escrow?

• It often triggers Further Inspection, meaning you may need to open areas or provide access before escrow can clear the report.

• Do you always need fumigation?

• No. Some issues are localized. But widespread drywood activity often leads to fumigation recommendations.

• Fastest next step: Get the right diagnosis + scope, then match treatment + repair to the report language. Start with free inspection booking.

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Step 1: Understand how California escrow termite reports are structured

Most California escrow termite reports are a Wood-Destroying Pest & Organism (WDO) style inspection report. You’ll usually see three buckets:

1) Section I

Active infestation/infection or damage resulting from it.

2) Section II

Conditions that are likely to lead to infestation/infection (even if nothing active is visible right now).

3) Further Inspection / No Access notes

Areas the inspector could not inspect (attic/crawlspace blocked, subarea sealed, etc.), and the report may require follow-up access.

If you want the official reference point for terminology and licensing verification, the California Structural Pest Control Board provides a license lookup tool and board info.

What fails a termite inspection in escrow (the real reasons)

1) Active termite evidence (Section I)

This is the most direct answer to what fails a termite inspection in escrow.

Common Section I triggers include:

• Drywood termite frass (pellet-like droppings) and/or kick-out holes with fresh pellets appearing

• Subterranean termite activity such as mud tubes or sheltering signs

• Swarm evidence tied to active infestation (wings alone can be ambiguous — context matters)

• Visible wood damage clearly associated with termites

UC IPM explains that drywood termites live inside the wood they eat and can be hard to fully detect because activity is often hidden.

If you want quick identification info:

• Drywood termites

• Subterranean termites

• About termites

2) Wood-decay fungus / “wood infection” (Section I)

Many people think termite reports only cover termites. In escrow reports, wood-destroying organisms can also include fungal decay (often called “wood rot” in everyday language).

This frequently shows up in:

• roofline/fascia zones with chronic moisture

• window frames with repeated leaks

• patio cover posts or trim exposed to irrigation overspray

• poorly ventilated enclosed spaces

When the report calls out active infection or damage resulting from infection, it can land in Section I and delay escrow just like termites.

Fast fix logic:

1. Correct moisture source (leak / drainage / ventilation)

1. Repair or replace damaged wood

If repairs are needed after treatment, connect the dots here: damaged wood repair service.

3) Termite damage that requires repair (still escrow-blocking)

Even if the report doesn’t show live termites in a specific board at that moment, visible termite damage can still create required corrective actions before close.

This is where deals stall because people treat the termites but don’t plan for the repair timeline.

Practical chain to remember:

termites → damaged wood → escrow requires correction → repair documentation needed

That’s why escrow planning should include:

• treatment scope

• repair scope

• and a clear completion note for escrow

4) Section II “conditions conducive” that buyers/lenders won’t ignore

Section II doesn’t always stop a closing… but it often creates negotiations, concessions, or a requirement to correct.

Common Section II items:

• wood-to-soil contact

• excessive moisture conditions

• cellulose debris in subareas

• poor ventilation or blocked vents

• gaps/penetrations that allow easy access into framing

If you’re selling, the best move is to knock out the “easy” Section II items early so you don’t get hit with last-minute re-inspection delays

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Related reading (useful for sellers): drywood termite prevention

5) “Further Inspection required” because the inspector couldn’t access key areas

This is an underrated reason what fails a termite inspection in escrow becomes a problem.

If access is blocked, the report may require:

• opening areas

• clearing attic/crawlspace entrances

• moving stored items

• providing safe access points

Fullerton seller tip: Before the inspection, clear:

• attic access (hatch not blocked)

• garage perimeter

• crawlspace door (if applicable)

• under-sink cabinetry (for moisture evidence)

Spot treatment vs fumigation in escrow: how the decision is made

You don’t “pick fumigation” because escrow said termites — you pick it when the infestation scope requires it.

Localized / spot treatment is often enough when:

• evidence is isolated and fully mapped

• access allows targeted treatment

• the report’s findings are limited to one area

Fumigation is often recommended when:

• activity appears in multiple areas or levels

• galleries are likely hidden in walls/attic framing

• the report suggests widespread drywood activity

• prior spot treatments didn’t solve the problem

If you want the homeowner comparison: fumigation.

Safety note (when you’re opening attics/crawlspaces for escrow)

If the report calls for further inspection and you’re opening attic spaces, be careful around rodent droppings.

CDC advises wet-cleaning methods and avoiding dry sweeping/vacuuming in rodent-contaminated areas.

(If you suspect rodent activity, handle that separately under general pest control.)

Why you can trust Termike (escrow-ready)

Escrow needs clarity: diagnosis, scope, documentation, and a realistic timeline.

Why you can trust Termike Pest Control:

• California SPCB licensed (PR8832)

• Branch 2 (Pest) Lic PR 6821 | Branch 3 (Termite) Lic FR 7742 (as listed in Termike’s published content)

• NPMA membership + 25+ years serving Orange County / Greater LA (as stated in Termike content)

• Inspection methodology may include FLIR thermal scans, UV tracking dust, and a sealed entry-point audit when appropriate

Want to learn more about the company? Visit about us and check Yelp reviews.

Escrow saver checklist (Fullerton)

Use this to reduce delays:

• Clear attic/crawlspace access before inspection

• Fix obvious moisture sources (leaks, pooling, irrigation overspray)

• Remove wood-to-soil contact where possible

• If termites are confirmed, schedule treatment immediately

• If wood repair is needed, line it up right after treatment: damaged wood repair service

• Keep documentation/receipts organized for escrow

To confirm service coverage: areas we serve.

Ready to keep escrow moving?

If you’re trying to avoid last-minute surprises, the fastest move is an inspection with a clear plan.

• Book online: schedule a free inspection

• Call now: (888) 683-3592

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FAQ (Escrow + Fullerton)

"Q: What fails a termite inspection in escrow most often?"

"A: Section I findings—active termite infestation/infection or damage tied to it—are the most common escrow delays."

"Q: Can Section II items delay escrow too?"

"A: Yes. Section II items are conditions that can lead to infestation/infection, and many buyers, agents, or lenders still require corrections before closing."

"Q: What does ‘Further Inspection’ mean on a termite report?"

"A: It means the inspector couldn’t access certain areas (attic/crawlspace/blocked zones) and needs them opened or cleared so the report can be completed."

"Q: Do I always need fumigation to close escrow?"

"A: Not always. If activity is localized and can be fully mapped, spot treatment may work. If activity is widespread or hard to locate, fumigation is often recommended for drywood termites."

"Q: If wood is damaged, do I need repairs as part of escrow?"

"A: Often yes. Escrow may require corrective repair documentation when damage is tied to termite or fungal issues. Treatment removes the pest; repairs restore the structure."