Colorado Termite Inspections
Does Your Colorado Home Need a Termite Inspection?
Sep 30, 2026 · @Vic Malone
As of 2025, if you are buying a home in Colorado with a VA loan, there's a good chance you'll need a termite inspection. VA requires a wood-destroying insect (WDI) report in 43 of Colorado's 64 counties, including El Paso, Teller, Pueblo, Douglas and Arapahoe.
That catches a lot of buyers and agents off guard, especially on the Front Range, where termites aren't top of mind and where it was not required in years past. Knowing early whether your county is on the list keeps it from becoming a last-minute scramble before closing.
Which Colorado counties require it
The Front Range split
The county line matters more than the zip code. It's dependent more on changes in latitude than changes in altitude, according to Jimmy Buffet!
The Denver metro is divided right down the middle:
Required: Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert
Not required: Denver, Adams, Jefferson, Boulder and Broomfield
So a home in Aurora's Arapahoe County neighborhoods needs a WDI report, while one a few miles away in Adams County doesn't. Down south, all of the Pikes Peak region is on the list: El Paso, Teller, Fremont and Pueblo. If you're buying near Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever or the Air Force Academy, plan on the inspection.
What it means for buyers and agents
Order it early. Schedule the WDI inspection alongside the home inspection so the report is in hand before the appraisal wraps up.
Either side can pay. Since 2022, VA has allowed veterans to pay for the termite inspection. Many buyers still negotiate for the seller to cover it, so write it into the offer.
Budget $100 to $200. Cost varies by inspector and home size.
Findings must be fixed. If the inspector finds active infestation or damage, it has to be treated or repaired to meet VA's Minimum Property Requirements before closing.
FHA and conventional loans generally don't require a termite inspection in Colorado unless the appraiser flags evidence of damage. The county list above applies to VA loans.
The report is filed using a standard Form NMPA-33 linked at the end of this article.
Questions about your VA loan?
I'm Vic Malone, a retired Navy captain and VA loan specialist based in Colorado Springs. If you're not sure whether your home needs a termite inspection, or you want help planning a VA purchase anywhere on the Front Range, give me a call at (719) 304-4900 or e-mail me at [email protected]
Ready to get started?
Start your VA loan application online at: https://peaksevenmortgage.my1003app.com
It's a secure, no-obligation first step, and I'll follow up personally to walk you through your options.
Vic Malone
Broker Owner, Peak Seven Mortgage · NMLS #1084279 · Company NMLS #1712479.
County requirements are set by VA and can change; confirm current requirements before ordering an inspection.
