What Is a CL-100? The South Carolina Termite Letter Explained
If you're buying or selling a home in South Carolina, you'll almost certainly run into the "CL-100" — the official wood infestation report that most closings require. Here's exactly what it is, what it costs, and how to get one.
South Carolina · last reviewed July 2026
The CL-100 in Plain English
The CL-100 — formally the South Carolina Official Wood Infestation Report (form SC 1099) — is a standardized inspection of a home's accessible structural wood. A licensed inspector checks the crawl space, foundation, sills, and other reachable framing and documents three things:
- Wood-destroying organisms — termites (including the aggressive Formosan species on the coast), old-house borers and other wood-boring beetles, and decay fungi (wood rot).
- Existing damage — visible structural damage from those organisms, whether or not the infestation is still active.
- Conditions conducive to infestation — standing water, excess moisture, wood-to-soil contact and poor crawl-space ventilation.
Because termites are the headline finding, almost everyone calls it the "termite letter." But it's broader than termites alone — moisture and fungus findings are common in the humid Lowcountry and can matter just as much to a lender.
Why Closings Require It
A CL-100 isn't a universal state law for every transaction, but in practice most South Carolina home sales need one. The buyer's lender, the purchase contract, or both will ask for it — and government-backed loans (VA, FHA, USDA) effectively require a clear report before funding. The letter protects the buyer from inheriting a hidden termite problem and protects the lender's collateral. If you're financing a home here, plan on a CL-100.
What a CL-100 Costs in South Carolina
The inspection itself is inexpensive — typically $75–$150, and often bundled with a routine termite inspection. What can add cost is what the report finds: if there's active infestation or damage, treatment and repairs are quoted separately and may need to be completed before closing. For the full breakdown, see our SC termite inspection & CL-100 cost guide and termite treatment cost guide.
Who Can Issue One
Only a licensed pest control company with a certified inspector in the Wood-Destroying Organism / Household & Structural category — regulated by Clemson DPR — can perform the inspection and sign a CL-100. This is exactly the credential we surface on every company profile in this directory: license categories and the number of certified applicators, so you can confirm a company is qualified to issue the report before you book.
Timing: Order It Close to Closing
A CL-100 documents conditions on the day of inspection. Most lenders and closing attorneys won't accept a report older than 30 days, so it's ordered near the end of the process, not the beginning. If your contract is moving toward a closing date, line up the inspection a few weeks out so the letter is fresh when the attorney needs it.
If the Report Isn't Clear
A "clear" CL-100 reports no active wood-destroying organisms and no unrepaired damage. If the inspector finds active termites, the usual path is a termite treatment plus, in many cases, a renewable termite bond — and the closing proceeds once that's documented. If there's damage, repairs may be required too. Spotted a spring swarm and not sure if it's even termites? Our guide to flying ants vs. termites helps you tell the difference before you order an inspection.
Find a Licensed SC Inspector for Your CL-100
Every company below holds a Clemson DPR license. Start with termite specialists in a major metro:
CL-100 Termite Letter — South Carolina FAQ
What is a CL-100 in South Carolina?
The CL-100 — officially the South Carolina Official Wood Infestation Report (SC 1099) — is a standardized inspection report on the condition of a home's accessible structural wood. It documents any visible evidence of wood-destroying organisms (termites, wood-boring beetles, fungi/wood rot) and moisture problems. Lenders and buyers commonly require it before a real estate closing, which is why it's widely called the "termite letter."
How much does a CL-100 cost in South Carolina?
A CL-100 inspection typically runs about $75–$150 in SC, and is often bundled with a standard termite inspection. The cost is modest, but any treatment or repairs the report calls for are quoted and paid separately.
Who can issue a CL-100?
Only a licensed pest control company with a certified inspector in the Wood-Destroying Organism / Household & Structural category (regulated by Clemson DPR) can perform the inspection and issue a CL-100. Every company in our directory holds a Clemson DPR license; check the license block on each profile.
How long is a CL-100 valid?
A CL-100 reflects conditions on the day of inspection. Most lenders and closing attorneys will not accept one older than 30 days, so it's usually ordered close to the closing date rather than early in the process.
Do I need a CL-100 to sell my house in SC?
It is not a state law for every sale, but most South Carolina closings require one because the buyer's lender or the contract asks for it — especially with VA, FHA and other government-backed loans. In practice, if a mortgage is involved, expect to provide a CL-100.
What happens if the CL-100 finds termites or damage?
The report notes active infestation, previous treatment, and any visible damage. If it finds active wood-destroying organisms or damage, the buyer or lender will typically require treatment (and sometimes repairs) before closing. A clear letter — no active infestation, no unrepaired damage — is what keeps a sale on track.