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What is a wood destroying insects/organisms inspection?

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Your inspection may or may not have discovered wood-destroying organisms (WDO). 

If  WDO were discovered, there are professionals that can treat and eliminate any problems.  Although we do not recommend one pest control company over the other, your inspector may know of several in your area. 

A WDO inspection report is provided when a home or other structure is being sold and the mortgage lender or buyer requires the inspection as part of the transaction. 

                                                 *What does a WDO report tell a buyer?

A WDO report tells the buyer if the  inspector saw any evidence of termite, powder post beetle or other insect damage. We will also report any mold like substances found.

                                                       *What does a "clear" report mean?

A "clear" report means that there was no evidence of wood destroying organisms’ infestation or damage visible and accessible to the inspector at the time of the inspection. It DOES NOT mean, however, that the buyer can be absolutely assured that there are no wood destroying organisms infesting the structure or that there is no damage from termites or other wood destroying organisms. 

Note*** it is very possible for termite or other WDO damage or infestations to be behind walls or in some other inaccessible location even in structures that receive "clear" reports.

Such an infestation or damage may be hidden (therefore not visible and accessible), or may have been repaired by the seller and therefore not visible and accessible to the pest inspector.

In addition to the WDO inspection, home buyers should obtain written documentation of the following:

(1) Termite treatments and termite protection contracts issued on the structure for at least the last three years (longer if available).
(2) Reports of annual inspections conducted as part of a termite protection contract. These reports will indicate if signs of infestation or damage were observed during the term of the protection contract.
(3) Any WDO inspections performed on the structure within the last year (or longer if available.)

The contract and treatment information should be reviewed to determine if the home has been actively protected against termites. A structure that has not had this protection should be inspected very thoroughly to determine if there is an active infestation.

The reports of annual inspection and previous WDO inspections should be reviewed to determine if infestations or damage has been observed in the past. If infestation or damage was observed, documentation on treatment performed and repairs made should be obtained.  The existence of a past infestation or damage does not necessarily mean that the buyer should not purchase the home. The buyer should obtain additional information, however, to determine what steps (if any) are needed to put the structure into an acceptable condition.