Most Mortgages Require a WDI Report.

Wood destroying insects, such as termites, wood destroying beetles, carpenter bees, and carpenter ants, might go undetected for years, silently and invisibly destroying the structural integrity of your home without your knowledge.

That’s why you should consider having a termite/wood destroying insect (WDI) inspection when buying or selling a home. You should also consider it as a homeowner at least annually to know your risk potential.

What are wood destroying insects? Wood destroying insects are insects that either consume or damage wood for the purpose of reproduction, nesting site, or as a food source. These classes of insects include termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and wood boring beetles. In our area, termites and carpenter ants are the wood destroying insects that cause the most damage.

Why Do I Need a WDI Inspection?

Termites and other wood destroying insects live everywhere. They attack the wood in homes made of all types of materials and all ages, and they can get in through even the smallest of cracks – as little as 1/64 of an inch.

No home is immune from the attack and damage by wood destroying insects!

If you are buying or selling a home or suspect you may have a termite or other wood destroying insect infestation, you should engage a licensed home inspector to perform an inspection for a number of reasons.

· Termites can be extremely damaging, and they can spread quickly. They eat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week consuming as much as a pound of wood per day!

· The National Pest Management Association estimates that termite damage costs $5 billion annually!

· It can take three to eight years before infestation signs become visible. Notably, when an owner sees termite swarmers inside the home. The earlier you find an infestation, the less damage your home will sustain.

· As a home seller or owner, existing infestations and/or structural damage can significantly lower the value of your home. Termite damages, if left alone, can cause structural damages that can pose a significant risk to the structural integrity of the home.

· As a homebuyer, knowing about any infestation or structural damage gives you the power to make a good decision and negotiate fairly.

· Most homeowners insurance does not cover the repair costs of termite damage.

· Most banks, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Federal Housing Administration require a wood destroying insect inspection to secure a home loan.

· A thorough inspection for termites and other wood destroying insects has the potential to save you money by detecting current or past infestations as early as possible.

Understanding the presence of wood destroying insects and managing the repair of the structural damage they may have caused is critical whether you’re buying or selling a home – or just a long-time homeowner who suspects there may be a problem. Early detection can protect your home from costly damage.

About Our Termite/Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Services

Our home inspectors are trained and licensed to inspect all visible and accessible areas of your home for evidence of wood destroying insect infestations. We will look for:

· Live insects

· Dead insects

· Insect shelter tubes and exit holes

· Visible damage from wood destroying insects

After the inspection, we’ll deliver a detailed Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report, outlining our findings and recommendations. The Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) is an official form commonly required by lenders to document current or past damage caused by wood destroying insects. It also informs homebuyers of conditions that may be conducive to future insect activity.