Do you find yourself questioning "Do I need a WDO termite inspection?" maybe, what is a WDO inspection? WDO means "wood-destroying organisms." In other words, a WDO inspection's primary goal is to look out for insects and non-insect organisms that cause wreckage to wood. The non-insect creatures include the kind of fungi that feeds on and destroys wooden materials. A WDO inspector's job is to look for proof of these organisms' presence and then give a report about his or her findings.
The dream of getting a house is not an easy one. If it is your first time as a homebuyer, the whole transaction will be one requiring a lot of paperwork. To ensure that your investment in a property is worth it (implying that the property will appreciate rather than depreciate), the homeowner's loan granter will require various types of inspections.
These inspections will confirm if a property is solid and reliable. One of those inspections your loan granter will need is a WDO inspection.
What Does a WDO Inspection Cover?
Are you curious about what an interior and exterior WDO inspection involve? The interior and exterior WDO inspection of the home will cover common areas like:
Door and windows of a structure
Interior walls
Baseboard and trimming
Wood floorboards and layouts on the main floor, basement, and crawl space locations such as attics and below the home.
Garage, pavilion, fence, and any other construction
Cabinets
Dormers and skylight openings
Gutters and drainpipe / conducive condition locations.
WDO vs. Termite Inspection
Sometimes a WDO inspection is referred to as a termite inspection. Nonetheless, they are not the same. You must recognize the difference before going ahead to acquire a pest control agent's services. Some pest control companies render specific termite inspection services to figure out termite-related damages inflicted by both the eastern subterranean termite / Formosan termite and dry wood termite species. However, these pest control officials do not do an extensive and comprehensive inspection.
On the other hand, a WDO inspection covers beyond pointers for the presence of termites and termite damage. It goes ahead to include an assessment for the existence of any wood-destroying insects. The signs of wood-damaging organisms include:
Wood deterioration as a result of dry rot and water damage from moisture-related concerns
Wood-damaging fungi and wood decay fungi
Carpenter ants (in some states)
Species of wood-boring beetles
Other related pests and fungi that feed on wood and cause damage to the property.
Is a WDO Part of a Home Inspection?
Not at all. A WDO inspection is not often included in a home inspection unless the home inspection agent mainly makes this combination known. A large number of home inspectors do not have the license to operate as a pest control agent. Unauthorized home inspectors cannot present a valid WDO inspection report. In simpler terms, the main difference between a home inspection and a WDO inspection include the following:
Home inspectors examine electrical fittings, HVAC, roofing, and plumbing systems. Top home inspectors are prudent and enterprising. They inspect appliances and look for cracks underneath the sink.
A WDO inspection is an examination done by an authorized pest control company. They assess and look out for indications of termites as well as other wood-destroying organisms. A certified WDO inspector recognizes the signs of insects to look out for, such as subterranean termites. They look for termite droppings as well as mud tubes that are homes to termites and carpenter ants. A Pest control company can also make the proper recommendations for the need for termite treatment, or tent fumigation. The same termite treatment company can help educate you on how to prepare for tent fumigation, or other recommended termite treatment.
A WDO inspector takes it further and offers a more comprehensive service than the regular home inspector. They look for pointers or pre-existing damage and signs of initial treatments. Indications of previous termite treatment reveal that there may be a long-established issue.
In Florida, the WDO pest inspection terms are found in Florida Law Chapter 482.226 and Chapter 5E-14.142(2)(c) through the Florida Department of Agriculture.
What Are Wood Destroying Organisms?
As we previously pointed out, wood-destroying organisms include insects and non-insects (plant-like) that try to damage or degrade buildings' wooden components. Wood destroying insects consists of the prevalent ones like subterranean termites, dry wood termites, wood-boring beetle, powderpost beetles, carpenter bees, swarmers, carpenter ants (in some states), and many others.
A WDO will generally examine holes and burrows, main floors and comb the property's attic and other visible locations. They also inspect the environment around the home for any hint or evidence of wood-destroying organisms. The WDO specialists will scrutinize things like dead trees or poking tree branches. Dead trees and protruding branches can be a source of food or means of transport for these organisms.
What is WDO Damage?
WDO damages are any form of decline or decay of wood found inside or outside the home. The house's layout and make-up and the home's component may have WDO damages. Regardless of the name, the havoc caused by WDO goes beyond just wooden structural materials. The damages may include stuff like wiring to and from HVAC system devices. It encompasses breakage resulting from insects or plant utilization or depletion of cellulose materials or other structural components.
Is a WDO Included in my Home Inspection?
No, it is not included. Although a WDO inspection is not often included in a home inspection, it only does if the home inspection agent mainly makes this combination known. A large number of home inspectors do not have the permit to operate as a pest control agent. Unauthorized home inspectors cannot present a valid WDO inspection report. In a more straightforward sense, the significant difference between a home inspection and a WDO inspection include the following:
Home inspectors look into electrical fittings, HVAC, roofing, and plumbing systems. Top home inspectors are prudent and enterprising. They evaluate appliances and examine for cracks underneath the sink.
A WDO inspection is an evaluation done by an authorized pest control organization. They check for indications of termites and other wood-destroying organisms. A certified WDO inspector recognizes the signs of insects to look out for, such as subterranean termites. They look for termite droppings as well as mud tubes that are homes to termites and carpenter ants.
A WDO inspector takes it further and offers an all-inclusive service than the conventional home inspector. They look for pointers or pre-existing damage and signs of initial treatments. Indications of previous termite treatment reveal that there may be a long-established issue.
In Florida, the WDO pest inspection terms are established in Florida Law Chapter 482.226 and Chapter 5E-14.142(2)(c) through the Florida Department of Agriculture.
Signs of WDO Damage
When there is WDO damage or termite scourge, the usual signs include exit holes, pellets of excreta, fecal matter, termite wings, mud tubes, wood deterioration, blistering, and overall wood decay.
Conclusive proof and indications of WDO damage are not always straightforward. Homes supplied with floor coverings, equipment, and specific interior finishing such as wallpaper, may conceal WDO damage.
In the first stage of the WDO inspection, there may be just a routine inspection. This inspection may include examining and sounding structural components resulting from any initial discoveries of visual proofs, as specified in Chapter 5E-14.142(2)(c).
What is the Cost of WDO Inspection?
A complete WDO inspection costs between $95 to $250. The price is dependent on factors like the province or region, house size, and condition of the property. When the WDO inspection has been completed, you will be issued a state-mandated detailed report or a termite certification letter for the result. Contact us, and a qualified office associate will confirm a proper quote.
WDO Inspection Company Imperial Pest Prevention
Our WDO inspection crew can assist you with further information as regards to purchasing a WDO-free home. They can also provide answers to other termite-related questions you may want to ask.
We are optimistic this article helps you answer what a home buyer should know concerning WDO damage and WDO inspection. Similarly, the home sellers can also benefit from this knowledge.