What is a WDO Inspection?

WDO stands for Wood Destroying Organisms. A WDO Inspection is sometimes called a termite inspection but includes more than just termites. It is an inspection that examines a house for wood-destroying organisms such as termites, wood-boring beetles, powderpost beetles, old house borers, and wood-decaying fungi, just to name a few.

A substantial difference between a WDO inspection from your typical home inspection is that during a WDO, your inspector is specifically looking for wood-destroying organisms and will investigate further if they find any evidence suggesting there is a problem. If the inspector finds any, they are required to investigate it further and document if live WDOs are present, the evidence, and what kind of damage is there. On the other hand, hiring a Home Inspector who is not licensed or trained in WDO inspections will note any damage and insects found and move on, not calling it out as WDO activity or damage.

Live WDOs

Live WDOs are one of the things your inspector will be looking for during a WDO inspection, and it is just what it sounds like – live wood-destroying insects or wood-decaying fungi. The wood-destroying insects your inspector will be on the lookout for are subterranean termites, drywood termites, wood-boring beetles, old house borers, and powderpost beetles.

Evidence of WDOs

Evidence of WDOs indicate that WDOs have been active in the area and are tell-tale signs of their presence. Some examples of evidence your inspector might see include wings or other insect parts found, frass (which is dry wood termite poop), and shelter tubes and exit holes for subterranean termites. During your WDO Inspection, your inspector will be checking all the accessible wood and surfaces to see if any evidence is there pointing to WDOs. It is important to note that all accessible areas will be inspected, but some areas might be inaccessible due to furniture, clothes in closets, or insulation.

Damage from WDOs

The last thing documented during a WDO inspection is any damage that may have been caused. Damage from WDOs is documented separately from evidence. This damage could appear as degrading or deteriorating wood from termites or another wood-destroying organism eating away at the wood. Holes in wood can also be damage caused by WDOs and your inspector will document them appropriately in the report. If damage is found, your inspector is required to probe the area to try and see the extent of damage that has occurred and if any live insects are around the area.

Not a guarantee

In Florida, it is always termite season. If a house does not have wood-destroying organisms currently, the question is not if the house will get them but when? A clear WDO inspection is not a guarantee that the house is 100% WDO-free. Some houses and areas are more prone to wood-destroying organism activity. For example, a 100-year-old wood frame house most likely has termites or had them in the past. It is important to read your WDO report carefully to ensure you have all the information to understand your home's status.