What Is A WDO Inspection And Why Does It Matter?

Despite our best efforts to keep our homes in perfect condition, the truth is that we can’t account for everything. A clear example for Florida is the danger of hurricanes. Yet, some perils are so small they’re barely noticeable and can cause extraordinary amounts of damage without you noticing until it’s too late. 

We’re talking about wood-destroying organisms or WDOs for short. 

These organisms are so destructive that you can’t risk leaving the problem unattended. If you catch sight of a WDO infestation, you should schedule an inspection before making any attempts at remediation.

But what is a WDO inspection and what are the most common types of WDOs homeowners have to deal with regularly?

What are WDOs?

Although termites spring into mind whenever wood-destroying organisms are mentioned, the term isn’t limited to just insects. WDOs cover a wide variety of plants and insects that receive nutrients from or colonize wooden surfaces, including:

• Fungi

Different species of fungi can cause wood rot, especially in untreated wood. These WDOs can eat through it, creating weak points in the process, while certain types can eat the wood from the inside, which typically leads to spongy wood. 

• Termites

Termites are the most notable of all WDOs for a good reason - they’re the most damaging and are very tricky to track down. The most common species are the worker termites, which have a creamy-white appearance, and winged termites (swarmers), which reproduce in spring and fall and start new colonies. 

• Powderpost beetles

While not as notorious as termites, powderpost beetles are a menace in coastal areas and can cause significant damage if they penetrate the home’s wooden surfaces. 

• Carpenter ants

These ants can be identified by their glossy body. Even though they don’t attack wood for the nutrients, they love to build colonies inside the wood - which can cause not only extensive damage, but can also be hard to identify. 

Signs of WDO Activity

Before delving into what is a WDO inspection and why you should schedule it, you should first understand the common indicators of WDO activity, which include:

• Piles of sawdust inside the home
• Small holes on wooden surfaces
• Springy or spongy wood
• Crinkling sounds inside the walls

In a pinch, you can quickly test if there are WDOs on your property with only a screwdriver. Just prod the suspected site with it - if any insects spill out of the wood, you’ve got an infestation going on. The same applies to a scenario where your screwdriver test reveals small channels inside the wood - a clear sign of carpenter ants or termites.

What is a WDO Inspection?

Prodding around with a screwdriver may help, but it will only get you so far. In reality, WDOs operate in complete silence and secrecy, and it may take years before you notice their presence. 

As soon as you do (including finding signs of WDOs on the exterior of your home), you need to schedule a WDO inspection as the infestation can quickly spread to other areas in your home.

The answer to the question of what is a WDO inspection is simple - it’s a non-invasive inspection, performed by a licensed inspector and its main goal is to determine whether WDOs are present on the property.

During the examination, the inspector will visually scan the interior and exterior portions of the property and examine all accessible wooden areas. This includes checking wood surfaces such as:

• Woodwork such as wood floors, banisters, and molding
• Basement joists
• Wall studs
• Attic rafters
• Crawl space areas
• Exterior wood siding

Furthermore, the inspector will focus on all the signals of wood damage, as well as note down any instances of conditions that increase the risk of attracting WDOs. 

They may look for any of the following:

• Signs of WDO activity such as insect waste, wood damage, shelter tubes, etc.
• Suitable conditions for the spread of WDOs, including moisture-related problems
• Dead tree stumps
• Wood in contact with the ground

After the WDO inspection is done, the inspector will reveal any problem areas they found. This may provide you with immediate answers, but the inspection process is far from over.

The inspector will take a few days to compile all the findings in a comprehensive WDO report, which will contain a variety of information like:

• Status, extent, type, and location of the infestation
• Presence of conditions that may lead to a WDO infestation
• Your property’s risk level
• Recommendation for remediation and prevention of current and future infestations (including price estimates)

Is a WDO Inspection Required for Selling or Buying a Home?

Though a WDO report isn’t necessary before a real estate transaction, most lenders or other financial institutions will only issue a home loan when provided with a WDO report. While this isn’t the rule in many states, Florida does have strict requirements for VA loans. 

This isn’t to say that you should get a WDO inspection only if you’re applying for a loan. In fact, checking for WDOs will benefit you regardless of whether you’re buying or selling. Sellers can prove to a potential buyer that the home is infestation-free, while a buyer can confirm whether they’re buying a property that comes with additional costs.

Keep Your Home WDO-free

WDOs can cause thousands of dollars in property damage, more if the infestation has been going on for several years. This is why you need to act quickly if you spot any signs of their activity on your property and call a certified inspector ASAP.

With a report in your hand and recommendations by a professional, you’ll know exactly what type of remediation protocol you’ll need to resolve the issue fast.

Granted, this may cost you some money, but all in all, it beats having to fork out a hefty amount later down the road.

For the best WDO inspections in Central & South Florida, reach out to Guardian Angel Inspections. Our inspectors are certified, insured, and can track down even the stealthiest of critters. We’ve been at the forefront of the inspection industry in the area for over ten years, and as our clients can confirm - we always deliver!

Fill out our contact form or call 561-512-7854 to schedule an inspection now and say bye-bye to any pesky WDOs!