Termite (WDI)
Inspection Services
Termites. AKA the complete opposite of welcome house guests. Thankfully, you don’t have to live with them.
And they’re not the only ones you need to look out for. Other common wood-destroying insects (WDI) include carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles. You may have also heard these guys referred to as WDO, or wood destroying organisms. No matter what you call them, they can spell big trouble for a home.
A WDI inspection is important because these types of insects can live anywhere - and oftentimes go totally undetected until a serious problem arises. This is because it can take years for structural damage to present itself, by which time the cost of remediation can be incredibly steep.
A WDI inspection doesn’t just mean checking for bugs (dead or alive), it also means checking for the presence of treatments that were completed in the past; or are even still ongoing today. Even homes that have a high volume of steel and concrete are vulnerable, so no matter what a prospective home is primarily made from, you’ll want a WDI inspection before you buy.
Got questions about WDI or want to schedule your home and termite inspection in Maryland, Northern Virginia or Washington, DC? Contact us for a quote or schedule your inspection with WDI today.
Termite Inspection FAQs
What does a WDI inspection entail?
An inspector will review all visible areas of a structure that are available. They will look for any signs of visible damage from WDIs and for signs of treatment from any past issues, and if so, if it is still ongoing.
What are some signs that WDI are present?
The most common WDI can be found deep inside the wood, but there are some clear signs from the outside as well. Look out for darkening wood or wood that gives off a hollow sound when tapped. Termites are also known for small piles of feces (they look like sawdust) or brown mud tubes on a home’s exterior.
Is a WDI inspection mandatory?
Certain types of loans, like those backed by the VA , FHA, or HUD require a WDI inspection in order to complete the purchase. Many banks also require a WDI inspection too, so check with your realtor to be sure.
How much does a WDI inspection cost?
Thankfully, a termite (WDI) inspection is incredibly affordable - especially when you consider how much money it could save you in the long run! Pricing varies from home to home, but the price a termite (WDI) inspection generally starts at $45. Get our full price list here.
Are there different kinds of termite?
Yes! There have been over 2,000 species of termite identified worldwide. However, thankfully, there are only two types that you need to worry about: subterranean and drywood termites.
Do termites and WDI only attack old buildings?
The idea of a rundown home is generally the first that comes to mind when one thinks of termites, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Termites have been spotted in buildings only four days (yes, days) after construction. So, a WDI inspection is important no matter how old a home is.