What is a WDI inspection?

What the inspector looks for

In Virginia the insect that matters most is the subterranean termite. Subterranean termites usually invade a structure from the soil along the foundation, commonly through cracks in the slab, utility conduits, expansion joints and plumbing connections.^[1] An inspector spends most of the visit where soil, concrete and wood meet: the crawlspace or basement, sill plates and joists, the foundation perimeter, porches, decks and any wood that touches the ground.

Virginia Cooperative Extension lists three usual signs of a subterranean infestation: mud tubes, swarmers and wood damage.^[1]

• Mud tubes are shelter tubes the termites build from the ground up to the wood. The tubes are flattened and muddy looking, and most are about the width of a pencil.^[1]
• Swarmers are winged termites, often found near light fixtures, windows and doors, and discarded wings on sills and floors point the same way.^[1]
• Wood damage can be hidden, because the surface may stay intact. Inspectors probe by tapping the wood every few inches with the handle of a screwdriver.^[1] The damaged wood sounds hollow.^[1]

Inspectors also note the conditions that invite termites, such as leaks, wet crawlspaces, wood piled against the house and soil touching siding. Extension notes that termites can be hard to spot where a foundation is hidden behind brick veneer, stucco or foam insulation that sits below grade, because there is then no outside evidence until the damage is obvious.^[1] That is a limit of any visual inspection: an inspector reports what can be seen and reached, not what is behind finished walls.

What the report does and does not tell you

A typical report says whether visible evidence of wood-destroying insects was found, whether there is visible damage, and whether the inspector recommends treatment. Read the fine print on three points:

• Which areas were inspected, and which were not. Finished basements, stored belongings and tight crawlspaces are common gaps.
• Active or past. Old damage and old treatment are not the same as a live colony. Ask the inspector which one they are describing.
• Damage versus infestation. The report says termites were or were not seen. It is usually not a structural repair estimate. If damage is found, a contractor or engineer decides what needs repair.

A WDI report is also not a termite warranty. If you want ongoing protection, that is a separate treatment contract, covered in do I need a termite bond in Virginia.

Who can do it

Pest control work is licensed in Virginia. A pesticide business license is required for any person or business operating in Virginia that, in exchange for compensation, sells, stores, distributes, mixes, applies or recommends pesticides.^[3] The state's applicator rules also set up a wood-destroying pest control subcategory for commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of pesticides to control organisms that destroy structures made of wood.^[4] The EPA's advice on termite firms is to ask to see the company's licence, and to call the state pesticide agency if you have concerns.^[2] See do pest control companies need a licence in Virginia.

A general home inspector is a different licence and a different scope. Virginia's home inspector regulation lists the presence of wood-destroying organisms among the exclusions a home inspection contract may state,^[6] so do not assume your home inspection covered termites. Read the contract, and see does a home inspector need a licence in Virginia.

When a WDI inspection is ordered

Most are ordered during a purchase. Lenders can require one: the VA says that wood-destroying insect information is required for the entire state of Virginia on VA home loans.^[5] Whether yours is required depends on your loan and your contract, which is a termite inspection required to buy a house in Virginia explains. Homeowners also order one when they see mud tubes or swarmers, or when selling and wanting the answer before a buyer asks. The cost depends on the house, and how much a termite inspection costs in Virginia covers what changes the price.

When to call a licensed pro

Always, for this job. Do not diagnose termites yourself and do not apply a termiticide to wood or soil on a guess. The EPA warns that if a treatment is conducted improperly it can contaminate the home and surrounding drinking water wells and will not protect against termites.^[2] Hire a licensed pest control business, confirm its licence, and ask for a written report that names the areas inspected.

Loclis lists licensed businesses by trade. Browse inspection services, read more inspection answers, or learn the signs of termites in a house. When you are ready, describe the termite job on Loclis so licensed local businesses can quote it in writing.