What is a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDI)
The WDI Report is an official report governed by the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Services (SPCS).
It’s not just a termite inspection. The official name is Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDI). Sure the primary intent of the report revolves around termites but there’s much more to a WDI than that.
About Our WDI Report
Typical reports are 2-3 pages long, although there is no set limit as to how long a WDI report can be. Our reports are typically 5 pages long. They typically have more information and documentation than most of the WDI reports we have seen from other local inspectors.
The report identifies conditions on and around the structure which are conducive to wood destroying insects. Recommendation are given on how to help prevent WDI infestations.
When possible, the report identifies whether the structure has been treated for WDI’s in the past and where such treatment has occurred. It will attempt to identify who treated the property, when it was treated, and what it was treated with.
Previous WDI activity, visible damage, and the location(s) of these issues is noted. Active WDI infestations are noted. WDI species may include subterranean termites, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles, and wood boring wasps.
Treatment is recommended if active WDI infestations are discovered. If inactive WDI infestations are discovered with no sign of prior treatment, then treatment is recommended.
The foundation perimeter is measured and a reasonably detailed illustration of of the structure foundation is supplied, with notations identifying the areas of conducive conditions, any previous activity, and/or any active infestation(s).
This is a limited visual inspection based on what is present and visible at the time of inspection. All comment is based solely on what was present, visible, and accessible at the time of inspection.
When is a WDI Report Required
If the house is being purchased with a VA loan then an official WDI Report will most likely be required.
If the house is being purchased with a FHA or a HUD loan, an official WDI Report may or may not be required. Speak to your lender about this.
If the house is being purchased with a conventional loan then an official WDI report will probably not be required.
You should always contact your loan officer to find out whether an official WDI Report will be required to help avoid unexpected surprises at the closing.
Why Should You Get a WDI Report Along With Your Home Inspection
SPCS WDI inspections are beyond the scope of a TREC PI Report. Therefore, a WDI Report can strengthen a conventional TREC Report.
Many people feel more comfortable about the purchase investment they are about to make with the additional information and documentation a WDI Report provides.
If it’s apparent that the house has conducive conditions, or has already experienced WDI issues, then it might be prudent to have a WDI inspection.
If it’s an older house, it might be prudent to have a WDI inspection.
Reasons for Not Needing a WDI Report With Your Home Inspection
A new construction probably doesn’t need a WDI Report.
If you already have a pest control company working at your current home then you might prefer using their service to inspect your new home.
If the house has recently been treated and has a valid warranty in place then you probably don’t need a WDI Report.
Limitations of a WDI Report
A WDI Report is not a destructive and/or exploratory inspection of the structure. The pest and their behavior are studied, and a lot information about them can be observed and deducted, but all comment is based solely on what was present, visible, and accessible at the time of inspection.
A WDI Report is not a warranty and does not provide a guarantee.
