The Complete Guide to WDO Inspections: Forms, Requirements, and Best Practices
Wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspections are one of the most important services a structural pest control company provides. They're required for most real estate transactions, and completing them correctly — with the right state forms, proper documentation, and professional delivery — directly impacts your reputation and your liability.
What is a WDO inspection?
A WDO inspection is a visual examination of a structure for evidence of wood-destroying organisms, including termites, wood-destroying beetles, wood-decay fungi, and related pests. Inspectors examine accessible areas of the structure — interior, exterior, attic, crawl space, basement, garage, and attached structures — and document findings on a state-required form.
In most states, WDO inspections must be performed by a licensed structural pest control operator. The completed report is typically required by lenders and real estate agents before a property can close.
State-specific WDO forms
Each state has its own required WDO report form. Using the wrong form — or an outdated version — can invalidate the report and delay a real estate closing. The most common forms include:
- NPMA-33 — The national standard form accepted in most states
- FDACS-13645 — Florida's required form, issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Texas WDI Report — Required by the Texas Department of Agriculture
- California WDO Report — Required by the Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB)
Staying current on form updates is one of the biggest operational challenges for WDO inspectors. Bug HQ maintains all state-specific forms and updates them when regulations change, so inspectors never have to worry about using an outdated version.
What to inspect and document
A thorough WDO inspection covers every accessible area of the structure. Here's a section-by-section breakdown of what inspectors should document:
Exterior
Check all exterior wood, window frames, door frames, decks, porches, fences, and wood-to-soil contact points. Look for mud tubes on foundation walls, exit holes in wood siding, and frass (termite droppings). Document grade wood, landscape timbers touching the structure, and sprinkler systems directing water toward the foundation.
Crawl Space
The crawl space is often where the most significant findings occur. Check subfloor joists and girders for moisture damage, wood decay, active termite infestations, and previous treatment evidence. Document moisture levels, vapor barrier condition, and any standing water. Look for active mud tubes on piers and foundation walls.
Attic
Inspect roof sheathing, rafters, and the top plates of exterior walls accessible from the attic. Drywood termites are commonly found in attic spaces in warmer climates. Look for frass, exit holes, and damage to structural wood members.
Interior
Check interior walls, window sills, door frames, and baseboards for bubbling paint, soft spots, or mud tube evidence. Probe suspected areas with a screwdriver or probe to test for structural damage.
Documenting findings correctly
How you document findings is just as important as what you find. Every report should clearly distinguish between:
- Active infestation — Live organisms present
- Previous infestation — Evidence of past activity, no live organisms observed
- Previous treatment — Evidence of prior chemical or physical treatment
- Visible damage — Wood damage from WDO activity
- Conducive conditions — Conditions that may lead to future infestation
Photographs are essential for WDO reports. Attach photos to each finding with clear descriptions. In disputes or warranty claims, your photos are your best defense.
Best practices for WDO inspectors
- Always use current state forms. Regulations change. Keep your forms updated.
- Photograph every finding. Photos protect you legally and help clients understand the issue.
- Be specific about locations. “Subfloor joists, southwest corner of crawl space” is better than “crawl space.”
- Note what you couldn't access. Document inaccessible areas clearly to limit liability.
- Deliver reports quickly. Real estate transactions are time-sensitive. Same-day delivery builds trust with realtors.
- Keep records. Store every signed report in the cloud. You may need it years later for a warranty claim.
How Bug HQ streamlines WDO inspections
Bug HQ handles WDO inspections end-to-end in the field app. Inspectors follow a guided checklist, capture photos that auto-attach to the relevant report section, and generate the correct state-specific form automatically when the inspection is complete. E-signatures, instant delivery, and cloud storage are all built in. Most Bug HQ users report cutting their per-report time from 15–20 minutes to under 5 minutes.