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Wood-Decaying Organisms (WDO)
Protect Your Home!
Termite inspections in Florida are actually called Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspections. A “wood-destroying organism” is an arthropod or plant life that damages or re-infests seasoned wood in a structure that may be existing your home. This includes termites (dry-wood, damp-wood, Formosan, or subterranean), powder post beetles, old house borers, and wood-decaying fungi.
More Than Just Termites
The term Wood Destroying Organism (WDO), and is used to classify pests and fungus that actually digest wood. For example they eat your home essentially using your home as a source of food. Because WDOs often present little evidence of activity, they can go unnoticed for years and can be difficult to detect. Organisms included in a WDO inspection report includes the following:
Termites, including subterranean and drywood varieties
Wood boring beetles, such as Powder post Beetles
Wood decaying fungi (i.e. wood rot)
They're a Bigger Problem than You Think
WDO inspections are required for VA or FHA mortgages as well as other loans from many financial institutions. It is estimated pin termite damage alone at around $5 billion every year in the United States within the industry. The average cost for repair after a termite infestation is $3,000, but can be much higher depending on the extent of the damage and what part of the home is damaged.
WDO Inspection Report
A properly trained inspector is required as wood destroying organisms can be difficult to detect and identify. A WDO inspection is a visual inspection of the accessible components of the home including the crawlspace, attic, exterior, etc. The inspection looks for evidence of active or past infestation such as wood damage, dead or living termites or beetles, mud tubes, etc. The inspection also reports conditions that may cause infestation such as soil contact with wood, windows, standing water, and more.
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Preparing for the Inspection
As the seller, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the inspection. Being prepared will help the inspection go smoothly and increase your home's appeal to potential buyers.
Brush and Other Exterior Obstructions
Make sure that all pathways are clear and free of any overgrowth or dead branches. All lawn equipment and recreational items put away.
Cleanup
Show it off well! It's important that your house is as clean as possible. Not only does this increase how your home shows, but it also helps the inspector by having a clean environment that is more accessible to preform an inspection.
House Number
It is always helpful to make sure the house number is visible from the street. As your home will have more traffic during the inspection and sale process you will want to make sure they can find it without any trouble.
Utilities are Connected
Utilities need to be connected so the inspector can test things like water flow, electrical outlets, water heaters, furnace, air conditioning, and so on. Without the utilities connected, the home inspector will have no choice but to either reschedule or suggest inspection by a specialist.
Appliances are Connected and Working
Appliances that are not connected to water, power, oil, or gas cannot be turned on by the home inspector. All appliances should be working properly, and unusable or not in use appliances should be removed.
Put Animals Away
While we love animals some can become a distraction for the inspector. Make sure to be cognizant of animals that are not friendly with strangers.
Florida Pro Inspections provides pre-listing home inspections in Southwest Florida including counties of Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Highlands, Glades, Hendry, Collier, and surrounding areas. State licensed, InterNACHI Certified. Give us a call or text at (239) 458-9117 or Book Now for your inspection today!