Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms Inspection Report (“Certification”)

A thorough and detailed inspection of your home is your best defense against damage caused by termites and other wood-destroying organisms. A trained inspector can spot termite evidence of even the beginning of an infestation or infection. This allows the homeowner, the opportunity to correct the problem before it becomes too costly.

Each finding and recommendation is specific, no multiple options in one finding, especially regarding termite treatments. This allows you, the homeowner to know exactly what service your inspector is proposing to perform for you. Reports are are in full compliance with all the rules and regulations as specified by the Structural Pest Control Act.

Benefits of a complete termite inspection:
A. Early detection of termite infestation before damage occurs.
B. Full inspection of difficult to reach areas.
C. Peace of mind.

Benefits when selling your home:
A. Eliminates surprises in real estate transactions.
B. Knowledge of problems prior to placing home on market.

What is a Wood Destroying Pest Report?

As a protective measure, banks and lending institutions require that homes be inspected for damage from termites and other wood-destroying insects before closing the sale of the home. A Wood Destroying Pest Inspection Report (WPI) is a document prepared by a licensed pest control company that informs the lending institution and buyer of the results of the inspection.

WPI provides basic information about the inspection such as the address of the property and which structures were inspected. Also, general questions are answered: Are there any obstructions or areas inaccessible to inspection" Is there any visible evidence of infestation or previous treatment? Will the inspecting company or another company correct the damage? WPI pinpoints special areas or concern such as locations of previous treatment and areas that are inaccessible to inspection.

What a WPI is not

Now that you know what a WPI is, let's talk about what a WPI is not:

• A WPI is not a structural damage report. WPIs tell you only about damage relating to infestation (but not the extent of same as that is the expertise of a building contractor). In addition, it does indicate the presence of structural damage for other reasons such as earthquakes or floods.

• A WPI is not a guarantee of the absence of wood-destroying insects. An inspection is an important tool in evaluating the soundness of a structure, but there are limitations. An inspector can't pick up a house and look under it, or take it apart and put it back together.

What are WPIs good for then?

What good is a WPI if it can't guarantee that a house is free from termites? Aside from identifying obvious infestations and previous treatment, WPIs highlight potential problem areas. Here are some things that buyers should look for:

• Cracks in Foundation.
  A crack 1/32 of an inch wide will give termites and other wood-destroying insects access to a house.

• Leaking pipes and faucets.
  Termites, as well as other insects, seek out moisture for survival. Leaking pipes can keep wood and soil continually damp and create a perfect home for termites.

• Wood debris around and under a house.
  Pieces of scrap lumber or firewood kept next to a structure can support a colony of termites.

• Sprinkler systems
  or bubblers placed near the outside wall of a structure. Excessive watering can dilute pesticide treatments around foundation walls.

• Flower planters.
  Planters allow hidden and direct access to unprotected siding and cracked stucco when built in direct contact with a house.

• Trellises and wooden fences
  fences. If a trellis or wood fence touches the soil and is in contact with a structure, it provides a direct link between subterranean termites in the soil and wood in the structure.

WPIs provide valuable information for the sale of a home and document its present condition for future reference. Unfortunately, there is no state law that requires a WPI for the sale of a structure; it is normally a requirement of the lending institution. State law does dictate that WPIs meet certain minimum standards.