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Have you been told that you need a WDO inspection? What is a WDO inspection?!

The issue of Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO) inspections and the resulting reports is so misunderstood that this site has been compiled to answer the most common questions, as well as to correct much of the mis-information that is passed around about this subject.

For ANY subject, it is always good to have DEFINITIVE SOURCE information. The fact that "Aunt Sally" told you so is NOT definitive! Always go to the source, or to the people in the know, to get answers about any subject in life. On this subject, we got our answers from the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Agricultural Environmental Services - http://www.floridatermitehelp.org/.

What is a WDO Report?

As defined by the state of Florida, a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Report is "a written report of an inspection on a home for visible and accessible evidence of an infestation or damage by wood destroying organisms". A WDO report may also be commonly called a "Termite Inspection", "Clearance Letter", or "Termite Letter". This primarily means subterranean termites or dry wood termites, but will also include wood destroying beetles and wood decaying fungi.

roof leak and mold
This is an infrared photo of one heck of a roof leak, but it was not visible from the exterior. The infrared image makes the wet spot very clear!

By Florida statute, a WDO report is provided when a home or other structure is being sold and the mortgage lender or buyer requires the inspection as part of the transaction. If an inspection is done for these purposes, the inspection must be reported on a specific report form as required by Florida Law, form 13645 (Chapter 482.226, Florida Statutes and Chapter 5E-14.142(2)(c), Florida Administrative Code.). The form is sometimes called the "1145 report" because of the old form number.

Who can perform a WDO inspection?
Persons performing wood-destroying organism inspections are required to have a pest control identification card from the State designating them as having received special training to perform WDO inspections. Every WDO inspector must carry their pictured State of Florida identification card at all times. Make sure your WDO inspector is State designated - ask for their ID card!

You can also search to verify the status of your WDO inspector - use this link, http://app1.flaes.org/ceu/, then search under "Applicators".

Key Points:

  • Don’t rely on the WDO report alone.
  • Be present when the WDO inspection is done.
  • Obtain documentation on termite treatment history and copies of protection contracts issued for the structure.
  • Maintain an active WDO protection contract on the structure after purchase.
  • FREE Download
    • Our free guide containing our 10 Tips for preventing and detecting termites, and Understanding WDO Inspection Reports (taken from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website).
  • Questions? Contact us with your questions using our convenient form.

Did you know...?

The State WDO form that all WDO inspectors are required to use is the FINAL page of a 4 part instructional packet? This State "form" is actually made up of three pages of instruction and one page of report!

  • The WDO report is NOT required by the state to be guaranteed for a set period of time?
    Most people think a WDO report is good for 30 days, but it is ONLY required to accurately reflect the condition of the property relative to wood-destroying organisms at the time the inspection was performed.
    (WDO Form, General Information, # 5)
  • The person requesting the WDO report must be provided a copy of that report?
    (WDO Form, General Information, # 9)
  • Fencing is NOT considered a part of the structure UNLESS it is attached?
    (WDO Form, General Information, # 11)
  • Decks ARE considered a part of the structure if they are attached or contiguous?
    (WDO Form, General Information, # 10)
  • PROBING during the course of the WDO inspection is PERMITTED by the state, and is encouraged to determine infestation?
    (WDO Form, General Information, # 12)

For further information, please visit these links:

More information is available from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control (850) 921-4177.

This page provided courtesy of:

A 7
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DeBary, FL
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