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The issue of Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO) inspections and the
resulting reports is so misunderstood that we have devoted this
section of the website to answering the questions that we frequently
hear, as well as make right the many pieces of the mis-information
that are passed around about this subject.
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This is one heck of a roof leak, but it was not visible from
the exterior. On a WDO report, that white/gray area would
be referred to as wood decaying fungi.
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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?
A Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection 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 is also commonly called a "Termite Inspection",
"Clearance Letter", or "Termite Letter".
Whenever an inspection for wood-destroying organisms is made for
purposes of a real estate transfer, or a fee is charged, or if a
written report is requested, it must be reported using a State
required form, sometimes referred to as Form 1145 because of
the old form number, as mandated by Florida Law. (Chapter 482.226,
Florida Statutes and Chapter 5E-14.142(2)(c), Florida Administrative
Code.).
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 the license status
of your WDO inspector by visiting
this website.
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 concerns using our convenient
form.
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.
WDO Training and Services provided
by:
A 7
280 Dirksen Drive
DeBary, FL
866-668-6595
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Why
are these people smiling?
