Understanding WDO (Termite) Inspections in Florida
What a Florida WDO inspection covers, who performs it, how it differs from a home inspection, and why lenders often require one.
Quick answer
What is a WDO inspection in Florida?
A WDO (wood-destroying organism) inspection is a visual inspection for evidence of termites, wood-decaying fungi, and wood-boring beetles, plus signs of previous treatment and damage. In Florida it must be performed by a licensed pest control business and is reported on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services form FDACS-13645. VA loans and some other lenders commonly require a WDO report before closing.
Key takeaways
- Covers termites, wood-decaying fungi, and wood-boring beetles.
- Performed by a licensed pest control business, not a home inspector alone.
- Reported on the state's FDACS-13645 form.
- Often required for VA loans; valuable for any Florida purchase.
Why WDOs matter in Florida
Florida's warm, humid climate is ideal for termites and wood decay. Subterranean termites travel from the soil through mud tubes, while drywood termites live entirely within the wood they infest. Both can cause significant damage before an owner notices, which is why WDO inspections are a routine part of many Florida transactions.
What the inspector looks for
- Live insects, swarmer wings, mud tubes, and frass (droppings)
- Damaged or decayed wood
- Evidence of previous treatment, such as drill holes or treatment notices
- Conditions conducive to infestation, such as wood-to-soil contact
How it differs from a home inspection
A home inspector may note visible damage or conditions conducive to pests, but a formal WDO inspection is a regulated pest control service with its own form. Palm View offers WDO inspections as an add-on to a residential home inspection. WDO inspections are provided by Termite Depot, our licensed pest control partner, and can be scheduled with your home inspection.
What Palm View's WDO inspection includes
Palm View's WDO inspection is a visual inspection of the property's accessible areas for evidence of wood-destroying organisms, visible damage, and indications of previous treatment or infestation. The findings can help you identify conditions that may require treatment, repair, or further evaluation before completing a real-estate transaction. You will receive the official state-prescribed WDO inspection report documenting the findings. The inspection does not include concealed or inaccessible areas, treatment, repairs, or a guarantee that wood-destroying organisms or related damage are absent.
Timing
Lenders that require a WDO report usually want it dated within a set window before closing — often 30 to 90 days, depending on the loan. Schedule during your inspection period so any findings can be negotiated.
Frequently asked questions
Does a clear WDO report mean the home has no termites?
It means no visible evidence was found in accessible areas on the inspection date. Concealed areas can't be evaluated.
What if evidence is found?
The report notes live activity, damage, or prior treatment. Buyers typically request treatment and, for damage, a contractor's evaluation.
