What is a Pest Inspection For Real estate Transactions?

If you are in the process of buying or selling a home, a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) may be required. A WDIR is a document that outlines the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects in a home, and it is typically required by lenders and homebuyers as part of a real estate transaction.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has established a standard form for WDIRs, known as the NPMA-33 form. The NPMA-33 form is used by licensed pest control companies to report on the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects, including termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles.

The NPMA-33 form is a comprehensive report that includes information on the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects, the location and extent of any damage, and recommended treatments to address any issues found. The form also includes a section for the inspector to note any areas of the home that were inaccessible during the inspection.

When hiring a pest control company to perform a WDIR using the NPMA-33 form, it is important to choose a company that is licensed and experienced in conducting these types of inspections. The inspector should be knowledgeable about the types of wood-destroying insects that are common in your area, as well as the signs of infestation and damage.

During the inspection, the inspector will examine the exterior and interior of the home, including the foundation, crawl space, and exposed accessible wood, for any signs of wood-destroying insects or damage. They will also look for conditions that may be conducive to infestation, such as moisture problems or wood-to-soil contact.

If wood-destroying insects or damage are found during the inspection, the pest control company will provide recommendations for treatment to address the issue. Treatment options may include liquid or bait treatments, as well as physical removal of damaged wood.

If you are in the process of buying or selling a home, a Wood Destroying Insect Report using the NPMA-33 form is an important document to have. By hiring a licensed and experienced pest control company to perform the inspection and provide recommendations for treatment, you can ensure that visible evidence of wood-destroying insects or damage is identified and addressed before the sale of the home is completed.