What is a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) in Cherry Hill, NJ? What Do Inspectors Look For?

A Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) is a legal document written and issued by a qualified, licensed inspector. A WDIR is usually required during real estate transactions where the mortgage lender or buyer requires the inspection as these pests can cause major structural damage. The lending institution will usually require and recommended treatment be done before they will loan the money. Ross Environmental Solutions delves further into this below.

Does a Wood Destroying Insect Report Only Look for Signs of Termites?

A big misconception people have about a WDIR is that it only look for termites. Real estate agents use the terms “termite inspection” or “pest inspection” which are not really the correct terms. WDIR’s look for and report evidence of any insects that can cause structural damage to a property. Other than termites, the report will disclose the damage or evidence of Powder Post Beetles, Old House Borers, Carpenter Ants, Carpenter bees, and some other species of wood boring beetles.

What are Wood Destroying Insects?

Termites and other wood destroying insects, such as carpenter ants can damage the structural integrity of a home. Termites are known as silent destroyers because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected. Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage. Termites are usually small, measuring between 0.16 to 0.59” in length. They have wings that they shed once they find a good place to build a nest. Termites can and will attack a new home and only need an opening 1/64” wide to gain access inside. They can enter directly from the soil or they may build tubes from their colony to your home. Termite colonies eat non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Subterranean termites nest on the soil to obtain moisture, but they also nest in wood that is often wet. They easily attack any wood in contact with the ground. Drywood termites don’t require any contact with the soil and live on wood with low moisture content. Termites can remain concealed until they have severely damaged a structure, leaving a thin layer of a wall that protects them from the environment. Powder post beetles feed on certain hardwoods or softwoods. Wood borer beetles, after termites, are the most important wood-destroying insects.

What Do WDIR Inspectors Look For?

The issuing inspector surveys a structure for evidence of an infestation or previous infestation by wood destroying organisms. The inspection isn’t looking for just “active” termites. It will look for termite shelter mud tubes on foundations, termite damage in wood, swarmer wings and “frass”, which is the sawdust material left behind when building their shelters etc. When evidence is found on, in, or under the structure, the next step will be to determine evidence of any prior treatments that were completed. Any evidence, or no evidence of previous treatment if applicable, will then be noted on the report, and recommended treatments will also be outlined. The process typically takes about an hour to complete.

Wood Destroying Insect Reports

Buying a home or a new property will certainly be the biggest investment you will make. A Wood Destroying Insect Report is key to knowing the situation you are getting into and will protect your investment. Call on the professionals at Ross Environmental Solutions for a WDIR whenever you need one.