A Wood Destroying Organism report (WDO) is a written report following a detailed inspection by a certified WDO inspector. This type of inspection is more commonly known as the termite inspection in the real estate industry. The inspection and subsequent report is designed to identify and report any visible and accessible evidence of an infestation or damage by wood destroying organisms.

The WDO inspection industry in Florida is regulated by The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Agriculture Environmental Services and Division of Entomology and Pest Control. It is governed by;

• Chapter 482.226, Florida Statutes
• Chapter 5E-14.142(2)(c), Florida Administration Code.

All WDO inspectors are required while performing wood-destroying organism inspections to have a valid pest control identification card designating them as having received special training to perform such inspections.

Not all home inspectors are licensed WDO inspectors and it is suspected several are operating under someone else’s license. This basically means the inspector is not trained or qualified to be inspecting the property. If you are employing a WDO inspector ask to see his license

As a certified ASHI home inspector I only use certified WDO inspectors. A WDO inspection is normally scheduled to be carried out during the home inspection after a request from the client. The WDO report is scanned and included within the home inspection report.

Termites are not the only insect that destroy wood, there are also;

• Ambrosia beetles
• Lyctid beetles
• Bark beetles
• Anobiid beetles
• Bostrichid beetles
• Old house borer
• Carpenter ants
• Wet rot and Dry rot also have a considerable impact on destroying wood.

It has been suggested by reputable termite eradication companies that there are only two types of homes: Those that have termites and those that will have termites in the future.

In Central Florida because of the climate and humidity we commonly find a varied selection of all the above generally in untreated properties. One of the most serious is the Formosan Subterranean Termites.

The Formosan Subterranean Termite is the most destructive termite in the USA. These termites live in the ground like common Subterranean Termites, but have colonies that are many times greater in size. A colony of Formosan Termites may have millions of members and can consume hundreds of pounds of wood in a single year.

Additional official Termite clarification can be obtained by visiting The United States Department of Agriculture web site
http://www.invasivespecies.gov/profiles/fst.shtml

Whether you live in the North or South of America your home is a target for termites. Termites can enter your home through tiny cracks in the foundation or slab, through utility entry points, or anywhere that soil contacts the wood. If they can't find easy entrance points near the ground, they will construct mud tunnels up the side of a structure to access areas above the ground.

Termites rarely come to the surface of what they're eating, therefore most of the time you will never know they have invaded your home until it is too late. However, if you're lucky, you may see some of the warning signs:

• Swarming or flying termites in the house, especially near sources of light
• Small wings near windows, doors or in the garage
• Mud tunnels along the foundation of your house, inside or outside
• Buckling paint

Home Inspection areas covered

I am based in Windermere Florida and cover the whole of Central Florida coast to coast for all of the following inspections:

• Home inspection
• Pool inspection
• New construction inspection
• Pre inspection
• Roof inspection
• 4 point inspection
• Home watch inspection

My full credentials and qualifications can also be verified online or by contacting The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) www.ashi.org, The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) www.ciob.org.uk and The Association of Building Engineers, (ABE) www.abe.org.uk