Wood-Destroying Insect & Termite Inspections

Wood-destroying insects can cause significant damage to a home's structural wood components, sometimes without obvious signs being visible from the living areas. Termites and other wood-destroying insects may remain concealed within walls, crawl spaces, attics, foundations, and other areas of a structure.

Frontline Inspections, PLLC provides Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) inspections to identify visible evidence of wood-destroying insects, previous infestation, damage, and conditions conducive to infestation.

WDI inspections performed for Texas real estate transactions are conducted in accordance with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS) requirements and the official Texas Wood Destroying Insect Report (SPCS/T-5).

A Wood-Destroying Insect inspection is a visual examination of accessible areas of a structure where wood-destroying insect infestation is present or most likely to occur.

The purpose of the inspection is to determine whether there is visible evidence of active or previous wood-destroying insect infestation and to identify conditions conducive to wood-destroying insect infestation.

The inspection may provide the basis for recommendations for preventive or remedial measures when appropriate.

Depending on the property and conditions observed, the inspection may address evidence associated with:

• Subterranean termites
• Drywood termites
• Wood-destroying beetles
• Carpenter bees
• Other wood-destroying insects within the scope of the inspection

The report identifies observed evidence rather than guaranteeing that the structure is free of concealed insects or damage.

The inspection includes visible and accessible areas of the structure where wood-destroying insect activity is most likely to occur.

Depending on the construction and accessibility of the property, areas examined may include:

• Foundation and perimeter
• Siding and exterior wood components
• Door and window areas
• Eaves and accessible exterior wood
• Porches, decks, and attached structures
• Wood-to-soil contact
• Landscaping and mulch conditions
• Firewood or wood debris
• Areas of excessive moisture
• Drainage conditions around the structure

• Accessible living areas
• Garages
• Utility areas
• Accessible finished and unfinished areas
• Areas adjacent to plumbing or moisture sources
• Visible wood components
• Evidence of previous treatment
• Visible insect activity or damage

Where accessible, crawl spaces receive particular attention because they can provide favorable conditions for termite activity and may expose foundation, framing, plumbing, moisture, and soil-to-wood conditions.

Observable conditions may include:

• Wood-to-soil contact
• Wood debris
• Moisture
• Poor ventilation
• Accessible foundation and framing components
• Termite shelter tubes
• Visible insect activity
• Previous treatment evidence
• Visible damage associated with wood-destroying insects

TDA identifies moisture, faulty grade, insufficient ventilation, wood debris, earth-to-wood contact, firewood, and certain landscaping conditions among conditions that can contribute to termite infestation.

Accessible attic areas are visually examined for evidence of wood-destroying insects and conditions conducive to infestation.

The inspection may include observations of:

• Accessible roof framing
• Wood members
• Visible insect activity
• Evidence of previous infestation
• Moisture-related conditions
• Damage that is visibly associated with wood-destroying insects

Inaccessible attic areas or portions that cannot reasonably be examined are excluded from the inspection.

Identifying conditions that may increase the likelihood of wood-destroying insect activity is an important part of a WDI inspection.

Examples may include:

• Earth-to-wood contact
• Excessive moisture
• Poor drainage
• Faulty grading
• Wood debris
• Firewood stored against the structure
• Wood mulch in close proximity to the foundation
• Insufficient crawl-space ventilation
• Other conditions that provide moisture, shelter, or access to wood-destroying insects

Not every conducive condition will result in an infestation, but correcting such conditions can help reduce the potential for future activity.

The official Texas WDI Report distinguishes between active infestation and previous infestation.

Active infestation means specified wood-destroying insects were actually found in or on the structure during the inspection.

Previous infestation indicates evidence that an infestation has occurred but no current activity was identified during the inspection.

Evidence of previous treatment may also be reported. Evidence of treatment does not, by itself, establish that a previous treatment was complete or successful.

A WDI inspection is a visual inspection of visible and accessible areas. It is not a guarantee that wood-destroying insects, concealed damage, or concealed infestation are absent.

The TDA inspection procedures specifically recognize that concealed infestations and damage may not be discovered. Areas that cannot be accessed or are obstructed are not required to be inspected.

Examples of inaccessible or obstructed areas may include:

• Interior portions of hollow walls
• Areas between floors and ceilings
• Areas behind or beneath furniture and appliances
• Areas behind built-in cabinets
• Areas concealed by insulation
• Areas beneath floor coverings
• Inaccessible attic areas
• Enclosed structural components
• Areas blocked by stored materials
• Areas requiring removal or defacement of finished materials
• Areas that cannot be inspected because of locks or other access restrictions

The inspection does not require dismantling, destructive investigation, or removal of building materials to expose concealed conditions.

A WDI inspection should not be confused with a structural inspection or structural engineering evaluation.

The purpose of a WDI inspection is to identify evidence of wood-destroying insects and conditions conducive to infestation. The inspector is not expected to determine the full extent of structural damage or evaluate the structural adequacy of damaged components. TDA specifically notes that a WDI inspection is not a structural damage report.

When visible insect-related damage is observed, additional evaluation by a qualified contractor, structural professional, or other appropriate specialist may be recommended.

For WDI inspections performed in connection with a Texas real estate transaction, the official Texas Wood Destroying Insect Report, Form SPCS/T-5, is used.

The official report identifies the inspected structures and documents the inspection findings, including applicable evidence of active infestation, previous infestation, visible previous treatment, and conditions conducive to infestation. A diagram identifying the structures inspected is also required.

TDA states that businesses must provide an inspection report documenting the visible presence or absence of termites and other wood-destroying insects in connection with a real estate transaction.

A WDI inspection is an inspection service, not a treatment or guarantee of pest control.

If evidence of an infestation is identified, treatment recommendations may be provided within the requirements applicable to the inspection. Any proposed termite treatment, estimate, warranty, or guarantee is subject to separate requirements of the Texas Department of Agriculture.

TDA requires specific written information when a termite treatment estimate or proposal is provided, including treatment areas, approximate structure perimeter measurements, areas of active or previous activity, warranty or guarantee terms, and applicable pesticide information.

At Frontline Inspections, PLLC, our goal is to provide a careful, objective inspection of accessible areas of the property for visible evidence of wood-destroying insects and conditions that may contribute to infestation.

Our WDI inspections are performed in accordance with applicable Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service requirements, with findings documented using the appropriate Texas WDI reporting requirements for the intended purpose of the inspection.

Serving the Greater Houston Area

Call or text 281-640-0101 to schedule your Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection or request a free inspection quote.

COMMERCIAL CERTIFIED APPLICATOR LICENSE

TDA TPCL No: 0880597

License No: 0876079