What are Wood-Destroying Insects?
When purchasing a home, termites or other wood-destroying insects can quickly put a damper on the whole home-buying excitement. A threat to homes nationwide, wood-destroying insects like termites and carpenter ants cause over $5 billion in property damage every year. Depending on your mortgage lender, a wood-destroying insect inspection may be required.
Whether or not a wood-destroying insect inspection is required, responsible homeowners should consider a pest inspection to help save time and money later on. These destructive insects are quite sneaky pests and infestations will often go unnoticed until serious damage has already been done.
Types of Wood-Destroying Insects
What is a Wood-Destroying Insect Report (WDI)?
A wood-destroying insect report (WDI Report) is a document that indicates the presence of insects that eat wood in a home or commercial property. This includes the presence of termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles. Our technicians will inspect the entire house for any signs of insect activity, including the garage, basement, attic, and outside spaces. All areas with exposed wood will be checked.
Are Termite Inspections Required for Mortgage Loans?
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the Housing and Urban Development require a termite and wood-destroying insect inspection done on your new home by a certified pest control provider to receive financing. All homes purchased with HUD financing and VA loans in Wisconsin require an inspection to get final approval.
Many other private lenders are beginning to see the value of these inspections. Make sure to check with your lender to see if this inspection is a requirement for financing. Even if it is not a requirement, a wood-destroying insect inspection is a responsible practice for homeowners.