You may be wondering, "What is a WDO inspection?" It is a home inspection conducted by a professional pest control company to look for wood-destroying organisms in the home. This is not a typical termite inspection because it includes looking for other WDOs and additional problems, like conditions that can lead to a future termite infestation. 

WDOs Know Where To Hide

Termites and other wood-destroying pests know where to hide from you, but professionals know where to look. Termites are known to chew through wood, wallpaper, and even flooring undetected. This is because termites are difficult to see with the naked eye, so it can take years before damage becomes visible, unless you know what to look for. 

Apart from termites, a WDO inspection will look for:

• Wood-boring beetles
• Carpenter ants
• Carpenter bees
• Powder-post beetles
• Fungus (dry rot)

All Vulnerable Areas Are Inspected

Professionals who conduct WDO inspections can provide you with a report alerting you to existing pest damage or infestations and areas of the home that are vulnerable to future infestations. The do this by carefully inspecting various areas of the home:

• Foundation
• Lower levels of the home
• Areas of the home that retain moisture
• Attic

Finding out a home has WDOs or damage from termites should not deter you from buying it. The seller may negotiate with you to repair the existing damage and take measure to prevent future infestations. 

Inspections Beyond The Inside

Professionals inspect both the interior and exterior of a home. Certain conditions on the outside of the home can put it at risk for future pest infestations:

• Firewood stacked close to the home
• Debris stored against the home
• Wood siding that makes contact with soil
• A grade that does not slope away from the home's foundation
• Mulch and other wood materials stored or lying near the home

The pest control company's report includes these outdoor risks as well. 

All Types Of Homes Need An Inspection

While it's true that older homes with damp wood are at an increased risk for WDOs, newer homes are also vulnerable. Termites and other insects infest newer homes just as readily under favorable conditions. 

Brick homes are not exempt from WDOs. Brick homes may have wood furniture, flooring, and framing that are vulnerable to infestations. 

To protect your potential new investment, consider hiring a professional pest control company like Fowler Pest Control to conduct a WDO inspection. The cost of the inspection is well worth the information you gain and can save you money in the future by taking care of current problems and avoiding future ones.