BUYERS: SELLERS: REALTORS:
The Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report (WDIIR)
The WDIIR is a document legally recorded in the State of Arizona, and it is usually required by lending institutions. It must be submitted by a licensed termite company.
Buyers: If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s important to know that wherever you apply for a loan, they will want a termite inspection. That report, described in detail below, is called a “Wood Destroying Insect Infestation Report” (WDIIR). Termites are the worst culprits, though, so many people simply call it a “termite report” or “termite inspection.” This will protect not only the bank or lending institution, but also you, the buyer. Hopefully, the report will come back as pest-free, or the home has already been serviced for termites. However, if the house is infested, work will need to be done to rid the property of the pests. If necessary, any damage or structure issues should also be repaired. Remember; here at Desert Web Exterminating we provide one year or five year guarantees. Contact Desert Web Exterminating for your termite report, and we will help you through what is often an easy and affordable process. You’ll want to set up housekeeping as soon as possible!
Sellers: When you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s a great idea to get a termite inspection, as described above. It is an inexpensive report, but if wood-destroying pests are in evidence, taking care of the problem before your house goes on the market will enhance the value of your home. Having the report in hand will also help ease the final sale process, and you can tell your prospective buyer that Desert Web provides one year or five year guarantees. Contact us, and we’ll happily answer any questions you may have.
Realtors, Buyers, and Sellers: Why choose Desert Web Exterminating to do your WDIIR inspection? We’re competitively priced, honest, and reliable. If structural work is necessary, we have the ability to repair the problem.
Breakdown of the Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report (WDIIR):
Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report Sample
Click on the images below to view a larger version.
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- #6A will list the structures inspected.
- #6B will list the structures not inspected.
- #7 will describe inaccessible or obstructed areas of the structure.
- #8A1 Inspector will declare visible evidence of wood destroying insects.
- #8A2 Insects observed. (i.e. Subterranean Termites shelter tubes, Carpenter bee exit holes, Dry wood Termite fecal pellets observed, large frass at exit holes, powder at exit holes.)
- #8B Inspector will declare no visible evidence from wood-destroying insects.
- #8C Visible evidence of infestation. (This box is checked and a date entered if the property is listed for sale, the inspection revealed an infestation, and the structure was treated.)
- #8D Visible Damage. (It must state the insect involved and where the damage was observed.)
- #8E Visible evidence of previous treatment. (i.e. Drill holes in concrete around the structure at 12” to 3’ spacing along a joint, crack or expansion joint. This is based on industry standards at the time.)
- #9 will declare if the company doing the inspection will repair any damage found.
- #9A Corrected damage. (i.e. replacing a baseboard that was eaten by Subterranean Termites.)
- #9B If another company will correct damage.
- #9C If this company will NOT correct damage. Recommend that a qualified building expert evaluate damage and that needed repairs be made.
- #9D If the inspecting company will NOT be correcting any damage.
- #15 Conditions conducive to infestation.
Earth-to-wood contacts. See before and after images above
Fence abutting structure – If the fence is made of wood, it must be separated from the main structure. Sliding a sheet of aluminum between the two is sufficient. If not, the fence post may need some modifications.
Concrete form boards – These are usually left over from construction and must be removed altogether.
Porch Posts – If the posts are in the ground causing an earth-to-wood contact, they must be set to code. The preferred method is as follows: A hole is dug in the ground so that cement can be poured to make a footing. A metal anchor is inserted while the concrete is wet. Once the mixture has cured, the post is secured to the metal anchor using screws or nuts and bolts based on size.
Pier posts – Corrected based on the situation, in much the same manner as Porch Posts.
Porch Posts – Corrected so there is no earth-to-wood contact, based on the situation.
Trellis(es) – These can be reset or cut and attached to metal stakes to eliminate earth-to-wood contacts.
Page 2 is where a lot of potential and actual problems are identified.
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- #16 Excessive cellulose debris. (All excess cellulose material, i.e. lumber, should be removed from under or with in 3’ of the structure. Cellulose is the main staple of termites.)
- #17 Faulty Grades. See before and after images to the left
Slope (surface water tends to drain towards house) – The grade should be set so that water drains away from structures on the property. Termites need moisture to survive.
Floor level at or below grade – In order for moisture to be carried away from the structure, the grade should be below the floor and slope. Homeowners sometimes make the mistake of piling up soil against the exterior of the structure to make a flowerbed. The cure is to remove soil in direct contact above the grade, then re-grade to an appropriate level (below the level of the floor), or put a barrier to separate the dirt from the structure’s wall. This helps to prevent insects from entering the structure and causing damage.
Wood siding or stucco at or below grade – A faulty grade allows Subterranean termites to gain entry in the structure without being seen. To prevent this, wood siding should be cut or grade corrected. If neither if possible, it may be necessary to rebuild the wall in question, in order to bring the structure into compliance with current building code. Stucco should be trimmed if necessary. In some cases older homes are built to a different code and cannot be corrected, but are declared in the WDIIR.
If the home is built to a modern code, and there has been an addition to the structure that is not to code, the inspector should require that the seller cut and trim the stucco to eliminate the faulty grade.
Joists in crawl space less than 12” – Termites can build shelter tubes up from the ground to cellulose material about 10”. All we can do is declare this problem if it exists.
- #18 Excessive Moisture.
Water leak, plumbing – This is declared, and a plumber should be called if necessary to eliminate the source, e.g. a leaky water pipe or water heater.
Water leak, roof – This is declared, and a roofing contractor is called for a professional opinion. Note that some sellers thought they had an old leak, but it turned out to be termite damage. Most inspectors can miss this if not adequately trained.
Water leak, crawl space – This is declared, and the problem should be addressed. Nothing like crawling through mud! Insufficient ventilation, attic – The attic may need wind turbines installed, or larger vents. Insufficient ventilation, crawl space – Some form of ventilation may need to be installed based on the situation.
Dry Rot Present – Dry rot is caused by fungus. This can be resolved by applying a Borate product to affected area or removal of the affected wood. - #19 Inaccessible areas (also listed on #7). All inaccessible areas to a visual inspection.
- #20 Evidence of previous treatment by another company. If we see signs of previous treatment – spot or full treatment – we will declare this in the report. It must be seen upon visual inspection and accessible at the time of inspection. This tells you the structure has had a problem in the past.
By the inspecting company – If the property was treated by us in the last five years or is actively under warranty, we will declare the account number, the target pest, date of the initial treatment, and the warranty expiration date. Arizona law requires that we keep records on termite work for five years.
The last part of page two consists of a graph of the property, and all declared items should be shown on the graph. You should have your house pre-inspected for wood destroying insects, and most termite companies (including Desert Web) do this for free. If wood destroying insects are discovered, they can be treated by a spot treatment or a full treatment. In some cases, the spot treatment can save you hundreds of dollars. This should be declared when you are selling, but is more palatable then having a problem discovered and treated in the selling process.
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