WDO Inspection · Section 1 Clearance
WDO Pest Inspection for
Real Estate Transactions
California requires a Structural Pest Control inspection for most home sales. We provide thorough, fast WDO reports and Section 1 clearance — backed by CA SPCB License #SPCB Lic. #9119.
Understanding WDO
What Is a WDO Inspection?
WDO stands for Wood-Destroying Organism — the industry term for the California Structural Pest Control inspection that most lenders require before a home loan closes. You may also hear it called a pest inspection, termite inspection, or structural pest control report.
A WDO inspection must be performed by a company licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB). The resulting report is a legal document that becomes part of the real estate transaction record.
The inspection covers all wood-destroying organisms and the conditions that attract them — not just termites. A thorough inspection evaluates the full picture of biological risk to the structure.
What We Inspect For
The WDO Report Covers
- Drywood termites — colonies inside structural wood members, framing, and trim
- Subterranean termites — ground-based colonies attacking floor joists and foundation framing
- Dampwood termites — moisture-associated colonies common in coastal properties
- Wood-boring beetles — including anobiid beetles and other structural wood destroyers
- Fungal damage — wet rot and dry rot resulting from moisture infiltration
- Conducive conditions — wood-to-soil contact, moisture intrusion, inadequate ventilation
Reading the Report
Section 1 vs. Section 2 Explained
Every California Structural Pest Control Report divides findings into two categories. Understanding the difference is critical for negotiating the sale.
Section 1 Findings
Active infestation or damage that is present now. Section 1 items must typically be corrected before a mortgage-financed sale closes. The seller is usually responsible for Section 1 clearance costs, though this is negotiable.
Examples
- —Live termite colony in wall framing
- —Active subterranean termite infestation in floor joists
- —Fungal dry rot resulting from past or current pest activity
- —Active wood-boring beetle damage
Section 2 Findings
Conditions that could lead to infestation if left unaddressed — but where no active infestation exists today. Section 2 items are not required to be corrected for the sale to close, though buyers may negotiate a credit or correction request.
Examples
- —Wood siding or framing in contact with soil
- —Moisture accumulation in crawlspace
- —Inadequate subfloor ventilation
- —Wood debris stored against the foundation
For Real Estate Professionals
Refer Your Clients — We Work on Your Schedule
We understand that real estate timelines don't bend. When your transaction has a closing deadline, you need a WDO company that picks up the phone, schedules fast, and delivers clear reports.
Fast Turnaround
Report delivered within 24 hours of inspection. For urgent closings, contact us directly to discuss priority scheduling.
SPCB-Format Reports
Clear, lender-compliant Structural Pest Control Board reports. Readable by buyers, agents, lenders, and escrow officers.
Available for Questions
We'll speak directly with agents and buyers to explain findings in plain language — no technical jargon that creates unnecessary alarm.
Deadline-Aware Scheduling
We prioritize pre-listing and closing-deadline inspections. Tell us your contingency or close date and we'll work to meet it.
How It Works
Our WDO Inspection Process
From scheduling to clearance documentation — handled by one company, with no coordination gaps between inspection and treatment.
01
Schedule the Inspection
Call us or submit the form below. We prioritize pre-listing and closing-deadline inspections — tell us your timeline and we'll confirm a date within 24 hours.
02
On-Site WDO Inspection
A licensed technician inspects the full structure — typically 45 to 90 minutes depending on property size. We inspect all accessible areas including attic, crawlspace, and substructure.
03
Written WDO Report Delivered
You receive a complete Structural Pest Control Report within 24 hours of the inspection, formatted per California SPCB requirements, with Section 1 and Section 2 findings clearly separated.
04
Section 1 Clearance (If Needed)
If Section 1 findings require correction before the sale closes, we provide treatment and clearance documentation. One company handles the inspection, treatment, and clearance — no coordination gaps.
Transparent Pricing
Inspection and Treatment Costs
The inspection is always free. Treatment costs, when needed, are quoted in writing before any work begins — no surprise invoices at closing.
WDO Inspection
Free — no charge for the inspection visit.
No obligation to use our treatment services.
Section 1 Local Treatments
Typically $300–$900
Spot treatments for drywood termites, subterranean termites, fungal damage correction.
Section 1 Structural Fumigation
Typically $1,800–$5,000
Required for severe or widespread drywood termite infestations. Price varies by structure size.
Clearance Documentation
Included with all treatments
Official SPCB clearance report for escrow and lender submission provided at no additional charge.
Treatment pricing ranges are estimates based on typical residential properties in our four-county service area. Actual costs depend on property size, infestation scope, and access conditions. All quotes are provided in writing after the free inspection.
Schedule Your Inspection
Request a WDO Inspection
Fill out the form below and note that this is for a real estate transaction in the message field. We'll confirm your appointment within one business hour.
Call to Schedule
(831) 500-1613Mon–Fri: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
CA SPCB License #SPCB Lic. #9119
For Real Estate Agents
When you submit the form, note your client's closing date and any contingency deadlines in the message. We'll prioritize accordingly and respond within one business hour.
- Report delivered within 24 hours of inspection
- California SPCB-format report
- We speak directly with buyers and agents
- Treatment and clearance from the same company
Service Areas
Monterey County
Salinas · Monterey · Seaside · Marina · Pacific Grove · Carmel · Gonzales · Soledad · Greenfield · King City
San Benito County
Hollister · San Juan Bautista · Aromas · Tres Pinos
Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz · Watsonville · Capitola · Scotts Valley · Aptos · Soquel · Live Oak · Felton
Santa Clara County
San Jose · Gilroy · Morgan Hill · Los Gatos · Campbell · Saratoga · Sunnyvale · Milpitas · Cupertino · Palo Alto
Common Questions
WDO Inspection FAQ
How quickly can you complete an inspection before closing?
We can typically schedule a WDO inspection within 1 to 3 business days, with the written report delivered within 24 hours of the visit. For urgent closings with imminent contingency deadlines, call us directly and describe your timeline — we prioritize pre-closing inspections and will tell you honestly whether we can accommodate your specific date.
Do you provide reports in the California SPCB format?
Yes. All our WDO inspection reports are completed per California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) requirements. Reports clearly separate Section 1 findings (active infestation or damage requiring correction) from Section 2 findings (conducive conditions), using the standard format accepted by lenders, escrow officers, and real estate agents throughout California.
Who pays for Section 1 clearance?
In most California real estate transactions, the seller pays for Section 1 clearance — it's typically a negotiated term of the purchase agreement. Section 2 conditions are generally not required to be corrected for the sale to close, though buyers may negotiate a credit or correction as part of their offer. Your real estate agent or escrow officer can advise on how this is handled in your specific transaction.
Can you do same-day inspections for urgent closings?
Same-day WDO inspections are available on a case-by-case basis depending on technician availability in your area. Call us directly with your city and property address — we'll confirm availability immediately. We cannot guarantee same-day scheduling but make every reasonable effort for transactions with hard deadlines.
What's the difference between a WDO inspection and a general home inspection?
A general home inspection is a broad assessment of the property's overall condition — structure, systems, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. A WDO (Wood-Destroying Organism) inspection is a specialized, licensed assessment focused specifically on termites, other wood-destroying insects, wood-boring beetles, fungal damage, and the conditions that lead to them. California lenders often require both for mortgage approval. WDO inspections must be performed by a California Structural Pest Control licensed company; general home inspectors are not licensed for WDO reporting.