WDO Inspection · Written Pest Report
WDO Pest Inspection for
Real Estate Transactions
A WDO report is a focused record of wood-destroying pests, related conditions, and areas that could not be inspected. Tell us the address, who can provide access, and what your transaction requires. SPCB Lic. #9119.
Understanding WDO
What Is a WDO Inspection?
WDO stands for wood-destroying organism. A WDO inspection is the focused structural pest visit that produces a written report about findings in inspected areas. You may also hear it called a termite or structural pest inspection.
A WDO inspection must be performed by a company licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB). The resulting report documents the licensed inspection and can be used by the parties, lender, or escrow team in the transaction.
The report may describe wood-destroying pests, damage, conditions that could lead to infestation, and spaces that could not be inspected. Check the listed areas and recommendations before relying on it for a transaction decision.
Need a broader look at the home? General home inspections are a separate request in Salinas, Monterey, Hollister, and San Francisco. Agents can use the report checklist to name the documents and access needed for a sale.
What We Inspect For
The WDO Report Covers
- Evidence of drywood or subterranean termites in accessible areas
- Other wood-destroying pests or organisms when evidence is found
- Visible wood damage and relevant moisture conditions
- Conditions that may lead to infestation, such as earth-to-wood contact
- Areas that could not be inspected and recommendations for further inspection
Reading the Report
Section 1 vs. Section 2 Explained
A separated WDO report distinguishes Section I from Section II conditions. Ask for the report format your transaction needs, then read each item with its location and recommendation.
Section 1 Findings
Visible evidence of infestation or infection, or conditions that have resulted from it. Whether a Section I item must be corrected before closing depends on the purchase agreement, lender, and other transaction requirements. Who pays is negotiable between the parties.
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 considered likely to lead to infestation or infection where no visible evidence of it was found. The purchase agreement and lender determine how a particular item is handled.
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
Send the Report Request Before the Deadline
Share the address, the structures involved, and the document the buyer or lender named. We can discuss access and confirm current scheduling while there is still time to act on findings.
A Date to Plan Around
Give us the contingency or closing date. We will confirm available inspection and report timing before you book.
The Requested Document
Send the exact report requirement from the buyer, lender, or contract so the request can be matched to the needed WDO document.
Findings You Can Discuss
Use the report locations, inaccessible-area notes, and recommendations to ask specific follow-up questions before deciding on work.
Access Confirmed Early
Identify who can open the attic, subarea, outbuildings, or shared spaces that are part of the requested scope.
How It Works
Our WDO Inspection Process
Start with a clear inspection request. Findings may lead to a separate discussion about corrective work and transaction documents.
01
Schedule the Inspection
Share the property address, structures to include, access contact, and the date you need the report. We will confirm current availability and the proposed scope.
02
On-Site WDO Inspection
The WDO inspection considers the structures and accessible areas in the agreed scope. Areas that cannot be inspected are identified in the report.
03
Written WDO Report Delivered
The written WDO report records findings and recommendations. If your transaction needs a separated Section I/Section II report or another specific document, tell us when requesting service.
04
Discuss Any Corrective Work
If the report recommends work, ask what is proposed, who authorizes it, and which completion document the transaction requires. Inspection and corrective work are separate decisions.
Transparent Pricing
Inspection and Treatment Costs
The WDO inspection is a paid service, quoted before we schedule — the formal written report is the deliverable. Any proposed treatment or repair is a separate scope to review after findings.
WDO Inspection
Quoted before we schedule
A paid service — the formal written report is the deliverable used by buyers and transaction teams when a WDO report is requested.
Corrective Work
Discussed after findings
A treatment or repair recommendation depends on the report. Ask for the proposed work and its scope in writing.
Specialist Work
Scope confirmed separately
A WDO report does not mean fumigation or another specific treatment is required. Review the recommendation first.
Completion Documents
Confirm the document needed
If work is authorized, ask which completion or reinspection document the parties require and when it can be supplied.
Property size, inspection scope, and access affect the quote. Ask for the inspection fee and any later work proposal before authorizing service.
Just found a pest sign?
If you're dealing with pests and don't need a written WDO report, schedule regular service instead. You can still request a formal WDO inspection if a written record would help your decision.
Schedule ServiceSchedule 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 current availability and the next scheduling step.
Use the guided inspection requestCall to Schedule
(831) 500-1613Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
CA SPCB License #SPCB Lic. #9119
For Real Estate Agents
Include the property address, closing or contingency date, and the exact report requested. Identify who can open attics, subareas, outbuildings, and shared spaces.
- Scope agreed before the inspection
- Formal California WDO report
- Inaccessible areas identified in the report
- Corrective work discussed separately
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
San Francisco County
San Francisco — call with the address and timing to confirm availability
San Mateo County
Termite and WDO inspections — confirm the property address
Alameda County
Termite and WDO inspections — confirm the property address
Common Questions
WDO Inspection FAQ
How quickly can you complete an inspection before closing?
Call with the address, access contact, report requirement, and deadline. We can confirm current inspection availability and discuss report timing before you book.
Do you provide reports in the California SPCB format?
We offer formal WDO inspections and reports under California structural pest control requirements. If the transaction asks for a separated Section I/Section II report, reinspection, or completion notice, name that document when you schedule.
Who pays for Section 1 clearance?
The WDO report records findings and recommendations; it does not assign payment. The buyer and seller should check their purchase agreement and ask their agent or escrow team how proposed work is handled in this transaction.
Can you fit in an inspection for an urgent closing?
Call us directly with the property address, access details, and deadline. Urgent appointments depend on availability, which we can confirm by phone.
What's the difference between a WDO inspection and a general home inspection?
A general home inspection reviews dwelling condition within an agreed scope. A formal WDO report addresses wood-destroying pests and related conditions in the areas inspected. If a transaction asks for both, request both by name and confirm the required documents.