Termite Inspection and Reporting (WDO/WDIR)
Domain 2: Termite Inspection and Reporting (WDO/WDIR)
This domain tests the Florida WDO inspection process, the FDACS-13645 report, and the line between an inspection opinion and a warranty. Expect questions about who may inspect, what must be reported, and what makes a report defensible.
Who may perform a WDO inspection
Under Chapter 482, F.S., and Chapter 5E-14, F.A.C., WDO inspections must be performed by a certified operator in the termite category or a properly qualified special identification cardholder working under a licensed pest control business. The inspector must be able to identify wood-destroying organisms and their damage.
The inspection
- Inspect all readily accessible areas: exterior, interior, garage, attic, crawl space, attached porches, decks, and foundation.
- Use a flashlight, moisture meter, probing tool, mirror, and ladder.
- Probe sill plates, joists, subfloor, window and door frames, baseboards, plumbing penetrations, bath traps, and eaves.
- Record areas that were inaccessible and why.
The FDACS-13645 report
Florida's state WDO form is FDACS-13645, the Wood-Destroying Organism Inspection Report. It records the inspection date, property address, inspector name and license number, structure description, findings, conducive conditions, treatment recommendation, and a diagram. The NPMA-33 is a separate industry/HUD form; it does not replace FDACS-13645 when Florida rules apply.
Reporting standards
- Report visible evidence, not certainty. Use "no visible evidence of WDO," not "no termites."
- Distinguish active infestation (live termites, fresh frass, moist mud) from old damage.
- List conducive conditions: wood-soil contact, leaks, mulch against the slab, stucco below grade, sprinkler spray, poor drainage.
- Give the client a copy; retain records for at least three years.
Worked example
A real estate inspection is limited because the attic is blocked by stored boxes and the crawl-space hatch is nailed shut. The inspector finds live subterranean termites in a garage baseboard and old damage at a sill plate. Reasoning: report the live termites as active infestation, report the old damage separately, list both inaccessible areas, and recommend treatment and further inspection. Do not write "no termites" for the whole structure; the report must state its limitations.
Traps that cost marks
- Using the NPMA-33 as the Florida state form.
- Writing "no termites" instead of "no visible evidence."
- Omitting inaccessible areas.
- Blurring active infestation and previous damage.
- Treating a WDO report as a guarantee or warranty.
- Recommending a treatment without naming the organism.