What a Texas WDI Inspection Covers
In Texas, the official state form used for WDI inspections is the SPCS/T-5, issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service. For VA loans, lenders may require the NPMA-33, the nationally standardized form approved by HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs. It isn’t interchangeable with a general termite inspection or informal assessment. Confirm with your loan officer early which form your lender requires.
A WDI inspection covers all readily accessible areas of the structure, including interior spaces, exterior foundation surfaces, attic areas with sufficient clearance, and locations where wood contacts or is near soil. The report documents four distinct findings:
- Active infestation by wood-destroying insects observed at the time of inspection
- Previous infestation based on visible evidence of prior damage
- Evidence of prior treatment such as chemical barriers or bait stations
- Conducive conditions including wood-to-soil contact, moisture intrusion, inadequate ventilation, or wood rot that increase infestation risk
Insects covered include subterranean termites, drywood termites, Formosan termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying insects such as wood-boring beetles. A property diagram with inspected structures, infestation codes, and approximate perimeter measurements is required as an attachment to every completed report.
Wood-Destroying Insects Common in Central Texas
Subterranean termites are the most destructive and most common wood-destroying insect species in the Austin area. They nest underground and build mud tubes along foundation surfaces to reach the wood framing above. Activity is often hidden behind walls or under slabs, and significant structural damage can accumulate before any visible signs appear. Swarms in Central Texas typically occur in spring and early summer, triggered by warm temperatures, moisture, and light. Winged termites emerging near windows or doors are a recognizable warning sign worth acting on quickly.
Drywood termites are also present in Austin, particularly in older homes or structures with insufficient sealing. Unlike subterranean species, drywood termites don’t require soil contact. They can be identified by frass (small granular droppings) near wood surfaces. Carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles also fall within the inspection scope. These insects bore into wood and can cause structural damage independently of termites, which is why the inspection covers a full range of wood-destroying insects rather than termites alone.
Conducive conditions flagged on the report (wood-to-soil contact, excess moisture, inadequate ventilation, wood rot) don’t indicate active infestation on their own, but they raise the likelihood of one. Addressing those conditions is often the most cost-effective step a property owner can take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between a WDI Inspection & a General Termite Inspection?
A WDI inspection is conducted by a technician licensed in the Termite and Wood Destroying Insect Control category under Texas Department of Agriculture regulations and produces an official report on a standardized form. A general termite inspection may be less formal and won’t produce the official document that VA loans and many other lenders require. If your lender or title company is requesting a WDI report, confirm with your loan officer which specific form they need.
Do I Need a WDI Inspection If I’m Not Buying or Selling?
Homeowners can request a WDI inspection at any time, and it’s a smart precaution if the property hasn’t been inspected in over a year, if you’ve noticed conducive conditions like moisture or wood rot, or if you’re planning a renovation that can open up wall cavities or crawl spaces. Austin’s termite pressure is year-round, and early detection is far less expensive than repairing undetected damage.
What Happens If the Report Finds Active Infestation or Conducive Conditions?
The report documents the findings and notes what corrective action is recommended. Because we both inspect and treat, the next steps can be scheduled through us directly without engaging a second company. Treatment options depend on the type and extent of infestation; we can walk you through what the report found and what makes sense for your property.
How Long Does a WDI Inspection Take?
Duration depends on the size and accessibility of the property. The inspector examines all readily accessible areas, including the foundation perimeter, attic spaces, and interior. Larger or more complex structures take longer than a straightforward single-story home. We can give you a more specific estimate when you call to schedule.
Is a WDI Inspection Required for VA Loans in Texas?
VA loans in Texas may require a WDI inspection completed by a licensed pest control company, depending on lender and transaction requirements. The form used for VA-related transactions can vary, so it’s worth confirming with your loan officer early in the process. FHA lenders and some conventional lenders may also require an inspection depending on the transaction.
