A wood destroying insect inspection is an essential aspect of the overall home inspection process that involves looking for signs of damage caused by insects that can weaken and destroy the wooden structure of a home. Many loan programs such as FHA, HUD or VA require this inspection to be performed; typically, your loan officer will tell you when one is required.

Wood-destroying insects include termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and carpenter bees. These insects can cause significant damage to a home’s structural integrity if left unchecked, and it can be costly to repair the damage they cause.

During a wood destroying insect inspection, the inspector will visually examine all accessible areas of the home, including the basement, crawl space, and attic, to look for signs of insect activity. This may include checking for termite mud tubes, carpenter ant sawdust, or powderpost beetle holes.

The inspector will also look for any conditions that could attract wood destroying insects to the property, such as moisture problems or wood that is in contact with soil. After the inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report of any insect activity or damage found, along with recommendations for treatment or repairs if necessary.

It’s important to note that a wood destroying insect inspection is not typically included in a standard home inspection, so home buyers should specifically request this service if they want it. In areas with a high risk of termite or other insect infestations, it’s often a good idea to have this inspection performed as part of the home-buying process to ensure that the home is free of any damaging pests.