Primemax Mortgage Group

Why the Wood Destroying Report "WDIR"? Determining Termite Damage

Termites may be small insects that often stay out of plain sight, however, the damage they leave behind can quickly become an issue—and one that’s very expensive to fix. In the U.S. alone, these wood-destroying insects are responsible for billions of dollars of property destruction every year.

As a prospective homebuyer, you’ll want to know if these destructive pests are causing damage to the property or have left some behind in the past. A must when buying, selling, or refinancing a home, the WDIR (Wood Destroying Insect Report) is an inexpensive way to avoid problems before you seal any deal.

What is a WDIR?

A Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR), or a termite certificate, is a legal document usually required by the lender that has been issued by a licensed inspector. It states whether or not a particular structure has an infestation or has had one in the past. More specifically, it determines the following:

• Does the structure, or home, have a current infestation?
• What type of insect is causing the infestation?
• Has the structure had an infestation in the past?
• Is there structural damage due to current or past infestations?
• Has the home been treated in the past for infestations?

Termites are not the only wood-destroying insects that are common in the state of Pennsylvania, although they often are the most damaging. Some others include:

• Powder post beetles
• Carpenter ants
• Carpenter bees
• Wood-destroying organisms (WDO)

If you are using a real estate agent they likely will have a pest control professional that they recommend for a termite certificate, or WDIR. Make sure to ask them or research some good local companies on your own. A qualified professional will be able to spot any current wood destroying insect infestation or damage from a previous one. If they inspect the dwelling and find nothing concerning then that is one less thing you need to worry about as you look to close on your new home.