WDO Termite Inspection for Broward County Real Estate Transactions

WDO Inspections in Broward County: What Every Buyer and Seller Needs to Know

In Broward County real estate transactions, a Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection — commonly called a termite inspection — is a standard contingency in purchase contracts. Given the severity of termite activity throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and the rest of Broward County, this inspection is not merely a formality. A WDO inspection can reveal issues that fundamentally affect the value and habitability of a property, saving buyers from expensive surprises after closing.

What Is a WDO Inspection?

A WDO inspection is a visual inspection of a property for evidence of wood-destroying organisms. In Florida, WDO inspections must be performed by a licensed pest control business using an FDACS-approved inspector who holds the appropriate WDO inspection certification. The inspection is documented on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Official Wood Destroying Organisms Report (FDACS-13645).

What Does "Wood-Destroying Organisms" Include?

In Florida, the official category includes:

• Subterranean termites (including Formosan and native species): The most common and destructive termite in Broward County, attacking from the soil through mud tubes

• Drywood termites: Common throughout Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, infesting wood directly without soil contact

• Dampwood termites: Found in areas of significant moisture damage

• Wood-destroying beetles (certain species, including old house borers and false powderpost beetles)

• Wood-destroying fungi (wood rot caused by moisture): Active decay fungus that deteriorates structural wood

What the Inspector Looks For in Broward County Homes

Subterranean Termite Evidence

• Mud tubes: Pencil-width earthen tunnels that subterranean termites build from the soil to above-ground wood. Found on foundation walls, piers, and utility penetrations.

• Damaged wood: Subterranean termites eat wood along the grain, leaving a layered, honeycomb-like internal structure. Probing with a screwdriver reveals hollow wood.

• Active swarmers or shed wings: Evidence of recent termite swarm activity — shed wings near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures indicate a nearby established colony.

Drywood Termite Evidence

• Frass: The distinctive pellet-shaped excrement that drywood termites push from small kick-out holes in infested wood. Frass piles resemble tiny seeds beneath windows, door frames, or in closets.

• Kick-out holes: Small circular holes in wood surfaces where frass is expelled.

• Hollow wood: Drywood termites eat across the grain, creating chambers in the wood that result in a hollow sound when tapped.

Wood-Destroying Fungi

• Active decay: Discolored, soft, or crumbling wood indicating active wood rot. Broward County's humidity creates ideal conditions for decay fungus in areas with water intrusion — around windows, under sliding doors, in bathrooms, and in areas with plumbing leaks.

• Conducive moisture conditions: Areas of moisture intrusion that could lead to future decay are typically noted on the report.

The WDO Report: Understanding What It Means

The Florida WDO report documents findings in four categories:

1. No visible evidence: No evidence of WDO activity was found at the time of inspection.

2. Live infestation: Active, living wood-destroying organisms are present.

3. Evidence of previous infestation: Past infestation with no current live activity detected.

4. Evidence of previous treatment: Signs of prior treatment are present.

Important limitation: A WDO inspection is a visual inspection only. Inspectors examine accessible areas — they do not open walls, remove insulation, or inspect areas that are not visually accessible. Active infestations concealed entirely within wall voids may not be detectable during inspection.

What Happens When Live Termite Activity Is Found in Broward County

If the WDO inspection reveals live termite or other WDO activity, the parties must negotiate how it will be addressed:

Seller treats before closing: The seller arranges and pays for professional treatment, and the buyer may request a follow-up clearance letter from the treating company.

Credit or price reduction: Rather than treating immediately, the seller credits the buyer an agreed amount toward future treatment.

Buyer accepts as-is with disclosure: In competitive Broward County real estate markets, buyers sometimes accept properties with disclosed WDO activity, factoring treatment cost into their offer.

Contract termination: If the WDO findings are severe or if the parties cannot agree, the WDO inspection contingency allows the buyer to terminate the contract.

Treatment Based on WDO Findings

Active Formosan or native subterranean termites: Requires soil treatment with liquid termiticide or installation of a baiting system.

Active drywood termites: Treatment options include localized spot treatment, fumigation (tenting), or heat treatment, depending on the extent and location of infestation.

Active wood-destroying fungi: Requires remediation of the moisture source causing the decay and treatment of affected wood with borate products or removal and replacement of severely damaged structural components.

Choosing a WDO Inspector in Broward County

For a WDO inspection to be valid for real estate purposes in Broward County, the inspector must:

- Be employed by or contracted to a licensed Florida pest control business

- Hold a valid WDO Inspector certification from FDACS

- Complete the inspection using the official FDACS WDO Report form

Always verify that your WDO inspector's company holds a current FDACS pest control business license before scheduling the inspection.

Schedule Your Broward County WDO Inspection

Whether you're purchasing a home in Fort Lauderdale, selling a property in Hollywood, or refinancing in Pembroke Pines, our FDACS-licensed WDO inspectors provide thorough, documented inspections that meet all Florida real estate requirements. We complete most reports the same day and can coordinate treatment if activity is found. Call (954) 903-4362 to schedule your Broward County WDO inspection — prompt appointments available to meet your closing timeline.