If you are buying a home in Dallas, someone will probably mention a WDI inspection. WDI stands for wood destroying insects. It is a termite inspection done as part of a home sale, and in North Texas it is one of the most useful checks you can order before closing.
Why Termites Matter So Much in Dallas
Termites thrive in the Dallas area. Subterranean termites live in the soil and travel through mud tubes to reach the wood in a house. As a result, they can work inside walls for years without anyone noticing. A standard home inspection looks at the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems. However, it is not a dedicated search for termites. That is the job of a WDI inspection.
What the Inspector Checks
A licensed inspector walks the inside and outside of the home and looks at every area they can safely reach. They look for:
- Mud tubes: Thin dirt tunnels on the foundation, piers, or garage walls.
- Damaged wood: Soft, hollow, or rippled wood in baseboards, door frames, and fences.
- Swarmer signs: Shed wings near windows and doors.
- Other wood pests: Carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles.
- Conducive conditions: Wood touching soil, leaks, poor drainage, and mulch piled against the slab.
What the WDI Report Covers
In Texas, the findings go on a standardized state form. The report notes any active infestation, signs of a past infestation, and any visible damage. It also lists signs of earlier treatment and conditions that make termites more likely. Finally, it names areas the inspector could not reach, such as finished walls or spots behind stored boxes.
Keep in mind that the inspection is visual. It reports what can be seen on the day of the visit. It is not a warranty that the home has no termites.
When to Book a WDI Inspection
Book it early in your option period, alongside your general home inspection. That leaves time to ask the seller for treatment or repairs if the report finds a problem. Some lenders also require a WDI report before closing, so ask your loan officer. If you want to know what swarmers look like, read our post on termite swarm season in Texas.
What Does It Cost?
The price depends on the size of the home, how easy it is to access, and whether it has a crawl space. The simplest way to get a real number is to call for a quote on your specific property.
HK Pest Control Services provides termite inspections and treatment for home buyers in Dallas, Richardson, and Plano, and we offer a discount for home inspectors. We are licensed and insured in Texas (TPCL #13923).
Need a WDI inspection for a home you are buying? Call us at 469-618-9991 for a free quote, backed by our guarantee.
