What is a pest inspection?

A pest inspection, often referred to as a wood-destroying organism (WDO) or (NPMA33) inspection or termite inspection (depending on the region), is a specialized evaluation of a property to identify the presence, evidence, or risk of pests that can damage the structure or pose health concerns. It’s most commonly conducted during real estate transactions—especially when required by lenders or local regulations—but can also be performed by homeowners to address suspected infestations. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what a pest inspection entails, including its process, scope, tools, findings, and implications.

1. Purpose of a Pest Inspection

A pest inspection aims to:

• Detect Active Infestations: Identify live pests or ongoing activity.
• Assess Damage: Evaluate structural or cosmetic harm caused by pests.
• Identify Conditions Conducive to Infestation: Highlight vulnerabilities like moisture or wood-to-soil contact.
• Protect Property Value: Ensure the home is free of significant pest-related issues that could affect its worth or safety.
• Meet Requirements: Satisfy mortgage lenders or local laws, especially in areas prone to specific pests like termites.

While termites are often the primary focus (especially in the U.S.), pest inspections may also cover other wood-destroying insects, rodents, and occasionally other pests like carpenter ants or powderpost beetles, depending on the inspector’s scope and regional concerns.

2. Who Conducts a Pest Inspection?

• Licensed Pest Inspectors: These professionals are typically certified by state or regional pest control boards (e.g., Structural Pest Control Boards in the U.S.). Qualifications vary by location.
• Pest Control Companies: Many exterminators offer inspection services alongside treatment options.
• Specialized Home Inspectors: Some general home inspectors include basic pest checks, but they may refer clients to specialists like MichiganPro Home Inspections for detailed WDO inspections.

In Michigan the licensed inspectors (MichiganPro) must follow standards set by organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or use forms like the NPMA-33 (Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report) for real estate transactions.

3. Scope of a Pest Inspection

The inspection focuses on pests that damage structures or materials, with an emphasis on accessible areas. Common targets include:

• Wood-Destroying Insects:
  • Termites: Subterranean, drywood, and dampwood varieties that eat wood and compromise structural integrity.
  • Carpenter Ants: Insects that excavate wood for nesting, leaving sawdust-like frass.
  • Powderpost Beetles: Beetles that bore into wood, leaving fine powder and tiny exit holes.
  • Wood-Boring Beetles: Similar to powderpost beetles, causing structural damage over time.
• Rodents: Mice and rats, which may chew wood, wiring, or insulation.
• Other Pests (less common): Depending on the region, inspections might include carpenter bees, old house borers, or even fungi like wood rot (dry rot or wet rot), though fungi are technically not pests.

4. The Pest Inspection Process

A pest inspection is a methodical, non-invasive process that combines visual assessment, environmental analysis, and reporting. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

Step 1: Pre-Inspection Preparation

• The inspector may ask the client about:
  • Signs of pests (e.g., droppings, sawdust, gnaw marks, or noises).
  • Past pest treatments or infestations.
  • Recent repairs or renovations that might hide evidence.
• For real estate transactions, the inspector reviews property disclosures or prior reports if available.

Step 2: Exterior Inspection

• Foundation and Perimeter: The inspector examines:
  • Wood-to-soil contact (a major termite risk).
  • Cracks or gaps in the foundation where pests could enter.
  • Moisture accumulation near the base of the home.
• Siding and Trim: Checked for damage, rot, or pest entry points.
• Decks, Porches, and Fences: Wooden structures are inspected for signs of infestation or decay.
• Vegetation: Overgrown plants or tree branches touching the home are noted as pest pathways.
• Crawlspaces: If present, these are entered (if accessible) to check for termite tubes, frass, or rodent nests.

Step 3: Interior Inspection

• Basement and Crawlspaces: Key areas for moisture-loving pests like termites or rodents; inspectors look for mud tubes, droppings, or chewed materials.
• Attic: Examined for rodent nests, carpenter ant frass, or beetle activity in roof framing.
• Walls and Floors: Tapped or visually checked for hollow sounds, exit holes, or surface damage.
• Windows and Doors: Frames are inspected for pest entry or wood deterioration.
• Garage: Wooden elements and stored items are checked for infestations.
• Plumbing Areas: Leaky pipes or damp wood under sinks may attract pests.

Step 4: Evidence Collection

• Visual Signs:
  • Termites: Mud tubes, discarded wings, or hollowed-out wood.
  • Carpenter Ants: Sawdust-like frass near wood.
  • Powderpost Beetles: Tiny exit holes and powdery residue.
  • Rodents: Droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting materials.
• Probing: Inspectors use tools like screwdrivers to gently probe wood for softness or hollow areas indicating damage.
• Moisture Check: Since many pests thrive in wet conditions, damp areas are flagged.

Step 5: Inaccessible Areas Notation

• Inspectors note areas they can’t access (e.g., locked rooms, obstructed crawlspaces, or sealed walls) and may recommend further investigation if suspicious.

Step 6: Reporting

• A detailed report is provided, typically including:
  • Evidence of active infestations (e.g., live insects, fresh damage).
  • Past damage or inactive infestations.
  • Conditions conducive to pests (e.g., moisture, wood piles near the home).
  • Recommendations for treatment or repairs.
  • Diagrams or photos of problem areas (in some cases).
• For real estate, the NPMA-33 form may categorize findings into:
  • Section I: Active infestations or damage needing immediate action.
  • Section II: Conditions likely to lead to infestations (e.g., moisture issues).

5. Tools and Equipment

• Flashlights: To illuminate dark areas like attics or crawlspaces.
• Moisture Meters: To detect damp wood that attracts pests.
• Probing Tools: Screwdrivers or awls to test wood integrity.
• Ladders: For accessing roofs or high areas.
• Cameras: To document evidence.
• PPE: Gloves, masks, or coveralls for safety in dusty or pest-ridden areas.
• Termite Detection Devices: In rare cases, advanced tools like acoustic sensors or infrared cameras may be used, though these aren’t standard.

6. Common Findings

• Active Infestations: Live termites, ants, or rodents present.
• Past Damage: Hollowed wood or old mud tubes with no active pests.
• Conducive Conditions: Wet crawlspaces, wood debris, or poor ventilation.
• No Issues: A clean report with no evidence of pests or damage.

7. What’s Excluded?

• Non-Structural Pests: Bed bugs, aphids, or cockroaches are typically outside the scope unless specified.
• Invasive Testing: Inspectors don’t tear open walls or floors to find hidden pests.
• Treatment: The inspection identifies problems but doesn’t include extermination (that’s a separate service).
• Guaranteed Detection: Pests in inaccessible areas may go unnoticed without further investigation.

8. Duration and Cost

• Time: A typical inspection takes 1–2 hours, depending on the property size and complexity.

9. Regional Variations

• Termite-Prone Areas: In places like the southeastern U.S., inspections focus heavily on subterranean termites and are often mandatory for home sales.
• Drywood Termites: More common in arid regions like the Southwest, requiring different detection methods.
• Rodent Focus: In urban or rural settings, rodent damage may take precedence.

10. Why It Matters

• Structural Integrity: Termites and similar pests can weaken beams, floors, or walls, leading to costly repairs.
• Health Risks: Rodent droppings or pest debris can spread disease or trigger allergies.
• Real Estate Transactions: A pest-free report assures buyers and lenders; infestations can derail sales or require seller remediation.
• Prevention: Early detection stops small problems from becoming major ones.

11. Next Steps After Inspection

• No Issues: No action needed beyond routine maintenance.
• Minor Damage: Repairs or monitoring may suffice if no active pests are found.
• Active Infestation: Professional pest control is recommended, such as:
  • Termites: Chemical barriers, bait systems, or fumigation (tenting).
  • Rodents: Traps, sealing entry points, or exclusion methods.
• Preventive Measures: Fix moisture issues, remove wood debris, or improve ventilation.