What Is Pest Inspector?
A pest inspector checks for termites, carpenter ants, wood-destroying organisms, and sometimes rodents. Lenders often require a pest inspection (WDO—wood-destroying organism report) for financing. The report lists any issues and estimated treatment costs. You can use it to negotiate repair credits or require treatment before closing. Cost: $75–150 for a standard inspection. Add it to your property-inspection package for older properties or areas with known termite activity.
A pest inspector checks for termites, wood-destroying organisms, and other pests that can damage a property or require treatment before occupancy.
At a Glance
- What it is: An inspection for termites and wood-destroying organisms
- Why it matters: Termite damage can cost $5,000–50,000+; lenders often require it
- When needed: Lender requirement, older properties, termite-prone areas
- Cost: $75–150 typically
- Output: WDO report (wood-destroying organism) with findings and treatment estimates
How It Works
Scope. Inspector checks foundation, crawl space, attic, and visible wood for termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, and other wood-destroying organisms. Some also check for rodents. Reports include: no evidence, active infestation, or past damage (treated). Treatment estimates if issues found.
Lender requirement. Many lenders require a clear WDO report for financing. If the report shows active infestation or damage, the lender may require treatment and clearance before funding. Seller often pays for treatment as a condition of sale.
Negotiation. Use the report to request treatment credits or require seller to treat before closing. Termite damage can be extensive—$10,000–30,000 for full treatment and repair in bad cases. Factor into deferred-maintenance and first-year-costs.
Real-World Example
Marcus in Memphis. Memphis has termite activity. Marcus ordered a pest inspection with his property-inspection. Cost: $95. The report found past termite damage in the crawl space—treated 2 years prior, no active infestation. Clear for financing. The inspector noted a small area of soft wood—possible residual damage. Marcus estimated $800 for repair and added it to his deferred-maintenance budget. He didn't negotiate—the damage was minor. On a different deal, the report found active termites—he walked. The $95 inspection saved him from a $15,000 problem.
Pros & Cons
- Reveals termite damage and infestation before you buy
- Often required by lenders
- Low cost—$75–150
- Negotiation leverage for treatment credits
- Sellers may push back on treatment—"we've never had termites"
- Can delay closing if treatment required
- Inspectors can miss hidden damage—no guarantee
Watch Out
- Lender requirement: Some lenders require a clear WDO report. Order early—if treatment is needed, it can take 1–2 weeks. Don't wait until the week of closing.
- Past damage: "Past damage, treated" may be acceptable to the lender—but you still need to budget for any residual repair. Ask the inspector for scope.
- Scope creep: Pest inspection is for wood-destroying organisms. For rodents, mold, or other issues, you may need additional inspections.
Ask an Investor
The Takeaway
A pest inspection is cheap insurance for termite-prone areas. Add it to your property-inspection package. Lenders often require it. Treat findings before closing—or negotiate credits.