What is a WDO inspection report?
A WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) inspection report is a mandatory document in Florida real estate transactions that identifies damage or infestation caused by termites, carpenter ants, powder-post beetles, and wood-rot fungi in a property's structure.
In Florida real estate closings, a WDO inspection report (also called a "termite inspection" or "pest inspection report") documents the presence or absence of wood-destroying organisms and fungal damage within a property. The report examines structural timber, subflooring, walls, and other wood components for active or prior infestations by termites (subterranean and drywood), carpenter ants, powder-post beetles, and decay fungi that compromise wood integrity.
A licensed pest control inspector conducts the examination and produces the official report, which typically notes the location and severity of any damage, whether treatment has been applied, and recommendations for repair or ongoing monitoring. In Tampa and across Florida, the report is required by most mortgage lenders and title companies before a sale closes, even if the property appears undamaged. The buyer or seller may be required to address findings depending on the purchase agreement terms.
The WDO report protects buyers from inheriting costly structural damage while ensuring lenders understand the condition of the asset securing the mortgage. Many sellers order the inspection upfront to identify issues before listing, while buyers request it as part of due diligence. A licensed termite control provider can perform the inspection, deliver the required documentation, and, if needed, implement treatment or prevention measures.