Termites can be detrimental to a home, but there are many other wood destroying organisms (WDO) that can cause problems. A wood destroying organism inspection by MCJ Home Inspection LLC can help identify potential problems and protect homeowners, buyers, and sellers from costly repairs further down the line.

What Are Wood Destroying Organisms?

Most people associate wood destroying organisms with termites. However, termites fall into a subgroup of WDO’s known as wood destroying insects. Other wood destroying insects include carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles. When performing a WDO inspection, MCJ Home Inspection LLC looks for much more than just these intruders. Damage to wooden structures, wood decay, and signs of a past infestation are all potential issues we will look for. Any of these indicators can help us determine the presence of wood destroying organisms.

Should I Have a WDO Inspection?

There are many cases where having a WDO inspection would be beneficial. In some cases, having an inspection performed is required by law. Many states require a WDO report prior to selling your home. Also most banks and mortgage companies will require such a report to protect their investment.

This ensures that home buyers aren’t left with the burden of paying thousands of dollars for repairs further down the line. Termite damage alone can cost an average of $3,000 to mitigate.

Even if you’re not in the market for a new home or selling your home, having a WDO inspection performed is a good idea. If left unchecked, these destructive organisms can cause serious issues that require extensive repairs and reduce the value of your home.