As of a few years ago, when the homes inspector licensing law went into effect, it is no longer mandatory for a home inspector to maintain a license as a structural pest inspector. In years gone by, from a practical standpoint, an inspector was not able to work in this state without the structural pest inspector license. The law now reads: A licensed home inspector may cite rot or conditions that are likely to lead to rot or similar issues. But that inspector, if he or she does not have a structural pest inspector license, MAY NOT reference sightings of, or damage caused by, wood destroying insects. There is a generic and minor exception -- the inspector may make a comment on the order of "I suspect activity from wood destroying insects, contact a structural pest inspector or a pest control applicator for further evaluation." Do not assume that all home inspectors are licensed as structural pest inspectors, they are not!
While it is not mandatory, many people want to know if the home inspector they hire is qualified to inspect for wood destroying insects. There is an easy way to find out. If you click on the map of the state, at the bottom here, it will take you to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. When you click, in the form that comes up, click at the top center--single licensee"-- and fill out the rest of the form to fit your requirements.
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