A pest inspection and report discloses current visible evidence of wood destroying organisms (WDO) or conditions conducive for leading to pest problems. Wood destroying organisms include: subterranean termites, dampwood termites, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles, and wood decay fungus (rot). Rodents(rats) are not considered wood destroying organisms and not part of a pest inspection. Conducive conditions include: inadequate clearance in a crawl space (18" under all floor joists), earth/wood contact, cellulose(wood) debris, inadequate ventilation and excessive moisture. Failed caulking around a tub & shower enclosure and loose toilet are both common pest problems. Problems are caused because common wood like Douglas fir, plywood or LP siding develop rot at 20% moisture content.
Any home inspection report that indicates any of the above organisms or conditions by the law (WAC 16-228-2005 through 2060) is considered a pest (WDO) report. All WDO reports that are prepared in conjunction with the transfer, exchange, or refinance of any structure (termed complete WDO inspections) must have an Inspection Control Number (ICN) recorded on them. This control number should be recorded in the upper right hand on the front page of the report. An ICN will consist of nine digits and have a number like 1234XX-000. Inspection reports lacking ICN's are invalid for real estate transactions.
Washington State law requires any person reporting on these conditions to be licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) as "Structural Pest Inspector" or "Commercial Consultant". Only individuals who are licensed with WSDA as a Structural Pest Inspector and have up-to-date financial coverage on file with WSDA are issued ICN's. A list of Washington State licensed pest inspectors is available at http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/LicensingEd/ListStructuralPestInspectors.htm
A FHA or VA purchase most times requires a separate federal pest form entitled NPCA-1, Wood Destroying Insect Infestation Report.
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