Most inspectors call a WDO/termite report that finds no visual evidence of wood-destroying organisms “clear.” Others say “clean” but, either way, you might struggle to find out whether you got a good report if you are not familiar with the state-mandated form. Look at the bottom half of the first page of Florida’s “Wood-Destroying Organisms Inspection Report” form (FDACS-13645) for “Section 2”.  Below the text at the top of the section, you will see a checkbox marked “A” with the statement “NO visible signs of WDO(s) (live, evidence or damage) observed.” If that box was checked, as circled above, then no problems were found. A full-page example is reproduced below.

    All VA mortgage loans, along with some other lenders, require a clear WDO for the loan. So, if that box isn’t checked, repairs and/or treatment may be necessary to close on the loan. Also, see our blog post Should I be worried about termites if my neighbor's house is being tented?

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To learn more about TERMITES, WOOD ROT AND OTHER PESTS see these blog posts:

• Is the WDO (termite) inspector allowed to poke holes in my wood siding and trim? 

• Do carpenter ants cause structural damage to houses in Florida? 

• How long before closing can you have a WDO (termite) inspection done?

• Does a recent termite company inspection sticker mean there are no termites? 

• Can a mobile/manufactured home get termites?

• Do I have to tent the house if I have termites? 

• What is the difference between a subterranean termite and a drywood termite?

• What are the green plastic discs in the ground around the house? 

• What is a termite shield?

• How does a home inspector evaluate wood rot? 

• Does wood rot spread? Is it contagious?

• How do termites get into a concrete block house? 

• Do termites eat concrete?

• What is a clean WDO?  

• What do termites eat?

• How do I treat wood rot  that's listed in my termite-WDO report? 

• What causes wood rot on a home?

 • Do I really need a termite-WDO inspection? 

• What's causing those holes in the fascia?

• Does wood chip mulch in the yard attract termites?

• Why is the inspector calling out rotten wood on my termite inspection? 

• I think I have termites. What does a termite look like? 

• I'm buying a concrete block house. Do I still need a termite inspection? 

• I saw a little termite damage on the baseboard. Should I be concerned?

• Is wood rot found on a home inspection considered serious? 

    Visit our TERMITES, WOOD ROT AND PESTS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.