If you're financing a home in Texas, plan on a WDI report — many lenders (and VA loans in particular) require one, and even when optional it's one of the cheapest ways to avoid inheriting a five-figure termite problem.
What is a WDI inspection?
A WDI (wood-destroying insect) inspection is a formal, standardized inspection of a home for evidence of termites and other wood-destroying insects like carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles. In Texas it's documented on the state's Official Texas Wood Destroying Insect Report and may only be performed by an inspector working under a company licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS), which regulates structural pest control statewide.
When is a WDI report required?
Lenders commonly require a WDI report before funding — VA loans require one in Texas, and many conventional lenders ask for one whenever the appraisal or contract raises wood-destroying-insect questions. Even when it isn't required, buyers in Angelina, Nacogdoches and the surrounding counties routinely order one during the option period: it's a small cost next to what hidden termite damage can do to a purchase.
What does the report actually tell you?
The report documents four things: visible evidence of live wood-destroying insects, visible evidence of past infestation (like old mud tubes or damage), visible damage itself, and previous treatment evidence. It also lists areas that couldn't be accessed — attics, crawl spaces and furniture-blocked walls matter here, so read the inaccessible-areas section, not just the summary.
What about brand-new construction?
New homes in growing East Texas neighborhoods are pre-treated for subterranean termites during construction — building codes require termite protection on new construction. But that initial protection has an expiration: builder coverage typically runs out within a few years, and the treatment itself degrades. If you're buying a resale in a newer neighborhood, ask whether the original coverage was ever renewed. Our guide to pest control for new-construction homes covers this in depth.
What are the failure modes?
- Skipping the WDI report on a cash purchase — no lender forcing it doesn't make the risk smaller.
- Treating “no live termites seen” as “no termites.” A WDI inspection is visual; that's why the inaccessible-areas list matters.
- Not verifying the inspector's licensing. Texas WDI reports are only valid from companies licensed through the TDA's Structural Pest Control Service (see our licensing guide).
- Letting transferred coverage lapse after closing — the most common way new owners quietly lose protection.
How can Spot On help?
Spot On's termite treatment program can put a new-to-you home under protection from day one — colony elimination treatment where activity is found, pre-construction treatment for new builds, and SPOTGuard + Termite monitoring for ongoing peace of mind. Our team can also review what an existing WDI report means for the home you're buying. We serve Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Livingston and communities across Deep East Texas.
What should you do next?
Buying soon? Talk to us about termite coverage for your new address, and read termite bond vs. warranty so the closing-table paperwork makes sense.
Quick questions
Who can legally perform a WDI inspection in Texas?
Only an inspector operating under a company licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS). General home inspectors without that license cannot issue an Official Texas Wood Destroying Insect Report.
How long is a WDI report good for?
Lenders typically want the report dated within 30–90 days of closing (VA commonly uses 90 days). Confirm the required window with your lender early in the option period.
Does a clean WDI report mean I don't need termite protection?
No — it means no visible evidence was found on inspection day. In a region where subterranean termites are endemic to the Piney Woods, ongoing protection is what keeps a clean report clean.
Reviewed by the Spot On Pest Control team
Written and reviewed by the licensed, TDA-regulated technicians who treat homes across Lufkin, Nacogdoches and Deep East Texas every day — applied responsibly, and backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
