What to Know About Termite Inspections in New York

In the state of New York, Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO) – which includes termites – are commonly found during home inspections. 

However, in New York, the law does not allow the inspector to identify what the specific organism is, and requires that it is simply labeled a WDO.

What are WDOs?

WDOs are Wood Destroying Organisms that are causing damage to a home on the inside or outside. 

The organisms that are typically held under this description are termites and wood-eating beetles. 

A home inspector can tell if there has been damage of a WDO because there are signs that they are present, in addition to the damage being improbable of being caused by something else. 

Signs of Possible WDO Infestations: 

• Sawdust-like droppings
• Damaged wood members around windows or door frames
• Dirt or mud-like trails or tubes along the base of a home 
• Swarms of winged insects outside of the home or inside the home, especially during the fall or spring when the larvae would hatch and leave the home colony 

WDOs can cause significant damage to a home and to materials outside of a home, so it is imperative that they are identified and removed by an authorized professional as soon as possible. 

A wood pile located 50 feet from the home or even the neighbors home may be infested which may eventually affect your home. 

A normal home inspector is not specialized in recognizing the many signs of WDO presence in a home and this is why SiteCheck Home Inspections recommends that you always hire a NY State licensed pesticide company to inspect for termites or other Wood Destroying Organisms. They are trained by the highest standards in the pest inspection industry.

Inspectors Who Find Evidence of a WDO Should: 

It is in your best interest for the inspector to recommend that a NY State licensed pesticide applicator should come to the home to further identify the exact pests that are in the home and how they should be exterminated.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) regulates the application and monitoring of pesticides that are applied to a home or area.

Since the NYSDEC is in charge of pesticides and regulations, the home inspector cannot recommend any kind of treatment for the potential WOD that they find unless they are certified and licensed by the NYSDEC.