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One of the most frequently misunderstoodprocesses in a real estate transaction isthe WDO inspection. WDO is shortfor wood destroying organisms. Manyrealtors refer to this inspection as the“termite inspection”. However, it is formuch more that just termites, as the nameimplies, it is for ANY “wood destroyingorganism”. The report/form that is usedfor this process is mandated by the Stateof Florida, not any pest control company,so every WDO inspection will be on thestate form, or at least it should be. TheWDO form is referred to in the termiteand pest control industry as the 13645form; the State of Florida designatednumber for the form.It is the goal of this brochure to providebasic information such as the overallimportance of the form, explaining whatthe form is designed to do and why, whatshould and should NOT be on the formand who can legally provide and completethe WDO form.Wood decay fungi, commonly referredto as wood rot must be reported, at aminimum as a damaged area. Thereis much debate as to if it is live or not,because technically live spores wouldneed to be seen to say it’s live and since thespores are microscopic that is not possibleunless someone carries a microscopein their tool box and can recognize livespores. Many people will confuse moldand mildew with wood decay fungi. Wooddestroying fungi penetrate and destroywood whereas molds and mildews arefound on the surface only (no penetration).WDO’S especially termites, do notnormally come out in the open and walkaround like a roach or ant would, theirbiology is for them to remain hidden, thusthe reason the inspection is so critical. Ifany evidence is found concern and cautionshould be observed.It has been reported that some WDOinspectors have Hold HarmlessAgreement’s signed. They do this so,in their opinion, a “clear” report can1be issued when visible problems exist.It is this authors understanding thatthis is not a legal practice and will notprovide protection for any parties to thetransaction. If at any time there are anyquestions concerning an inspection and/orwho can perform one please contact thedivision of Entomology & Pest Control at850-921-4177.In this brochure as different items areaddressed, we have provided internet linksto a variety of resources concerning theWDO/13645 report with consumer tipsand information. Most of the links are tothe Florida Department of Agricultureand Consumer Services, Division ofEntomology and Pest Control web sitewhich is a governmental agency within theState of Florida. There is also a link to theUniversity of Florida’s, IFAS Extensionbulletin on How to choose a licensedWDO inspector. These links take you toa wealth of additional information on eachtopic addressed. We are only touchingon the basics in this brochure, so you areencouraged to use the links for additionaleducational resources.Consumer InformationThe State of Florida has a very detailedinformation document titled, ConsumerService Aid For The HomwownerAnd Buyer Relating To Termites AndOther Wood-infesting Pest. This entiredocument is found at:http://www.flaes.org/pdf/pub1e.pdf• Pest Control companies areregulated by the State of Floridaunder chapter 482, Florida Statues.• All inspectors MUST have astate issued ID card and be in apermanently marked vehicle (nomagnetic signs allowed), be aware ofany unmarked vehicles or someonewith no valid ID card.• WDO inspections are highlyrecommended by the State for any

home purchase.• Many areas are not visible oraccessible during the inspectionsuch as behind walls, floor coveringsetc, so be aware that even the bestinspection is limited to what can beseen.• Disputes concerning the WDOreport and it’s findings can and willbe investigated for consumers by theDivision of Entomology and PestControl by completing a complaintform.The link to the University of Florida,IFAS Extension document entitled,Choosing a Licensed Wood DestroyingOrganism (WDO) Inspector is found at:http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN629The Wdo FormThe WDO form is a one page document.To view the form language and theguidelines our industry is provided by theState of Florida to complete the form isfound at:http://www.flaes.org/pdf/wdopckt.pdf• The form asks an independentquestion about if evidence of a WDOwas found. This can be dead WDOinsects or insect body parts, markingson a wall or wood, etc, but possiblyno actual live insects are found. Ifevidence is present, that means atsome point in time they were thereand caution should be observed, thusthe reason that question is on theform.• Another question is if a LIVE WDOwas found. This is obviously oneof the most important questionsbecause if a live insect is found in mostsituations there are more that can’t beseen.• Absolutely no editorial comments areto be on the form, FACTS only.• Carpenter bees, carpenter ants, moldand mildew are NOT to be reported,if they are this is a violation of thestatutory language.Home Buyer InformationThe State of Florida has an excellentdocument designed for the consumer2

that in detail explains the report. Thisdocument is found at:http://www.flaes.org/pdf/WDO%20Destroying%20Organism%20inspection%20Report.pdf• It defines what the term “clear” reportmeans.• The document also addresses whatto do if problems are found after thehome was purchased.Memo Sent To HomeInspector Associations FromThe State Of FloridaThis memo details a growing problemwhere some home inspectors are offeringand having WDO inspections performedand may be doing so in violation of pestcontrol laws. In some cases they willhave someone show up to do the WDOinspection in an unmarked vehicle. Thismemo clearly defines what is legal andacceptable. If there is ever a questionabout the validity of the inspector orthe inspection please call the FloridaDepartment of Agriculture and ConsumerServices at 1-850-921-4177 and ask if theperson is properly licensed. This memo/document is found at:http://www.flaes.org/pdf/fabimemo.pdfMemo Sent To Real EstateLicensees From The State OfFloridaThis memo is to advise the realtor industryof the growing problem with possibleillegal inspections being performed andhow to spot and stop illegal inspectorsand inspections. You can call and verifythe legitimacy of the WDO inspectorby calling the Florida Department ofAgriculture and Consumer Services at1-850-921-4177. This memo/document isfound at:ttp://www.flaes.org/pdf/realtormemofinal.pdf• This explains what constitutes a legalinspection and illegal one. If an illegalinspection is performed this may putthe realtor and broker at additionalrisk since an unlicensed inspectorwould probably not have proper (orany) insurance coverage in the eventof a problem…and thus maybe whythey might charge less than a licensedand insured inspection company.

Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer ServicesDivision of Agricultural Environmental ServicesCHARLES H. BRONSONCOMMISSIONERWOOD-DESTROYING ORGANISMS INSPECTION REPORTSection 482.226, Florida StatutesTelephone: (850) 921-4177Licensee name License NumberLicensee addressInspector Inspection Date Identification Card No.Requested byProperty Inspected(Name)Specific structures inspectedStructures on property NOT inspectedAreas of structure(s) NOT inspected(Address)(Address)Reason Not inspectedSCOPE OF INSPECTIONAWood-destroying organism@ means arthropod or plant life which damages and can reinfest seasoned wood in a structure, namely, termites,powder post beetles, oldhouse borers, and wood-decaying fungi.THIS REPORT IS MADE ON THE BASIS OF WHAT WAS VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION and is not an opinioncovering areas such as, but not necessarily limited to, those that are enclosed or inaccessible, areas concealed by wall-coverings, floorcoverings, furniture, equipment, stored articles, or any portion of the structure in which inspection would necessitate removing or defacing anypart of the structure.THIS IS NOT A STRUCTURAL DAMAGE REPORT. A wood-destroying organisms inspector is not ordinarily a construction or building tradeexpert and therefore is not expected to possess any special qualifications which would enable him to attest to the structural soundness of theproperty. IF VISIBLE DAMAGE OR OTHER EVIDENCE IS NOTED IN THIS REPORT (ITEM NUMBER (3) OF THIS REPORT) FURTHERINVESTIGATION BY QUALIFIED EXPERTS OF THE BUILDING TRADE SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE THE STRUCTURALSOUNDNESS OF THE PROPERTY. This property was not inspected for any fungi other than wood decaying fungi, and no opinion onhealth related effects or indoor air quality is provided or rendered by this report. Individuals licensed to perform pest control are notrequired, authorized or licensed to inspect or report for any fungi other than wood decaying fungi, nor to report or comment onhealth or indoor air quality issues related to any fungi. Persons concerned about these issues should consult with a certifiedindustrial hygienist or other person trained and qualified to render such opinions.THIS REPORT SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO CONSTITUTE A GUARANTEE OF THE ABSENCE OF WOOD-DESTROYING ORGANISMSOR DAMAGE OR OTHER EVIDENCE UNLESS THIS REPORT SPECIFICALLY STATES HEREIN THE EXTENT OF SUCH GUARANTEE.REPORT OF FINDINGS(1) Visible evidence of wood-destroying organisms observed: No YesLocations:(2) Live wood-destroying organisms observed: No YesLocations:(3) Visible damage observed: No YesLocations:(4) Visible evidence of previous treatment was observed: No Yes(Common Name of Organisms)(Common Name of Organisms)(Common Name of organisms causing damage)Explain:(5) This company has treated the structure(s) at time of inspection: No Yes If YES: A copy of the contract is attached.(Organisms treated) (Pesticide Used)(6) This company has treated the structure(s) No Yes If YES: Date of treatment:(Common name of organisms)(7) A notice of this inspection and/or treatment has been affixed to the structure(s)(Common name of pesticide)COMMENTS:(Location of notice(s))Neither the licensee nor the inspector has any financial interest in the property inspected or is associated in any way in the transaction withany party to the transaction other than for inspection purposes.SEND REPORT TO PERSON WHO REQUESTED THIS INSPECTION AND TO:Signature of Licensee or AgentDACS 13645, Rev. 02-04 (Obsoletes Previous Editions)Date4

WHAT REALTORS® SHOULD KNOW ABOUT Termite Inspections

P.O. Box 609400Orlando, FL 32860-9400T: 407.253.3580F: 407.293.6380Thank You to Our Affiliate Task ForceWhat Realtors ® Should Know About Termite Inspections is made possible by the Orlando Regional Realtor ®Association and its Affiliate Task Force:Jim Maurer407.657.0472Any questions about the services or products ORRA provides?You can contact us online at www.orlrealtor.com.Published November 2006