What IS a Structural Pest Inspection?
A Structural Pest Inspection is an inspection that focuses on wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) like termites, carpenter ants, wood-decaying fungi, and other pests that can cause significant, and expensive, structural damage to a home.
And no, it’s not the same thing as a general home inspection.
A home inspector looks at the main components of a home like: plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roof, and foundation; focusing on safety and health hazards. Unless your inspector is also a licensed Structural Pest Inspector (SPI), they aren’t legally allowed to report on pest-related issues, even if they see them. They may only suggest further evaluation by a licensed pest professional.
Are Pest Inspections Really Necessary?
- Yes! Here’s why:
- Less than 25% of home inspectors in Washington State are also licensed SPIs. Without that license, a home inspector legally can’t report on WDOs or conditions that lead to infestations.
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Older homes almost always have some pest history.
If the home was built before 1978, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when and how bad. -
Newer homes are not immune to pests either!
Poor construction, water intrusion, and lack of maintenance can create the perfect environment for pests. -
It could affect your financing.
Some FHA and VA loans require a pest inspection (often using the NPMA-33 form), even if they don’t require a home inspection.
What Do Pest Inspectors Look For?
A licensed SPI will inspect all areas inside and out and look for: wood-destroying pests like carpenter ants, moisture ants, termites, anobiid beetles, and wood-decaying fungi; evidence of activity like frass, exit holes, mud tubes, and damaged wood; and conducive conditions like leaking roofs or plumbing, earth-to-wood contact, inadequate ventilation, and inaccessible crawlspaces.
- Homebuyers: Before You Sign the Dotted Line…
- Here's Your Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection Checklist:
- Request a pest inspection. Don’t assume it’s included in the home inspection.
- Verify your inspector is licensed. Look them up at agr.wa.gov.
- Ask for the written report. No report = no inspection.
- Review the report with your inspector. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Check for complaints. Contact WSDA to see if the inspector has prior violations.
- Schedule early if escrow is short. Pest inspections can delay closing if left to the last minute.
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Still have questions? Contact WSDA:
(360) 902-2040 | pest@agr.wa.gov | http://agr.wa.gov
How Do You Know If It’s Done Right?
Look for a licensed SPI with a track record of clear, thorough reports.
At Top Notch Home Inspection, we believe this license is so critical that we require all our inspectors to earn their SPI license before completing their training. This ensures that your inspector can:
- Identify WDOs and structural damage during a real estate transaction
- Legally include findings in your inspection report
- Help you take preventative measures before issues get worse
- Meet specific loan requirements when needed
A pest inspection is an important step when buying a home and part of good maintenance for your current home. Don’t skip the inspection whether it be a general inspection, or a pest inspection.
