About WDO Reports

Wood Destroying Organism Reports

Every time a pest control licensee inspects any structure on a property, a report entitled “Wood-Destroying Pests and Organisms Inspection Report” must be issued. Inspection reports are maintained by the pest control company for three years, and filed with the State of California Structural Pest Control Board.  A copy of the inspection can be requested through the Board or from the company directly.  www.pestboard.ca.gov

Pest control companies usually charge a fee for inspections. Fees vary, consumers should discuss the fees and services with the company.

Report findings will fall into 2 categories, Section I Findings and Section II Findings.  When an area is inaccessible or not visible for inspection purposes, a recommendation is made to open the area to reveal the enclosed space for inspection. Further inspection items may require the removal of drywall, insulation, etc. and can be very costly.

Section I

Visible evidence of infestation (termites, wood-boring beetles, carpenter ants, etc.) or infection (fungus).

Examples:  Fungus/Dry Rot Moisture-induced infection in wood which causes rot and reduces the strength of the wood. Dry Wood Termites that establish colonies in wood, feed on the wood, and drop fecal pellets. Subterranean Termites that live in underground colonies and enter structures through mud tubes. Infestations such as wood-boring beetles, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees are included under this category.

Section II

Conditions present that are deemed likely to lead to an infestation or infection (moisture conditions, faulty grade, etc.).

Examples:  Excessive moisture, if not controlled, can foster the growth of a fungus infection, materially damaging wood.  Faulty grade level, a condition that occurs when the top of any foundation is even with or below the adjacent earth. Wooden members of the structure that are in contact with the soil. This condition can contribute to fungus infection and infestation by subterranean termites.

Re-inspection Report

A report on the inspection of items completed as recommended on the original report (or subsequent reports). It may be limited to the items requested by the person ordering the report and must clearly refer to the original report.

Supplemental Report

A report on an inspection conducted after areas have been opened up for further inspection as recommended on previous reports, or to correct, add, or modify information in a previous report. A supplemental report must clearly refer to any previous report.

Limited Report

An inspection report limited to a specific portion(s) of a structure shall be labeled as “limited.” It must include a diagram of the inspected area, a notation indicating the person/entity requesting the limited report, and recommendations for further inspection.

Notice of Completion

A notice of completion is completed whenever the company has completed recommendations to correct findings in an inspection report at the request of the property owner or agent.

MECHANICS LIEN LAW

Under the California Mechanics Lien Law, any structural pest control company which contracts to do work for you, and any contractor, subcontractor, laborer, supplier, or other person who helps to improve your property, but is not paid for his or her work or supplies, has a right to enforce a claim against your property. This means that after a court hearing, your property could be sold by a court officer and the proceeds of the sale used to satisfy the indebtedness. This can happen even if you have paid your Structural Pest Control Company in full, but the subcontractor, laborers, or suppliers remain unpaid.  To preserve their right to file a claim or lien against your property, certain claimants such as subcontractors or material suppliers are required to provide you with a document entitled "Preliminary Notice." Prime Contractors and laborers for wages do not have to provide this notice. A Preliminary Notice is not a lien against your property. It's purpose is to notify you of persons who may have a right to file a lien against your property if they are not paid.