WDO Inspections in St. Petersburg

Local WDO Inspections Backed by Over 24 Years of Experience

We perform WDO inspections for real estate transactions and property owners who need a clear assessment of visible wood-destroying organism activity. WDO stands for wood-destroying organism, and the inspection covers termites, wood-boring beetles, wood-decaying fungi, and accessible areas where signs of activity or damage may appear.

At Geiger's Pest Services, we explain the inspection and Florida reporting requirements in plain terms. We’ve served St. Petersburg and surrounding communities since 2000 as a veteran-owned, family-operated, licensed, and insured pest control company.

Schedule your WDO inspection before your closing deadline. Call (727) 761-9385 to request an appointment and tell us about your property.

What a St. Petersburg WDO Inspection Covers

Florida requires a licensed pest control operator under Chapter 482 of the Florida Statutes to complete the official wood-destroying organism report. Findings are recorded on Form FDACS-13645. Although this document is sometimes called a termite letter, it covers more than termites.

The four reportable organism categories are:

• Subterranean termites: Termites that typically nest in soil and may enter a structure through shelter tubes or concealed gaps.
• Drywood termites: Termites that live within dry wood and can infest framing, trim, furniture, and other wooden components.
• Wood-boring beetles: Beetles, including powderpost beetles, whose larvae tunnel through wood.
• Wood-decaying fungi: Fungi associated with moisture conditions that break down wood.

The inspection is a visual examination limited to accessible areas. Depending on the property, we may inspect the exterior perimeter, interior rooms, garage, attic, crawl space, and exposed structural components. Areas concealed behind walls, beneath flooring, under insulation, or behind stored belongings aren’t visible and fall outside the inspection’s scope.

Carpenter ants and carpenter bees aren’t reportable organisms on Florida’s official WDO form, though we may note their presence when observed. A WDO inspection also isn’t a substitute for a general home inspection of the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, ventilation, or air conditioning.

Why Local Termite & Wood-Decay Risks Matter

Florida’s warm, humid conditions support termite activity throughout much of the year. Both subterranean and drywood termites occur in the region, while persistent moisture can create conditions associated with wood-decaying fungi.

Our work throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough counties gives us direct familiarity with these pressures. Although a WDO report often supports a real estate transaction, an inspection may also be useful if you notice discarded wings, shelter tubes, small holes, pellet-like droppings, blistered wood, or unexplained deterioration.

How to Read Your WDO Inspection Report

The report documents visible conditions found at the time of inspection. A lender, insurer, buyer, seller, or real estate contract may require this documentation before closing. Timing requirements vary by lender and transaction, so confirm the applicable deadline with the party requesting the report.

The four reportable organism categories are:

• Live activity: Wood-destroying organisms observed during the inspection.
• Evidence of infestation: Signs such as shelter tubes, galleries, exit holes, or termite droppings.
• Visible damage: Accessible wood deterioration consistent with organism activity.
• Previous treatment evidence: Visible indications or available records showing that treatment occurred.

Evidence of a prior infestation doesn’t necessarily indicate current activity, and visible damage can’t establish the full extent of damage hidden within the structure. We explain what we observed, where we found it, and whether treatment may be appropriate.

If treatment is needed, we choose a method based on the organism and property conditions. We provide termite control and tent fumigation for severe drywood termite infestations. Our Commitment to Excellence certification for Vikane gas fumigation reflects our adherence to established safety requirements for whole-structure treatments.

A Clear Inspection Process That Respects Your Property

Our technicians call the day before a scheduled visit to confirm the appointment. Inside your home, we wear shoe covers or remove our shoes to keep floors clean. We also explain which areas are accessible, what the inspection can’t cover, and what we found without burying important details in technical language.

If treatment is recommended, we ask about dogs, cats, and other pets before work begins. We then place treatments where animals can’t easily reach them.

Licensing, Associations & Community Involvement

As a member of the Florida Pest Management Association, we stay current on state requirements and industry safety practices. Our ties to St. Petersburg extend beyond service calls. We sponsor the Boley Centers’ annual Jingle Bell Run, which supports housing and services for at-risk adults, veterans, youth, and families.

Our Pest Control Service Guarantee

Our satisfaction guarantee applies to scheduled pest control services following an inspection. If covered pests return between regular visits, we’ll re-treat the property at no extra cost.

Schedule Your WDO Inspection With Confidence

Contact us to request an inspection and receive an upfront quote before work begins. We can explain the accessible conditions we observed, the documentation provided, and any treatment options we recommend without hidden fees.

Since 2000, buyers, sellers, and property owners have trusted our local team for clear answers and careful service throughout the inspection process.

Call (727) 761-9385 to schedule your WDO inspection with Geiger's Pest Services.