Quick answer
A wood-destroying organism report records visible evidence of termites and other wood-destroying pests or organisms, related damage, and conditions noted during the inspection. Section 1 generally covers active infestation or infection and the damage already caused; Section 2 covers conditions considered likely to lead to a problem but where no visible evidence of active infestation or infection was found. Your purchase contract and lender determine what must be resolved, while the pest control company documents the findings, completes authorized work, and issues certification when applicable.
What a WDO report actually covers
WDO stands for wood-destroying organisms. In California, a structural pest control inspection report documents what the inspector could see in the accessible areas of a property: evidence of termites or other wood-destroying pests and organisms, damage connected to those findings, and conditions relevant to the inspection.
The report is not simply a yes-or-no termite result. It identifies findings by location, describes the recommended correction, and separates items into categories that help the parties understand whether they are dealing with an active problem or a condition that could contribute to one.
The inspection also has limits. Finished walls, stored belongings, fixed coverings, inaccessible crawl areas, and other obstructions can restrict what is visible. Read the report’s notes about inaccessible areas instead of assuming that “not seen” means “not present.”
A WDO report is property-specific.
Do not rely on a neighbor’s report, an old estimate, or a generic checklist to decide what your transaction needs. The current findings, contract, lender, and closing date shape the next step.
Section 1 vs. Section 2 findings
The labels describe the condition at the time of inspection. They do not, by themselves, decide who pays or rewrite the purchase agreement.
| Section 1 | Section 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it generally means | Visible evidence of active infestation or infection, or damage resulting from it | Conditions considered likely to lead to infestation or infection, without visible evidence of active infestation or infection |
| Examples | Active termite activity, active fungus or dry rot, and organism-damaged wood | Excess moisture, earth-to-wood contact, leaks, or other conducive conditions noted by the inspector |
| Typical transaction concern | Often the items a contract or lender asks to be corrected and certified | May be negotiated, recommended, monitored, or corrected depending on the deal |
| Possible correction | Treatment, fumigation, removal, or repair based on the finding | Correcting the moisture, contact, access, or other condition |
A Section 1 finding does not automatically mean whole-structure fumigation. A contained problem may be cleared with localized treatment or repair. Widespread or concealed drywood termite activity may call for tent fumigation. The report should connect each finding to a specific recommendation.
Likewise, Section 2 does not mean “irrelevant.” A moisture leak or wood-to-earth contact can become an expensive problem if ignored. It simply describes a different condition from visible active infestation or infection.
How WDO clearance fits the escrow timeline
- The inspection is ordered. The buyer, seller, agent, or another party schedules the property and shares the closing date.
- The report is issued. Findings, locations, recommendations, inaccessible areas, and estimates are documented.
- The parties decide what work is authorized. The contract, lender requirements, and negotiations determine the scope—not the report alone.
- The findings are treated or repaired. Each item is matched to fumigation, localized treatment, correction, or repair.
- Completion is verified. When the authorized work is complete, the appropriate certification or completion documentation is issued.
- Escrow receives the documents. The agent, buyer, seller, lender, and escrow can move the file toward closing.
The safest scheduling move is simple: give the inspection company the closing date at the first call. If treatment, repair, or fumigation is required, the plan can then be built backward from the deadline rather than discovered after the contingency is already tight.
Who orders the report, and who pays for the work?
There is no single answer for every California transaction. The seller may order the inspection before listing, the buyer may request it during due diligence, or the agents may coordinate it once the contract is accepted. Payment for inspection, treatment, repair, and clearance can be assigned or negotiated in the purchase agreement.
Keep three decisions separate:
- Who orders the inspection and provides access.
- Who authorizes and pays for correction of the agreed findings.
- Who needs the final documents and when they must reach escrow or the lender.
A written estimate should make the scope and price clear before work begins. If the transaction changes the scope—for example, the parties agree to clear only particular items—make sure the authorized work and expected certification are documented.
How to read a WDO report without getting lost
- Confirm the property and inspection date. Make sure you are reading the correct report and version.
- Read the findings by location. Match each numbered item to the diagram or area described.
- Separate Section 1 from Section 2. Do not assume every line has the same urgency or transaction requirement.
- Review inaccessible areas and limitations. Ask whether further inspection is recommended before closing.
- Match each finding to its recommendation and estimate. Treatment, fumigation, repair, and correction are different scopes.
- Ask what document follows completion. Clarify what certification or completion report will be delivered and to whom.
California’s Structural Pest Control Board maintains a WDO property search that can indicate whether a report was filed for a California property within the preceding two years. It does not replace reading the actual report, but it can be useful when researching inspection history.