Wood destroyers · Central NJ
Termite Inspection and WDI Reports for Central NJ Home Sales
Central Jersey Pest Control performs termite inspections for buyers, sellers, and homeowners across Central New Jersey, from a quick look at a suspicious mud tube to a full wood destroying insect (WDI) report for a closing. This page explains what our inspector checks, what the NPMA-33 form says and does not say, and how to keep a real estate timeline on track.
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Inside a termite inspection: basement to attic
A termite inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible parts of the house, backed by probing and sounding wood where it can be reached. Our inspector works from the outside in and from the ground up, because subterranean termites start at the soil.
- Exterior: the foundation line, slab edges, porches, stoops, decks, and any wood touching soil or mulch
- Garage: sill plates, door jambs, and the joint where the slab meets the wall
- Basement or crawl space: sill plates, rim joists, girders, posts, and the foundation wall for shelter tubes
- Main living areas: baseboards, window sills, and door frames near grade, plus any water-stained spots
- Attic, where it can be entered, for signs of other wood destroying insects and roof leaks
The NPMA-33 form: what a WDI report records
In real estate, the result is usually written on the NPMA-33, the Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report published by the National Pest Management Association. Lenders and purchase contracts often ask for it by name, which is why people search for an NPMA-33 inspection or simply a WDI inspection.
The form describes the condition of the structure on the date of inspection, based on a careful visual inspection of readily accessible areas. Its findings section has two outcomes: no visible evidence of wood destroying insects was observed, or visible evidence was observed. When there is evidence, the inspector records it in up to three categories:
- Live insects, with a description and location
- Dead insects, insect parts, frass, shelter tubes, exit holes, or staining
- Visible damage from wood destroying insects
Previous treatment and recommendations
The form also notes whether the structure appears to have been treated in the past, and what visible evidence suggests that, such as drill holes in a slab or bait stations in the yard. A separate section states whether treatment is recommended and for which insect.
What the report is not
The NPMA-33 states plainly that it is not a structural damage report. If evidence is found, the form notes that some degree of damage, including hidden damage, may be present, and it suggests a qualified structural professional assess the extent and any repairs. It also makes no promise about infestation hidden in concealed areas or arriving later.
More than termites: the other insects on a WDI report
Despite the everyday name, the NPMA-33 covers more than termites. For the purposes of the form, wood destroying insects include termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and reinfesting wood boring beetles. Mold, mildew, and wood decay fungi are outside its scope.
That matters for older homes with damp porches or cedar trim. A buyer who sees carpenter ant activity on the report can read more on our carpenter ant control page, and a seller with old carpenter bee holes in fascia boards should expect them to be noted.
Scheduling a pest inspection for a home sale
Timing is the part buyers most often wish they had planned. Inspection contingencies run on short clocks, so request the WDI inspection as soon as the contract is signed, alongside the general home inspection.
Access decides how complete the report can be. The NPMA-33 has a section listing obstructed or inaccessible areas, with reasons such as fixed ceilings, floor coverings, insulation, stored items, cabinets, appliances, dense vegetation, and snow. Areas listed there were not inspected. To keep that list short:
- Clear a path along basement walls and move boxes off the sill plate line
- Unlock the crawl space hatch and the garage, and make sure the attic hatch can be opened
- Pull firewood, planters, and stored items away from the outside walls
- Tell us about any past termite work and share paperwork from the company that did it
If our inspector finds termite activity
Finding evidence does not have to sink a sale. We explain exactly what was found and where, and whether it looks active or old. If treatment is recommended, we can quote it, and our termite treatment page walks through liquid and bait options and what drives the price. Damaged framing goes to a carpenter or structural professional, since the WDI report is not a damage assessment.
Buyers and sellers often negotiate who pays for treatment and repairs. A clear report, with locations written out, makes that conversation easier for everyone involved.
Termite inspections for owners who are not selling
You do not need a closing to justify a look. Owners call us after spotting winged insects in spring, finding soft wood while remodeling, or buying a house years ago without ever having an inspection. The NPMA-33 lists conditions that invite wood destroying insects, and we check for the same ones at every visit:
- Earth to wood contact at decks, steps, and trim
- Foam insulation at the foundation touching soil
- Poor grading, improper drainage, and standing moisture
- Firewood against the house and wood debris in the crawl space
- Wood mulch against the structure and tree branches touching the roof
FAQ
Questions about termite inspection
How long does a termite inspection take?
It depends on the size of the house, whether there is a crawl space, and how much of the basement is finished. We give you a time window when you book so the seller or listing agent can plan access.
Is a WDI inspection the same as a home inspection?
No. A general home inspector looks at the whole house. A WDI inspection focuses on wood destroying insects and is reported on the NPMA-33 form that lenders and contracts usually request.
Who usually orders the inspection, the buyer or the seller?
It varies by contract. Often the buyer orders it during the inspection period, but some sellers order one in advance. Check your contract or ask your agent.
If the report shows no visible evidence, does that mean there are no termites?
It means our inspector saw no evidence in the areas that could be reached on that date. The NPMA-33 is clear that concealed or inaccessible areas can hide activity, and that the report describes one day, not the future. Keeping conducive conditions in check and scheduling a fresh look every so often is the practical follow-through.
Can you inspect a finished basement?
Yes, but finished walls and ceilings hide framing. Those areas are listed as inaccessible on the report, and we point out where evidence could be concealed.
Do you inspect in Marlboro and Manalapan?
Yes. Our area runs from East Brunswick out to Marlboro, Manalapan, Monroe Township, and the other towns listed on our homepage.
Where we provide termite (WDI) inspection service
Services related to termite inspection
Ask about termite inspection
Tell us what you are seeing and where. We will follow up to set a time and give you a quote before any treatment.