A termite inspection is a look at the structure for wood-destroying organisms and the conditions that feed them. You get findings in writing. You do not get a sales pitch disguised as a walkthrough.
Treebark Termite and Pest Control offers a free 35-point inspection and a written estimate. No obligation. Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties. Hours 24/7; same-day or next-day when routing allows.
This page explains how inspections show up in real estate. It is practical background, not legal, lender, or escrow advice. Your purchase contract, lender, and escrow company control what is required on a given deal.
What we inspect
The technician checks accessible wood: attic, eaves, garage, interior trim, decks, and crawl space when one exists. They look for live termites, damage, frass, tubes, and moisture or earth-wood contact that makes the next infestation easier.
You leave with notes and an estimate if treatment is on the table. You can stop there.
WDO reports (California)
In California, a licensed company may issue a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection report under Structural Pest Control Board rules. People also say “termite report.” Same idea: a licensed inspection of the structure for wood-destroying pests and related conditions, recorded on the state form.
A WDO report is a snapshot of accessible areas on the date of inspection. It is not a warranty that hidden wood is clean. Inaccessible spaces get listed as inaccessible, not “clear.”
Ask your agent or escrow officer which report they actually need (WDO vs a more limited homeowner walkthrough). We will tell you which service we are performing before we start.
Section 1 vs Section 2
On a California WDO report, findings are commonly grouped:
- Section 1: Infestation or infection of wood-destroying organisms, or damage from those organisms that is called out for correction. This is the “work that needs to be done because of pests or pest damage” bucket most buyers and lenders care about first.
- Section 2: Conditions considered likely to lead to infestation or infection (for example earth-wood contact or chronic moisture). These are conducive conditions — not the same as an active colony in the framing.
Who pays for Section 1 work is a contract issue between buyer and seller. We do not decide that. We report what we find and can bid the work if you want it done.
Clearance, if requested after repairs, is a separate inspection of the completed items — not a verbal “you’re fine” on the phone.
Home purchase
Buyers in Southern California often order a termite/WDO inspection during escrow. Sellers sometimes provide a recent report. Neither pattern is a law we enforce.
If you are buying: get the report, read Section 1 and Section 2 yourself, and ask your agent how your contract treats pest repairs. If you are selling: an inspection before listing can surface work while you still control the schedule. Still not legal advice — read the purchase agreement.
We inspect occupied homes, vacant homes, and properties under contract. Same 35-point process. Written estimate if treatment is recommended.
VA and other lenders
Some loan programs, including many VA purchases of existing homes, ask for a wood-destroying insect inspection or a WDO-style report as part of underwriting. FHA and conventional files sometimes ask too. The exact form, who orders it, and whether Section 1 must be cleared before funding are lender and contract questions.
We can perform the inspection and complete the report the lender named. We cannot tell you what VA “always” requires in your county. Have your loan officer or escrow send the form name if they have one.
NPMA-33 is a national wood-destroying insect form some out-of-state lenders still request. California files more often want the SPCB WDO report. We will match the document they ask for when we are licensed to issue it.
After the inspection
If we find activity that localized treatment can handle, that is the usual path — typically no tenting, with tenting still possible on some jobs. Chlorantraniliprole (modeled on Ryania speciosa) and Nature-Cide as used on the job; low-toxicity for kids and pets when used as directed.
Most termite treatments include a 1-year transferable guarantee. That matters in a sale: ask us to put transfer terms on the paperwork.
Owner Aaron Cunningham, license PR9342.
Call
Free 35-point inspection and written estimate. No obligation.
(888) 559-8816.