Scope of a Texas
WDI Inspection.
What a Texas Official Wood Destroying Insect Report covers, what the inspector looks for, and exactly what the SPCS/T-5 form documents — explained plainly for homebuyers and property owners in Houston and Fort Bend County.
More Than a
Termite Inspection.
A WDI inspection is an official visual inspection of a structure governed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The result is a Texas Official Wood Destroying Insect Report (SPCS/T-5) — one of the most important documents in any Texas real estate transaction.
The report goes beyond termites. It documents evidence of all wood-destroying insects — including subterranean termites, drywood termites, Formosan termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and re-infesting wood-boring beetles. It records active infestations, evidence of past activity, and conditions that make infestation more likely.
The inspection is strictly visual. The inspector examines all readily accessible areas of the structure without removing wall coverings, defacing any surface, or performing destructive testing. What's found is documented. What isn't accessible is noted.
For VA loans in Texas, a WDI inspection is mandatory. For FHA, conventional, and cash purchases, it is strongly recommended. The cost of an inspection is a fraction of what an untreated infestation can cost — and the report gives buyers documented negotiating leverage.
Areas the Inspector
Examines.
Per Texas Administrative Code §7.175, the inspector must examine all accessible and unobstructed areas of the structure. These are the primary zones covered in every WDIPro inspection.
Wood-Destroying Insects
Covered by the Report.
The Texas Official WDI Report covers more than termites. Any of the following insects found in or on the structure will be documented by species, location, and whether the infestation is active or previous.
The most common termite species in Houston and Fort Bend County. Build mud tubes from soil to wood. Can cause extensive structural damage before becoming visible.
An aggressive invasive species prevalent throughout Houston and the Gulf Coast. Can build nests inside wood without soil contact. Responsible for rapid, severe structural damage.
Live entirely within wood without soil contact. Often found in attic framing, furniture, and wall trim. Identified by characteristic frass (fecal pellets) near entry holes.
Carpenter ants excavate galleries in moist, damaged wood. Carpenter bees bore circular entry holes into fascia and decking. Both are documented when evidence is found.
Also covered: Re-infesting wood-boring beetles (powder post beetles, old house borers) — documented when evidence of exit holes, frass, or live beetles is found.
Official Scope of Inspection —
SPCS/T-5 Clauses A Through J.
The following clauses are the official Texas Department of Agriculture scope of inspection as they appear on every Texas Official Wood Destroying Insect Report (SPCS/T-5). Every WDIPro client receives a completed copy.
This inspection covers only the multi-family structure, primary dwelling or place of business. Sheds, detached garages, lean-tos, fences, guest houses or any other structure will not be included unless specifically noted in Section 5 of this report.
This inspection is limited to those parts of the structure(s) that are visible and accessible at the time of the inspection. Examples of inaccessible areas include but are not limited to (1) areas concealed by wall coverings, furniture, equipment and stored articles and (2) any portion of the structure in which inspection would necessitate removing or defacing any part of the structure(s). Inspection does not cover any condition or damage which was not visible at time of inspection but which may be revealed in the course of repair or replacement work.
Due to the characteristics and behavior of various wood destroying insects, it may not always be possible to determine the presence of infestation without defacing or removing parts of the structure. Previous damage is frequently repaired prior to the inspection with putty, spackling, tape or other devices. Damage that has been concealed or repaired may not be visible except by defacing the surface appearance. The WDI inspecting company cannot guarantee that work performed by a previous pest control company has rendered the pest(s) inactive.
If visible evidence of active or previous infestation of listed wood destroying insects is reported, it should be assumed that some degree of damage is present.
If visible evidence is reported, it does not imply that damage should be repaired or replaced. Inspectors of the inspection company usually are not engineers or builders qualified to give an opinion regarding the degree of structural damage. Evaluation of damage and any corrective action should be performed by a qualified expert.
This is not a structural damage report or a warranty as to the absence of wood destroying insects.
If termite treatment has been recommended, the treating company must provide a diagram of the structure(s) inspected, label of pesticides to be used, and complete details of warranty (if any). Information regarding treatment and any warranties should be provided by the party contracting for such services to any prospective buyers of the property.
There are a variety of termite control options offered by pest control companies. These options will vary in cost, efficacy, areas treated, warranties, treatment techniques and renewal options.
Corrective treatment may only be recommended if (1) there is visible evidence of an active infestation in or on the structure, or (2) there is visible evidence of a previous infestation with no evidence of prior treatment.
If treatment is recommended based solely on the presence of conducive conditions, a preventive treatment or correction of conducive conditions may be recommended. There may be a variety of different strategies to correct the conducive condition(s), varying greatly in cost and effectiveness. If you have questions, you may contact the inspector, another licensed pest control operator for a second opinion, and/or the Structural Pest Control Service of the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Texas Department of Agriculture — Structural Pest Control Service.
SPCS/T-5 is the official state form for all Texas WDI inspections. TDA License #0801793 · TPCL #796739.
What a WDI Inspection
Does Not Cover.
A WDI inspection is a visual inspection of accessible areas. Understanding what it doesn't include is just as important as knowing what it does.
The Texas Official WDI Report (SPCS/T-5) documents what the inspector observed on the inspection date. It is not a guarantee or warranty that the structure is free from wood-destroying insects, nor does it certify that previously treated infestations have been fully eliminated.
If evidence of an active or previous infestation is found, it should be assumed that some degree of damage is present. Evaluation of damage severity requires a qualified structural engineer or contractor — not the WDI inspector.
WDIPro's role is to provide an accurate, thorough visual report of what the property shows. That report is the foundation for decisions about treatment, repairs, and the transaction itself.
From Inspection to
Report — 24 Hours.
Request your inspection online or by phone. WDIPro schedules promptly to meet closing deadlines and option period windows across Fort Bend County and West Houston.
A TDA-licensed inspector examines all accessible areas — foundation perimeter, exterior, interior wood elements, attic, and crawl space if accessible. All findings are documented in the field.
Your Texas Official WDI Report (SPCS/T-5) and HUD NPMA-33 Form are delivered within 24 hours. Findings are documented by location, insect type, and status — active, previous, or conducive conditions.
Use the report to negotiate repairs, satisfy lender requirements, or arrange treatment. If active infestation is found, WDIPro connects you with a licensed treatment provider to discuss options.
Before You Buy,
Get a WDI.
Texas Official WDI Reports within 24 hours. HUD NPMA-33 included at no extra charge. Starting at $175 + tax. Serving Fort Bend County and West Houston.