WDO Inspections in Georgia: What They Cover and Why They Matter

Introduction: Why WDO Inspections Are Essential in Georgia

If you’re buying or selling a home in Marietta, Atlanta, or anywhere in Georgia, one of the most overlooked but crucial parts of the process is the Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection. Many buyers assume their home inspector will handle this, but in Georgia, that’s not the case. By law, only a licensed pest control professional can conduct an official WDO inspection and issue the required documentation.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we conduct thorough home inspections, but when it comes to WDO inspections, we always advise our clients to bring in a licensed pest company. This ensures compliance with Georgia regulations, protects your investment, and prevents costly surprises down the road.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What a WDO inspection is and what it covers

• Why Georgia requires a licensed pest professional

• The difference between a home inspector and a pest inspector

• Common wood-destroying organisms found in Georgia homes

• Red flags uncovered during WDO inspections

• How to schedule the right type of inspection before closing

• FAQs about WDO inspections in Georgia

By the end, you’ll know exactly why WDO inspections matter — and why skipping one is a mistake no Georgia buyer or seller should make.

What Is a WDO Inspection?

A WDO inspection, sometimes called a termite inspection, is a specialized evaluation that checks for evidence of wood-destroying organisms such as:

• Subterranean termites

• Drywood termites (less common in Georgia but still possible)

• Powderpost beetles

• Wood-boring beetles

• Fungi that cause wood decay

Unlike a general home inspection, which looks at structural and system conditions, a WDO inspection focuses specifically on active infestations, prior infestations, and conditions that make a home vulnerable to wood-destroying organisms.

In Georgia, lenders and real estate transactions often require a Form NPMA-33 or Georgia Wood Infestation Report, which can only be issued by a licensed pest control company.

Why Georgia Requires Licensed Pest Professionals for WDO Inspections

Georgia law is very clear: home inspectors cannot issue termite or WDO inspection reports.

This rule exists because:

1. Specialized training is required. Pest professionals are licensed through the Georgia Department of Agriculture and trained to identify subtle signs of insect activity.

2. Legal documentation is needed. Only a licensed pest company can issue the official WDO report required by lenders.

3. Risk management. Misidentifying a termite infestation can cost homeowners thousands. Georgia regulators ensure only trained professionals can legally certify these inspections.

👉 Bottom line: If your home inspector offers a “termite inspection,” be cautious. In Georgia, it must be performed and signed by a licensed pest control operator.

The Most Common Wood-Destroying Organisms in Georgia

Georgia’s warm, humid climate makes it a perfect breeding ground for pests that eat away at homes. Here’s what WDO inspections usually uncover:

1. Subterranean Termites

• Most destructive in Georgia

• Live underground and build mud tubes into foundations and walls

• Can cause major structural damage before being noticed

2. Powderpost Beetles

• Leave small round exit holes in wood

• Common in crawl spaces, attics, and older wood flooring

3. Wood-Boring Beetles

• Attack framing lumber and furniture

• Hard to spot without a trained eye

4. Fungal Growth / Wood Decay

• Caused by excessive moisture in crawl spaces or basements

• Weakens framing and floor joists

• Often mistaken for mold but just as serious structurally

Red Flags Found in WDO Inspections

A licensed pest professional in Georgia will look for:

• Mud tubes climbing foundation walls

• Discarded wings from termite swarms near windowsills

• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped

• Frass (termite droppings) resembling sawdust

• Excessive moisture in crawl spaces (common in Marietta homes)

• Wood-to-soil contact around decks or porches

Any of these red flags could lead to expensive treatments and repairs.

Why Buyers and Sellers in Georgia Can’t Skip WDO Inspections

For Buyers:

• Protects your investment from unseen damage

• Required by most lenders

• Provides leverage for negotiations if problems are found

For Sellers:

• Avoids last-minute deal breakers

• Shows good faith and transparency

• Identifies problems before listing

For Agents:

• Keeps the transaction compliant with Georgia law

• Builds trust with clients by recommending licensed pros

How to Schedule the Right Inspections in Georgia

Here’s the best process if you’re buying a home in Marietta or Atlanta:

1. Hire a certified home inspector (like Reynolds Home and Property Solutions) for a full property evaluation.

2. Schedule a licensed pest professional to perform the official WDO inspection and provide the Georgia Wood Infestation Report.

3. Share both reports with your agent and lender to ensure compliance and peace of mind.

At Reynolds, we maintain partnerships with trusted Georgia pest control companies so that our clients get both inspections completed on time.

FAQs About WDO Inspections in Georgia

Q1: Can my home inspector perform the WDO inspection in Georgia?

No. By law, only a licensed pest control professional can conduct and certify a WDO inspection.

Q2: How much does a WDO inspection cost in Georgia?

Typically between $75 and $150, depending on the pest company and property size.

Q3: Do all lenders require a WDO inspection?

Most lenders in Georgia, especially FHA, VA, and USDA loans, require a WDO report before closing.

Q4: If termites are found, does the seller have to fix it?

It depends on the contract, but most buyers negotiate treatment and repairs before closing.

Q5: Are WDO inspections only for older homes?

No. Even new construction in Georgia can have termites within the first few years.

Final Thoughts: Why WDO Inspections Matter in Georgia

If you’re buying a home in Marietta, Roswell, Kennesaw, Smyrna, or anywhere in the Atlanta metro area, don’t assume a general home inspection is enough.

A WDO inspection is a separate, legally required step — and it must be done by a licensed pest control professional in Georgia. At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we ensure our clients understand this distinction and connect them with trusted pest partners when needed.

👉 Don’t leave your biggest investment vulnerable.

Schedule your home inspection in Atlanta or Marietta with us today, and let us guide you through the process — including connecting you with a licensed pest professional for your WDO report.

📍 Book now at Reynolds Home and Property Solutions.