Pest & Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspections
A Pre-Drywall Inspection is conducted after the home is “dried-in”—meaning the framing, roofing, and windows are installed—but before the insulation and drywall are hung. This is the only time you can see what is happening inside your walls.
Why a WDO Inspection is Critical
In Ohio, wood-destroying insects aren’t just a nuisance—they are a structural hazard. Standard home inspections look for general defects, but a specialized Pest and WDO Inspection focuses exclusively on organisms that consume or inhabit wood, such as:
Subterranean Termites: The most frequent cause of hidden structural damage.
Carpenter Ants: Insects that hollow out wood to create nesting galleries.
Powderpost Beetles: Larvae that reduce seasoned lumber to a fine, flour-like powder.
Carpenter Bees: Pests that drill perfectly round holes into exterior trim and fascia.
Our Thorough Inspection Process
We don’t just look at the surface. Our technical approach involves a systematic evaluation of the entire property to ensure no stone-or joist-is left unturned.
Visual Interior Scan: We examine baseboards, windowsills, and flooring for “mud tubes,” exit holes, or frass (insect waste).
Attic & Crawlspace Analysis: These are the primary “hot zones.” We navigate these tight spaces to inspect floor joists, sills, and rafters.
Probing & Sounding: We use specialized tools to probe suspect wood members, identifying “hollow” spots that indicate internal damage.
Exterior Perimeter Check: We identify “conducive conditions,” such as firewood stacked against the siding, soil-to-wood contact, or moisture issues that invite pests.