Buyer and seller questions

Real-estate termite inspections and WDIIRs

Know when an Arizona Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Report is needed and what information to prepare for the inspector.

A WDIIR is a regulated report prepared by a licensed pest-control business; it is not the same as a casual visual check or general home inspection.

Clarify the required report early

If a purchase contract, lender, buyer, seller, or agent requests termite documentation, confirm exactly what is required and by what date. Arizona's WDIIR process can record visible evidence of wood-destroying insects, damage, prior treatment evidence, and areas that were inaccessible at the time of inspection.

Schedule early enough to resolve access problems and review findings. Occupied garages, locked rooms, stored belongings, fixed wall coverings, additions, and exterior grade conditions can limit observation. A rushed final-day request leaves less time to clarify those limitations.

Prepare records and access

Sellers should gather previous treatment contracts, warranties, renewal receipts, reports, and repair records. Buyers should read the current report together with the contract terms and other property inspections. A notation about evidence, damage, prior treatment, or an inaccessible location does not answer every negotiation question by itself.

Ask the pest-control inspector to explain the termite findings and any recommended work. Ask your real-estate agent, lender, or attorney how those findings affect deadlines, negotiations, or contract requirements.

  • Confirm the form and deadline
  • Open access to garages, utility areas, and exterior walls
  • Provide prior termite and repair documents
  • Read limitations and inaccessible-area notes
  • Request a written treatment estimate when work is recommended

When the report recommends more work

Ask the provider to list the inspection findings separately from any treatment or repair estimate. If treatment is recommended, the written estimate should identify the areas and method. If damage is noted, ask whether a qualified repair contractor should evaluate it before you make a transaction decision.

Do not assume an old treatment record proves current protection, and do not assume a new-looking home eliminates the need to review evidence. Use the report, accessible findings, property history, and contract requirements together.

Common questions

Questions about this situation

Who can prepare an Arizona WDIIR?

Arizona guidance states that Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Reports are prepared by licensed pest-control businesses. Verify the business and individual requirements through the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

Is a WDIIR the same as a home inspection?

No. They have different scopes. A home inspector may observe concerns, but the regulated wood-destroying-insect report is a separate document.

Does a clear report guarantee there are no concealed termites?

No visual report can guarantee the condition of every concealed or inaccessible space. Read the report's access limitations and discuss evidence-driven follow-up questions.

Next useful pages

Continue with the closest question

Prepare for inspection

Improve access and organize the property history.

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Treatment decisions

Understand what a treatment estimate should include.

Learn more →

Request contact

Describe the property and transaction deadline.

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Not sure what you found? Start with an inspection request.

Tell us what you noticed and where. A qualified termite professional can then inspect the property and explain the options.

Request an inspection