WDO Inspection Company in St. Augustine, FL.

St. Augustine, Florida’s historic charm and coastal climate make it a beautiful place to live and invest—but they also create ideal conditions for wood-destroying organisms (WDOs). That’s where Imperial Pest Prevention steps in as a trusted provider for WDO inspections in St. Augustine, FL and throughout St. Johns County.

Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or simply protecting your home or business, a professional WDO inspection is essential for uncovering hidden issues that can compromise structural integrity and property value.

Why WDO Inspections Matter in St. Augustine

A WDO inspection is a detailed evaluation of a structure for pests and conditions that damage wood, including:

Termites (subterranean and drywood)
Wood-boring beetles
Old house borers
Wood-decaying fungus
Conducive conditions that may lead to future damage

Because many of these issues remain hidden inside walls, crawl spaces, attics, and structural members, they are often not visible during a standard home walkthrough. Early detection can help prevent costly repairs and protect both buyers and sellers during a real estate transaction.

Why Choose Imperial Pest Prevention for WDO Inspections in St. Augustine, FL?

Imperial Pest Prevention combines industry expertise, local experience, and detailed reporting to deliver WDO inspections that St. Augustine property owners and real estate professionals can rely on.

What sets us apart:

Certified, experienced inspectors familiar with coastal and historic St. Augustine construction
Thorough evaluations for termites, wood-destroying beetles, wood rot, and related conditions
Clear, written WDO reports suitable for lenders, closings, and insurance requirements
Honest findings and practical recommendations for treatment or prevention when needed

We understand the unique mix of historic homes, coastal moisture, and modern construction found across St. Augustine, and we tailor our inspections and solutions to those real-world conditions.

More Than Just an Inspection – A Full Wood-Destroying Organism Strategy

Beyond identifying problems, Imperial Pest Prevention can provide:

Termite treatments (subterranean and drywood)
Spot treatments for localized issues
Wood-decaying fungus and moisture-related recommendations
Preventive programs to protect your investment long term

We also focus on client education, helping homeowners, buyers, and sellers understand what was found, what it means, and what next steps make the most sense for the property.

If you need a WDO inspection or termite inspection in St. Augustine, FL, choose a company that understands both the science and the local structures.

Call Imperial Pest Prevention at 386-956-9506 to schedule your St. Augustine WDO inspection and protect your investment with detailed, professional documentation.

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What Does a WDO Inspection in St. Augustine Consist of?

As an entomologist with Imperial Pest Prevention, I can tell you that a WDO inspection in St. Augustine, FL is much more than a quick glance at a few boards. It is a structured, detailed evaluation of your property for Wood-Destroying Organisms (WDOs) and the conditions that support them—critical in a coastal market like St. Augustine and St. Johns County, where moisture and the age of structures can increase risk.

Here’s what a professional WDO inspection from Imperial

Pest Prevention typically includes:

1. Exterior Structural Evaluation

We begin by examining the exterior of the structure, looking for:

Evidence of subterranean termites (mud tubes, damaged wood, conducive soil contact)
Signs of drywood termite activity in fascia, soffits, trim, and siding
Wood-to-soil contact, foundation cracks, and other access points
Conditions that promote moisture and wood decay around the structure

This step helps us identify both active issues and risk factors.

2. Interior and Accessible Area Inspection

Inside, we inspect all accessible areas, which may include:

Baseboards, door frames, and window frames
Interior wood trim and visible framing
Attics, where roofline wood and trusses are vulnerable
Garages and utility rooms
Accessible crawl spaces, when present

We use a combination of visual inspection, probing where appropriate, and professional experience to identify anything that suggests termites, wood-boring beetles, or wood-decaying fungus.

3. Identification of Wood Destroying Organisms and Damage

During the inspection, we look for:

Subterranean termite evidence (mud tubes, damaged wood, swarmers/wings)
Drywood termite frass, exit holes, and internal galleries
Powder post beetle exit holes and fine wood powder
Old house borer signs in structural lumber
Wood-decaying fungus and moisture-compromised wood

Our goal is to determine whether WDOs are present, whether there is visible damage, and whether conditions exist that are likely to cause problems in the future.

4. Moisture and Conducive Condition Assessment

In St. Augustine’s humid, coastal environment, moisture is often a key driver of WDO issues. As part of the inspection, we also note:

Poor drainage or standing water near the structure
Excessive moisture around foundations or crawl spaces
Leaks, condensation, or ventilation issues that can promote decay or attract pests

These findings are important for both current risk and long-term prevention.

5. Written WDO Inspection Report

After the inspection, we provide a detailed written WDO report that typically includes:

Property information and inspection date
Observed evidence of wood-destroying organisms or damage
Noted conducive conditions or areas of concern
Clear conclusions and recommendations for treatment, repair, or prevention

This report is suitable for real estate transactions, refinancing, insurance needs, or personal records.

6. Recommendations and Next Steps

If WDO activity or damage is found, we explain:

What type of organism is involved (e.g., subterranean termite, drywood termite)
The areas impacted
Recommended treatment options or repair priorities
Preventive strategies to protect the structure going forward

We welcome questions and make sure you understand both the current condition and your options.

If you need a WDO inspection in St. Augustine, FL, for a home purchase, sale, refinance, or peace of mind, Imperial Pest Prevention is here to help.

Call 386-956-9506 to schedule your St. Augustine WDO and termite inspection today.

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What Does St. Augustine Pest Control Look For During A WDO Inspection?

During a WDO inspection in St. Augustine, FL, Imperial Pest Prevention carefully evaluates your property for wood destroying organisms and the conditions that allow them to thrive. The goal is to identify any active activity, visible damage, or risk factors that could affect the structure now or in the future.

During a typical inspection, we look for:

Evidence of termites and other wood destroying pests
Your inspector checks for signs of subterranean termites, drywood termites, powder post beetles, old house borers, and other insects that attack wood. This may include mud tubes along the foundation, damaged or hollow sounding wood, frass or pellets, small exit holes in wood surfaces, discarded wings from swarmers, and visible insects when present.

Wood decay and fungus related problems
We also look for conditions that support wood decay, especially in a humid coastal area like St. Augustine. This can include soft, crumbling, or discolored wood, fungal growth, or long term moisture exposure in structural members, trim, or hidden framing.

Conducive moisture conditions
Moisture is one of the main drivers of wood destroying activity. Inspectors note poor drainage, standing water near the foundation, gutter or downspout issues, plumbing leaks, condensation problems, high moisture in crawl spaces or attics, and areas where soil or mulch is built up against wood.

Structural and access related concerns
We check for wood to soil contact, unprotected posts or steps, expansion cracks or gaps that allow pest entry, open utility penetrations, and areas where siding, trim, or framing sit too low to grade. These findings are important for long term prevention as well as current activity.

Interior and attic indicators
On the inside of the structure, we inspect accessible baseboards, window and door frames, garage framing, attic wood, fascia and roofline components. We look for blistered paint that resembles moisture damage, rippling or buckling areas, hollow sounding trim, and any evidence of tunneling or exit holes.

After the inspection, Imperial Pest Prevention provides a written WDO report that explains what was found, what type of wood destroying organism or condition is involved, and what is recommended for treatment, repair, or prevention.

For a professional WDO inspection or termite inspection in St. Augustine, FL, call Imperial Pest Prevention at 386,956,9506 to schedule your evaluation.

How Is A WDO Inspection Performed?

A WDO inspection in St. Augustine, FL is a careful, step by step evaluation of a structure for wood destroying organisms and the conditions that allow them to exist. At Imperial Pest Prevention, the goal is to give buyers, sellers, property managers, and homeowners a clear, honest picture of the real condition of the building.

Here is how a typical WDO inspection is performed.

Initial review and property information
Your inspector begins by confirming the property address, construction style, age of the structure, and any specific concerns you may have. If the inspection is for a real estate transaction, we also keep your lender and closing requirements in mind so the written report matches what is needed.

Exterior inspection of the structure
We walk the exterior of the home or building and look closely at

Foundations and slab edges
Exterior siding, trim, fascia, and soffits
Porch posts, steps, attached decks, and other wood elements

We look for signs of subterranean termites, drywood termites, wood boring beetles, wood decaying fungus, and visible damage. We also note conditions that increase risk, such as wood touching soil, heavy mulch against the structure, poor drainage, or chronic moisture areas.

Interior inspection of accessible areas
Inside the structure, we inspect accessible

Baseboards and interior trim
Window and door frames
Garage framing
Utility and mechanical areas

Extra attention is given to kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and any area with known plumbing history, because moisture and wood destroying organisms often go together.

Attic and crawl space evaluation when accessible
If the attic or crawl space is safely accessible, these areas are inspected as well. In St. Augustine, attics and roofline wood can be common locations for drywood termites, old house borers, and moisture related issues. Crawl spaces and low clearance areas are checked for mud tubes, wood to soil contact, fungus, and structural damage.

Identification of wood destroying organisms and conducive conditions

Throughout the inspection, the focus is on two things, evidence of wood destroying organisms and conditions that are conducive to them. This may include

Damaged or hollow sounding wood
Frass or pellets
Small exit holes in wood surfaces
Mud tubes on concrete or masonry
Visible fungal decay
High moisture areas and construction details that trap water

Documentation and WDO inspection report
After the on site inspection is complete, findings are recorded in a written WDO inspection report. This report includes property information, the inspection date, a summary of what was observed, identification of any visible wood destroying organisms or damage, and any noted conditions that could lead to future problems.

Recommendations and next steps

If activity or damage is found, the inspector explains what type of organism is involved and what is recommended next, such as treatment, repair, or moisture correction. Even if no wood destroying organisms are found at the time of inspection, you may still receive preventive recommendations to help protect your investment long term.

A properly performed WDO inspection in St. Augustine, FL is detailed, methodical, and designed to provide confidence and clarity about the condition of your home or commercial property.

For a professional WDO inspection or termite inspection in St. Augustine and St. Johns County, call Imperial Pest Prevention at 386-956-9506 to schedule your evaluation.

Get a Quote

WDO Inspection Company in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Pest Control | Imperial Pest Prevention is a premier provider of Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspections in St. Augustine, FL, proudly serving St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, and St. Johns County. We work closely with local home inspection companies, Realtors, lenders, mortgage companies, buyers, and homeowners, and have successfully completed over 244,826 WDO inspections through 2024 across our service areas.

Our process is designed to be efficient and real estate friendly. In most cases, you will receive your WDO inspection report by email in PDF format the same day, often within just a few hours of the inspection being completed. This helps keep closings, negotiations, and repair decisions moving without unnecessary delays.

Imperial Pest Prevention prides itself on having knowledgeable, accessible office staff and inspectors who are available to answer your questions, whether you need clarification before scheduling, want to review findings after you receive your report, or need guidance on recommended next steps.

If you need a WDO inspection or termite inspection in St. Augustine, FL, do not hesitate to contact Imperial Pest Prevention at 386-956-9506. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with prompt scheduling, clear communication, and detailed documentation.

All content on the Imperial Pest Prevention websites is originally crafted by Entomologist Jonathan Stoddard to maintain high industry and educational standards, and is protected by copyright.