Email Us: pptinspections@hotmail.com

Termite & Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection in Detroit, MI

Name: PPT Inspections
Address: Detroit, MI, US
Telephone: (313) 399-7016

A termite or wood-destroying insect inspection — also called a WDI inspection — is a required or strongly recommended step in most Michigan home purchases. FHA and VA loans typically require a WDI inspection before closing. Even conventional buyers benefit from knowing whether wood-destroying insects have been active in a property. PPT Inspections performs thorough WDI inspections across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, giving buyers, sellers, and lenders a clear picture of the property's pest history and current condition.

Call (313) 399-7016 Schedule an Inspection

✓ InterNACHI Certified ✓ FHA & VA Accepted Reports ✓ Serving Detroit Since 1994 ✓ Wayne · Oakland · Macomb

What a WDI Inspection Covers

A Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection examines a property for evidence of infestation or damage from four categories of wood-destroying organisms: termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles.

What We Inspect

All accessible structural wood — floor joists, sill plates, rim joists, sub-flooring, wall framing where visible, roof structure, crawl space framing, exterior wood trim and siding, window and door frames, decks and porches, attached structures.

What We Look For

Live insects or insect activity
Frass (insect droppings)
Mud tubes (subterranean termite activity)
Hollow-sounding or damaged wood
Exit holes from wood-boring beetles
Evidence of past treatment (treatment rods, chemical injection ports, borate treatments)

Conducive Conditions

We note areas of conducive conditions: wood-to-soil contact, excessive moisture in crawl spaces or basements, cellulose debris (wood scraps, cardboard) in crawl spaces — all of which attract and support WDI activity.

The WDI report (sometimes called a Form NPMA-33 or state equivalent) documents findings in a standardized format accepted by lenders, FHA, and VA.

Michigan Termites and Wood-Destroying Insects

Know what's active in Southeast Michigan's housing stock and what signs to look for.

Eastern Subterranean Termites

Eastern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) are the primary termite species in Michigan. They are active across the Lower Peninsula including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Michigan's climate means termites are most active from late spring through early fall, but damage and mud tubes can be found year-round during an inspection.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites live in soil and build mud tubes to reach above-ground wood. These tubes — often found on foundation walls, floor joists, or plumbing penetrations — are one of the most reliable signs of active termite infestation.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are arguably more common than termites in Michigan's older housing stock. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood — they excavate it to create nesting galleries. They are attracted to moisture-damaged wood, making them both a pest problem and an indicator of a moisture problem.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees attack unpainted or weathered exterior wood — fascia boards, deck rails, wood siding, and window frames. While less structurally significant than termites or carpenter ants, their damage compounds over time and the entry holes attract moisture.

Wood-Boring Beetles

Several species affect Michigan homes, particularly in older structural lumber. Powderpost beetles and old house borers are occasionally found in pre-war Detroit area homes.

WDI Inspections and FHA / VA Loans

FHA Loans

HUD requires a WDI inspection on all FHA-financed properties in states designated as termite-active — Michigan is a moderate-termite-activity state where lenders often require WDI inspections as a condition of FHA financing.

VA Loans

VA loans require a WDI inspection in most states, and Michigan is included. The inspection must be performed by a licensed pest control operator or qualified inspector.

Conventional Loans

While not universally required, many lenders request a WDI inspection, and buyer's real estate attorneys routinely recommend one as part of due diligence.

Report Timing and Lender Requirements

The WDI report must be dated within a specific period of the closing date — typically 90 days. If evidence of WDI activity or damage is found, lenders may require treatment before closing and repair of structural damage as a condition of loan approval.

When to Get a WDI Inspection

Any home purchase in Southeast Michigan — required for FHA/VA loans, recommended for all buyers
Before listing a property for sale — knowing the WDI status in advance allows sellers to address issues before they become a buyer's negotiating point
If you notice wood dust, frass, or small holes in wood trim or structural members
If you see winged insects (termite swarmers) emerging from walls or soil in spring
If you're purchasing a home adjacent to wooded areas or with significant landscaping in contact with the structure
Before undertaking a basement renovation or crawl space encapsulation

"Southeast Michigan is in termite territory. Eastern subterranean termites are established across the Lower Peninsula, and PPT Inspections inspects dozens of Detroit-area homes with WDI evidence each year. The good news: early detection means treatment before significant structural damage occurs. The WDI inspection is one of the least expensive and highest-value steps in any Michigan home purchase."

Why Choose PPT Inspections for WDI Inspections

Local experience, lender-accepted reports, and a thorough eye for conducive conditions.

Combined Inspection Efficiency

Schedule your WDI inspection the same day as your standard home inspection. One appointment, one report, less scheduling complexity.

FHA and VA Accepted Reports

Our WDI inspection reports meet the documentation requirements for FHA and VA lenders operating in Michigan.

Conducive Conditions Identified

We don't just report infestation. We identify the moisture and structural conditions that attract wood-destroying insects — helping you address root causes, not just symptoms.

Termite & WDI Inspection FAQ

Answers to common questions about termite and wood-destroying insect inspections in Detroit, Michigan.

Is a termite inspection required in Michigan?

FHA and VA loans typically require a WDI inspection. Conventional loans may or may not require one depending on the lender. PPT Inspections recommends a WDI inspection for all Southeast Michigan home purchases.

How much does a termite inspection cost in Detroit?

WDI inspections are often bundled with a standard home inspection. Standalone WDI inspections are also available. Call (313) 399-7016 for pricing.

What is the difference between a termite inspection and a WDI inspection?

They're essentially the same thing. WDI (Wood-Destroying Insect) is the broader, more accurate term because the inspection covers termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles — not termites alone.

Do Michigan homes have termites?

Yes. Eastern subterranean termites are active throughout the Lower Peninsula including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. They are most commonly found in older homes with wood-to-soil contact or moisture issues.

What happens if my inspection finds termites?

Lender-required treatment and repair of structural damage may be required before closing. Many sellers will negotiate treatment costs as part of the purchase agreement. PPT can walk you through what the findings mean for your specific transaction.

Detroit's trusted home inspection and HUD 203K consulting firm since 1994. Certified by InterNACHI and NAFHAC, serving Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

☎ (313) 399-7016

✉ pptinspections@hotmail.com

⚬ Detroit, MI

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