WDI Inspection in Los Angeles

Time-Sensitive Wood Destroying Insect Inspections for Your Property

If you’re in the middle of a real estate transaction and have been told you need a WDI inspection in Los Angeles, time is likely a major factor. Lenders, buyers, sellers, and escrow officers often require clear documentation showing whether termites or other wood destroying insects are present before a deal can move forward.

At A Step Above Pest Control & Termite, we provide detailed, easy-to-understand WDI inspections that help all parties clearly understand the condition of the property. Our goal is to remove uncertainty, reduce delays, and give you accurate information so informed decisions can be made without unnecessary stress.

We understand how overwhelming it can feel to wonder whether hidden termite damage could affect a sale, refinance, or purchase. Our inspection process is designed to bring clarity—not confusion—so you know exactly what’s happening with the structure and what, if anything, needs to be addressed.

As a family-owned and operated company serving Greater Los Angeles since 1996, our licensed, bonded, and insured technicians bring local knowledge, experience, and professionalism to every inspection.

Why Property Owners Choose Us for WDI Inspections

When a WDI inspection is required, you need more than a checklist—you need accuracy, responsiveness, and experience with Los Angeles properties and real estate timelines.

Decades of Local Pest Control Experience

Our technicians have worked on Southern California homes ranging from historic bungalows and hillside properties to modern condos and commercial buildings. This experience helps us identify where wood destroying insects are most likely to hide and how construction style, climate, and moisture contribute to activity.

ASAP Response & Personal Service

Speed matters during escrow. We prioritize timely scheduling and clear communication so inspections are completed efficiently and reports are delivered promptly. Our team works closely with homeowners, agents, and escrow professionals to help transactions stay on track.

Clear Communication for All Parties

WDI inspections often involve multiple stakeholders. We explain findings clearly, answer questions directly, and provide reports that are easy to share with buyers, sellers, lenders, and agents. Spanish-speaking support is also available.

What a WDI Inspection Covers for Your Los Angeles Property

A wood destroying insect inspection focuses on identifying organisms that damage wood and the conditions that allow them to thrive. Our inspections go beyond surface-level observations to provide a thorough assessment of accessible areas of the structure.

Areas Our Technicians Inspect

During a typical inspection, we examine:

• Accessible structural wood such as framing, beams, and trim
• Garages, basements, crawl spaces, and attics
• Foundations and exterior wood components
• Areas where moisture, earth-to-wood contact, or ventilation issues may exist
• Entry points that could allow termites or other insects to access the structure

Where possible, we also inspect decks, fences, stairs, and other wood features connected to the building.

What Our WDI Report Includes

After the inspection, we compile our findings into a detailed report that documents:

• Evidence of current or previous wood destroying insect activity
• Conditions conducive to infestation (moisture, wood contact, ventilation issues)
• Areas of concern and visible damage
• Observations based on accessible areas of the structure

Our reports are written to be informative and practical, helping all parties understand what was observed and what it may mean for the transaction.

Our WDI Inspection Process From Scheduling to Report

When you are facing a deadline, knowing what to expect from the inspection process can relieve a lot of pressure. We keep our process transparent from the first call to the delivery of the report. That way you understand how each step supports your transaction or ownership decisions.

Scheduling Your Inspection

When you contact our office, we gather essential details such as property address, structure type, access points, and whether the inspection is tied to a real estate transaction. This allows us to estimate timing and schedule efficiently.

What Happens During the Visit

On inspection day, our technician arrives within the agreed time window, reviews any concerns you may have, and conducts a methodical evaluation of accessible areas. Photos and notes are taken to accurately document findings.

Reviewing Your Results

Once the report is complete, we’re available to walk through the findings with you. We explain terminology in plain language and help you understand how the results may affect next steps in your transaction.

Wood Destroying Insects & Termites Common in the Area

Los Angeles’ mild climate creates favorable conditions for several wood destroying organisms. While termites are the most common concern, other insects may also cause damage.

Common Signs of Activity

• Mud tubes on foundations or walls
• Discarded wings near windows or doors
• Frass (wood-like pellets)
• Hollow-sounding or damaged wood
• Moisture issues near wood components

Because activity can be hidden, professional inspections are often the only way to identify problems early.

How Our Local Experience Helps

Because we have been working with these pests since 1996, we understand how they tend to move through the construction styles found in the Greater Los Angeles area. This experience helps our technicians focus attention on the areas most likely to reveal early or hidden signs of damage. Even if you have not yet seen anything unusual, a thorough wood destroying insect inspection can uncover problems before they grow more serious.

What To Do If Your WDI Inspection Finds a Problem

Finding evidence of termites or other wood destroying insects doesn’t necessarily mean a deal is over. The key is understanding what the findings indicate and what options are available.

Types of Findings You May See

• Active infestations
• Evidence of previous activity
• Conditions conducive to infestation

How Property Owners Respond

Responses vary depending on severity and transaction terms. Some parties negotiate treatment before closing, while others address issues afterward. Our role is to provide clear observations so informed decisions can be made.

Treatment Options & Prevention

If the inspection reveals a concern, our team can provide treatment options that follow integrated pest management principles and use EPA-approved products. We offer free estimates for this work and tailor our recommendations to the specific structure and level of activity. While we cannot predict exactly how each transaction will handle findings, we can help you understand what the report means and what practical steps are available.

Serving Homes & Businesses Across the Greater Los Angeles Area

We perform WDI inspections for:

• Single-family homes
• Condos and townhomes
• Duplexes and multi-unit properties
• Commercial buildings

Our service area includes Greater Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and surrounding communities. We regularly coordinate with agents and escrow teams to ensure inspections align with transaction timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Really Need a WDI Inspection for My Loan?

Many lenders and some buyers do require a wood destroying insect inspection as part of a real estate transaction. These inspections help confirm whether there is visible evidence of termites or other insects that could affect the structure. In some cases, loan programs or specific underwriting guidelines make this type of inspection a standard condition. If your lender, agent, or escrow officer has requested a report, it is usually because they need documentation to move the process forward. We can perform the inspection and provide a report that you can share with the appropriate parties.

How Fast Can Your Team Complete a WDI Inspection?

Scheduling time depends on factors such as property size, location, and our current calendar, but our ASAP approach means we work to accommodate time-sensitive requests. Many clients contact us when they are already in escrow, so we understand that delays can affect closing dates. When you call, we discuss your timeline and let you know the earliest appointments available for your area. Our technicians focus on efficient site visits so they can complete inspections and help us prepare your report as promptly as possible. If you are facing a tight deadline, we encourage you to tell us right away so we can look for options that may work for your schedule.

What Should I Do To Prepare My Property for Inspection?

Preparing your property helps our technicians access the areas they need to see, which supports a more complete inspection. We usually recommend that you clear items away from walls in garages and storage areas where possible. If there is an attic or crawl space, making sure access panels are not blocked can also be helpful. For exterior areas, moving items away from foundation walls and exterior wood surfaces allows us to check those spots more effectively. When you book your appointment, our office can review any special preparation steps that apply to your specific property type.

Will You Explain the Inspection Report to Me?

Yes. Our team is committed to making sure you understand what your report says and what it means for your property or transaction. After you receive your documentation, you can contact us with questions, and we will walk you through the key sections in everyday language. We can review where evidence was found, what types of conditions were noted, and how those findings are typically handled in real estate conversations. For clients who prefer to communicate in Spanish, we offer bilingual support. Our goal is for you to feel confident when you discuss the report with buyers, sellers, or lenders.

What Happens If You Find Termites or Other Wood Destroying Insects?

If we find signs of termites or other wood destroying insects, your report will identify where we saw them and how extensive the visible activity appears. From there, you and the other parties in your transaction can decide how to respond. Some owners choose to request treatment before closing, while others may negotiate credits or handle work after the sale. We can provide treatment options tailored to your structure and level of activity, using EPA-approved products and integrated pest management techniques. While we cannot decide for you how to handle findings in your contract, we can give you clear information about what is happening and what types of solutions are available.

Can You Handle Both Residential & Commercial WDI Inspections?

Our team routinely performs wood destroying insect and termite-related inspections for both residential and commercial properties. On the residential side, this includes single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and multi-unit buildings. For commercial clients, we inspect offices, small retail spaces, and other light commercial structures that may require documentation for purchases or refinancing. The basic principles of inspection are similar, but our technicians adjust their approach to reflect the layout and use of each property. If you manage different types of buildings, we can discuss a plan that supports your specific mix of locations.

Do You Offer WDI Inspection Services in Spanish?

Yes, we provide bilingual support for our clients. When you call to schedule an inspection, you can request to speak with someone in Spanish about appointment details and general questions. Our team can also explain inspection findings and discuss reports in Spanish, which helps ensure that all decision makers understand the information. In many transactions, family members or business partners may feel more comfortable reviewing details in their preferred language. We believe clear communication is a key part of good service, and we work to provide that in both English and Spanish.

Schedule Your WDI Inspection Today

If a lender, buyer, or escrow officer has asked for a wood destroying insect inspection, or if you simply want clarity about possible termite activity at your property, our team is ready to help. A Step Above Pest Control & Termite brings decades of local experience, licensed and insured technicians, and a practical, step-by-step process to every visit. We work to fit inspections into your timeline so you can keep your plans moving.

When you contact us, you receive personal attention from a family-owned company that has served the Greater Los Angeles area since 1996 and has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We offer free estimates, bilingual support, and inspection services for both residential and commercial properties. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get the information you need about wood destroying insects at your property.

To schedule your WDI inspection or request a free estimate, call (323) 716-1725 today.