Termite Inspection & WDI Reports in Hayden, IN

What goes into a WDI inspection

A wood-destroying insect inspection is a visual and physical review of the accessible parts of a structure for signs of termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and other wood-destroying organisms. The inspector looks for live insects, mud tubes, frass, damaged wood, swarmer wings and conditions that make an infestation likely.

The findings are recorded on the NPMA-33 form, the industry-standard report that lenders, agents and buyers expect. It states what was inspected, what was found and what was not accessible, so everyone at the table is working from the same facts.

• Crawlspace, basement and sill plate inspection where accessible
• Exterior foundation, porches, steps and attached structures
• Interior check of window sills, baseboards, door frames and plumbing penetrations
• Probing and sounding of suspect wood for hidden damage
• Moisture readings where leaks or dampness raise the risk
• A written NPMA-33 report listing findings, limits and recommended action

What the inspector is looking for

Subterranean termites are the main wood-destroying insect in Jennings County. They leave pencil-width mud tubes, blistered or hollow-sounding wood and sometimes drifts of wings near windows. Carpenter ants push out coarse shavings, and carpenter bees leave perfectly round holes in trim and decks.

A good inspector separates active infestation from old, inactive damage and from look-alike issues like water rot. Previous termite treatment, patched wood or stained framing also appear in the report so the buyer understands the history.

Older houses on stone or block foundations and crawlspaces tend to turn up more findings, especially near downtown North Vernon and the farmhouses around Scipio. Inspections are limited to what is visible and accessible, and the report says so plainly.

Inspection day and the report that follows

1. 1

   Booking and access

   Call with the address, the closing date and who holds the keys. Occupied homes need clear access to the crawlspace hatch, attic and garage.

2. 2

   Exterior walk-around

   The inspector checks the foundation, siding, porches, decks, fences and wood in contact with soil, and notes grade, gutters and drainage that raise risk.

3. 3

   Interior and crawlspace review

   Inside, we look at window sills, door frames, baseboards and plumbing penetrations. Then we go under the house or into the basement, where most evidence is found.

4. 4

   Probing and moisture checks

   Suspect wood is probed and sounded, and a moisture meter is used where dampness may be feeding an infestation.

5. 5

   Walk-through with you

   When the buyer, seller or agent is present, the inspector explains what was seen and what it means, in plain terms and before the report is finalized.

6. 6

   NPMA-33 report delivered

   The completed form is issued to the parties who need it, with notes on any treatment recommended and areas that could not be inspected.

Pricing a termite inspection

Inspection pricing depends mainly on the size of the home, the type of foundation and how easy the crawlspace or basement is to reach. A small slab house takes less time than a large home with an attached garage, a walkout basement and a deep crawlspace.

Extra structures like detached garages, barns and workshops add time, and difficult access, such as a tight crawlspace or a blocked hatch, can slow the inspection. Rush timing for a tight closing may also affect the schedule.

Ask for the price when you call, and we will tell you what the number covers. If we find evidence of termites, a separate quote for treatment follows, explained on our termite control page, so you can weigh the repair against the sale.

Lenders, the NPMA-33 form and Indiana practice

Mortgage lenders, particularly on VA and FHA loans and in areas with known termite activity, commonly require a wood-destroying insect report before closing. Requirements vary by lender and loan type, so ask your loan officer or agent early. In Indiana, structural pest work is regulated by the Office of Indiana State Chemist.

The NPMA-33 form is a national standard published by the National Pest Management Association. Our guide to WDI inspections when selling an Indiana home covers how the timing works, and termites in Jennings County homes explains local risk. Buyers can also see our residential pest control service for after-closing care.

Why agents and homeowners book with Miller's

Miller's is a family-owned local company with over twelve years in southern Indiana, so we know how foundations and crawlspaces look in this part of the state. Real-estate timelines are tight, and we respond fast, with same-day scheduling often possible.

You get a clear, honest report, a direct explanation of any findings and no pressure to buy treatment you do not need. If the home is clean, the report says so, and if it is not, we help you plan the next step before closing.