Termite Inspections When Buying a Home in New Hampshire: The WDI Report Explained

A termite inspection for real estate is formally known as a wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection. It checks accessible areas of a home for signs of termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and certain wood-boring beetles. The findings are recorded on a standardized report, usually the NPMA-33, which buyers and lenders can review before closing.

In New Hampshire, a WDI inspection isn't required for every home purchase. Your lender may ask for one, though, and even when it's optional, it can be worth scheduling, especially if you're buying an older home or one surrounded by woods.

After all, finding out about termite damage before closing is a lot better than discovering it six months after moving in.

If the inspection uncovers termite activity, Anchor Pest Services can help you understand your termite treatment options.

Already under contract? Call (603) 785-0118 or contact Anchor Pest Services to ask about a WDI inspection before your inspection contingency expires.

What Is a WDI Inspection?

A WDI inspection looks for visible evidence of insects that damage wood. Although people often call it a termite inspection, termites are only part of what the inspector checks.

The standard NPMA-33 report covers four groups:

• Termites. Eastern subterranean termites are the main termite concern in New Hampshire. They live in the soil and can reach a home's wooden structure through foundations, cracks, and other openings.
• Carpenter ants. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood. They tunnel through it to build nests, and over time, carpenter ant damage can become extensive, particularly in damp or previously damaged wood.
• Carpenter bees. These insects bore holes into exposed wood to create nesting tunnels. Repeated carpenter bee activity can damage decks, railings, trim, and other wooden surfaces.
• Reinfesting wood-boring beetles. Certain beetles lay eggs in wood, where the larvae develop and create tunnels. Small exit holes and powdery debris are common signs.

The inspector looks for live insects, evidence of previous activity, and visible damage in readily accessible areas.

A WDI inspection doesn't cover mold, mildew, ordinary wood rot, or every possible structural problem. It also isn't a destructive inspection. The inspector may tap or probe exposed wood, but won't open walls or pull apart finished surfaces.

That means a clean report is reassuring, but it isn't a guarantee that the home has never had an infestation or that hidden damage doesn't exist.

WDI Inspection vs. General Home Inspection

If you've already scheduled a home inspection, you might wonder whether you really need another one.

The short answer is that the two inspections look at different things.

Your home inspector might notice suspicious wood damage, insect wings, or mud tubes and recommend a specialist. But a note about possible termites in a general home inspection report may not be enough for your lender.

If the lender specifically requests an NPMA-33, make sure you're booking an inspection that includes that form.

Do You Need a Termite Inspection to Buy a House in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire doesn't generally require a termite inspection as a condition of selling a home. Whether you need one usually comes down to your mortgage program, the lender's requirements, and what the appraiser finds.

VA Loan Termite Inspection Requirements in New Hampshire

If you're using a VA loan, the state where you're buying matters.

New Hampshire isn't on the VA's statewide list of locations that automatically require wood-destroying insect information for every purchase. A WDI inspection may still be necessary if the appraiser finds evidence of infestation, damage, or another condition that warrants further investigation.

Massachusetts has different requirements. It's on the VA's statewide list, so buyers there should expect wood-destroying insect documentation to be part of the process.

You can check the VA's published local inspection requirements.

Before scheduling anything, ask your lender exactly what's required for your property. Loan requirements can change, and the lender will determine which documents are needed for closing.

FHA and Conventional Loans

FHA loans don't automatically require a separate termite inspection for every existing home. However, an appraiser may flag signs of insect activity or damage that need further evaluation.

Conventional lenders can also request a WDI inspection based on the property's condition, appraisal findings, or their own underwriting guidelines.

The simplest approach is to ask your lender whether a termite inspection is required and, if so, which report they need.

When an Inspection Is Worth Getting Anyway

Even if your lender doesn't require it, a termite inspection is worth considering when the property has:

• An older foundation or exposed wooden framing
• Deck posts, siding, or stairs in contact with the soil
• A damp basement or crawlspace
• Previous water damage or ongoing moisture problems
• Trees, stumps, or wooded areas close to the house
• Signs of insect activity or unexplained wood repairs

None of these conditions proves there's an infestation. They simply make it more important to check before you buy.

Buying Across the Border in Massachusetts?

If you're looking at homes in both southern New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts, don't assume the same VA inspection rules apply on both sides of the border.

Massachusetts generally requires wood-destroying insect information for VA purchases statewide. New Hampshire doesn't have that blanket requirement, although an appraisal or lender may still trigger an inspection.

Anchor Pest Services serves communities in both states, including the Lawrence area and Newburyport.

If you're buying in Massachusetts, confirm the inspection requirements with your lender and check service availability for your address.

What Happens During a Termite Inspection?

A WDI inspection is a visual examination of the parts of a home where wood-destroying insects are most likely to leave evidence.

The inspector checks accessible wood, moisture-prone areas, and places where insects could enter the building.

Where Does the Inspector Look?

Depending on the home's layout and accessibility, the inspection may include:

• Foundation and sill plates: Checking exposed wood near the foundation for damage or insect activity.
• Basement and crawlspace: Looking at accessible beams, joists, framing, and damp areas.
• Garage: Inspecting wooden trim, framing, and areas where wood meets concrete or soil.
• Attic: Checking accessible wooden components for signs of insects.
• Porches and decks: Examining exposed wood, support posts, and areas close to the ground.
• Window and door trim: Looking for small holes, damaged wood, and insect debris.
• Wood piles near the house: Noting conditions that could attract wood-destroying insects.

Some areas may be inaccessible because of finished walls, insulation, stored belongings, locked rooms, or unsafe conditions. Those limitations should appear in the report.

What Signs Are They Looking For?

Termites and other wood-destroying insects often leave clues before anyone sees a live insect.

An inspector may look for mud tubes along the foundation, shed wings, small exit holes, powdery debris called frass, hollow-sounding wood, and visible damage.

Winged insects around windows can also be a warning sign, although they aren't necessarily termites. Carpenter ants and termite swarmers can look surprisingly similar.

If you've spotted winged insects inside, our guide to carpenter ants vs. termites can help you understand the differences.

You can also read what to check if termite swarmers appear near your windows.

How Long Does a WDI Inspection Take?

That depends on the size and condition of the property.

A smaller home with an accessible basement may take less time than an older house with several additions, a crawlspace, and hard-to-reach framing.

Ask about the expected appointment length when you schedule.

More importantly, book the inspection early enough to leave room for follow-up.

If the inspector finds evidence of termites or carpenter ants, you may need time to review the report, speak with the seller, or arrange a contractor's assessment before your inspection contingency expires.

How to Read the NPMA-33 WDI Inspection Report

The NPMA-33 is a standardized form developed by the National Pest Management Association. It records what the inspector found, whether treatment is recommended, and which areas couldn't be inspected.

You don't need to be a pest control expert to understand the basics, but a few sections deserve particular attention.

Section II A: No Visible Evidence Observed

If this box is checked, the inspector didn't observe visible evidence of wood-destroying insects in the areas examined.

That's good news, but it doesn't mean the home is guaranteed to be termite-free.

The inspector can only report what was visible and accessible at the time.

Section II B: Visible Evidence Observed

This section is used when the inspector finds evidence of wood-destroying insects.

The report may identify:

Live insects: Termites, carpenter ants, or other covered insects observed during the inspection.

Other evidence: Dead insects, frass, shelter tubes, exit holes, or similar signs of activity.

Visible damage: Wood damage consistent with the activity of wood-destroying insects.

Not every finding means there's an active infestation.

For example, old termite tubes or damaged wood may remain after a previous treatment. If the report identifies evidence but the activity isn't clear, ask the inspector to explain what was observed and whether further investigation is needed.

Previous Treatment Information

The report may note visible signs of earlier treatment or information about previous pest control work.

If the seller says the home was treated for termites, ask for documentation.

Treatment records, dates, and any available warranty information can help you understand what was done and whether follow-up service may be needed.

Section III: Treatment Recommendations

This section tells you whether treatment or corrective action is recommended.

If treatment is recommended, find out which insect is involved, what work is proposed, and whether the inspector identified any areas that need further examination.

A treatment recommendation doesn't automatically mean you should abandon the purchase. It means there's an issue to address before making a final decision.

Section IV: Obstructed or Inaccessible Areas

Don't skip this section.

The inspector may not have been able to examine certain areas because of stored belongings, finished walls, insulation, limited crawlspace access, or safety concerns.

Those limitations matter.

If a significant part of the basement or crawlspace couldn't be inspected, you may want to arrange access before closing.

A report showing no visible evidence tells you only what the inspector could actually see.

Does a Clear WDI Report Guarantee the Home Is Termite-Free?

No. The NPMA-33 documents visible conditions on the day of the inspection.

It doesn't guarantee there are no insects behind finished walls, no concealed damage, or no possibility of future activity.

It's also not a structural assessment.

If the inspector finds significant wood damage, a qualified contractor or structural engineer may need to determine whether repairs are necessary.

How Long Is a WDI Report Valid?

For many mortgage transactions, a WDI report is generally accepted for up to 90 days from the inspection date.

That doesn't mean the home is guaranteed to remain free of insects for 90 days. It simply reflects a commonly used lender acceptance period.

If your closing gets delayed, check whether your lender needs an updated report.

What if the Inspection Finds Termites or Carpenter Ants?

Finding signs of wood-destroying insects while you're under contract can be unsettling. But it doesn't automatically mean the deal is over.

The important thing is to understand what the inspector found and what needs to happen next.

Find Out Whether the Infestation Is Active

Old termite tubes, previous damage, or evidence of earlier treatment don't necessarily mean insects are still active.

Ask the seller for any previous inspection reports, treatment records, and repair documentation.

If the findings are unclear, ask whether another inspection or a more detailed evaluation is needed.

Discuss Treatment and Repairs Before Closing

Depending on the findings and your purchase agreement, you may be able to negotiate:

• Treatment arranged by the seller before closing
• A seller credit or another agreed adjustment
• A contractor's estimate for repairing damaged wood
• Additional documentation required by the lender

Keep in mind that treating an infestation and repairing insect damage are two different things.

A termite treatment can address the pest problem, but it won't restore wood that's already been weakened.

If termites are found, Anchor Pest Services can discuss termite treatment options for the property.

Ask what documentation can be provided and whether it will meet your lender's requirements before making arrangements.

For Real Estate Agents: Ordering a WDI Report

If you're representing a buyer in southern New Hampshire, arranging the WDI inspection early can help avoid last-minute delays.

Before contacting Anchor Pest Services, have these details ready:

• Property address: The home being purchased
• Closing date: When the transaction is scheduled to close
• Lender name: To help clarify which report is required
• Access instructions: Lockbox information, seller availability, or restricted areas
• Buyer contact information: Name and preferred contact details
• Agent contact information: Who should receive scheduling updates

If the lender has requested an NPMA-33, mention that when you call.

It's also helpful to share any concerns raised during the general home inspection, such as damaged wood, insect wings, or suspicious activity in the basement.

Under Contract in Southern New Hampshire?

Need a WDI report before closing?

Call Anchor Pest Services at (603) 785-0118 or schedule a WDI inspection.

Share the property address, lender requirements, and inspection deadline so we can confirm availability and report timing.

FAQs

Should I get a termite inspection when buying a house?

It's worth considering, even when your lender doesn't require one. A WDI inspection can reveal visible signs of termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying insects that might otherwise go unnoticed. It's especially useful for older homes, wooded properties, and houses with moisture problems.

How do house inspectors check for termites?

A WDI inspector looks for mud tubes, shed wings, damaged wood, live insects, and other signs of activity. They may tap or probe exposed wood, but they don't normally open walls or remove finished surfaces. A general home inspector may identify suspicious conditions and recommend a separate WDI inspection.

Is it hard to sell a house that has had termites?

Not necessarily. Buyers and lenders usually want to know whether the infestation has been treated, whether damage remains, and whether repairs are needed. Treatment records and documentation can help answer those questions.

Does a VA loan require a termite inspection in New Hampshire?

Not automatically for every home. New Hampshire isn't on the VA's statewide list requiring wood-destroying insect information, but evidence of infestation or damage found during the appraisal may trigger an inspection. Your lender can confirm the requirements for your purchase.

Who pays for the termite inspection, the buyer or the seller?

That depends on the purchase agreement and any applicable loan requirements. Buyers and sellers can negotiate who arranges and pays for the inspection. Ask your real estate agent and lender what's expected for your transaction.

How long is a WDI report good for?

Many lenders accept WDI reports for up to 90 days, although their specific requirements may differ. If your closing is delayed, check whether you'll need a new inspection. The report reflects what the inspector observed on the inspection date.

Does a WDI inspection check for carpenter ants?

Yes. A standard NPMA-33 inspection covers carpenter ants along with termites, carpenter bees, and reinfesting wood-boring beetles. Carpenter ants can cause damage by tunneling through wood to build nests, particularly in areas affected by moisture.

If you're under contract in southern New Hampshire, get in touch with Anchor Pest Services and let us know your closing date and any lender requirements.

Call (603) 785-0118 or schedule a WDI inspection.

We'll discuss your property, confirm availability, and explain the next steps.

Buying during the colder months? Read whether termites stay active in a New Hampshire winter.