“The myth of the Clear Pest” Complete WDO Inspections performed in Washington State-

Chelan and Douglas County Home and Structural Pest Inspections

As home inspectors/SPI’s (Structural Pest Inspectors) I see and hear some improper interpretations on some of the rules when it involves a sale or refinance of homes in regards to performing a Complete WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) Inspection that are not accurate.

In my area I hear the term “Clear Pest” used all the time. But from the Washington State Law there is no such thing. What we as SPI’s or PCO’s are required to perform is a "Complete wood destroying organism inspection". The problem is that many of the Realtors and even some Home Inspectors who are SPI’s (Structural Pest Inspector) and PCO’s (Pest Control Operators) are using this term, which we should not.

This term “Clear Pest” has some legacy to past practices and now has come to mean a home clear of Wood Destroying Insects such as Termites, Carpenter Ants and Anobiid beetles. Some of this this comes from a National Pest Management Assoc. (NPMA) HUD form NPMA33 (Form link) but the lines have become very blurred and some cases the intent of the law of Washington State is being clearly circumvented.

I feel it puts those of us who are trying to play by the rules and perform our jobs in the best interest of public, the rules and intent of the law on difficult footing. There are those who are bending the rules in a way to make it easier for the transaction or misinterpreting the law and are not performing our duty in accordance of the law and licensure.

From the WAC (Wash. Admin. Code) I have highlighted provision “2“ of WAC 16-228-2060 that clearly states that we as SPI (Structural Pest Inspectors) or PCO (Pest Control Operators) cannot use a Specific Wood Destroying Organism as a way around the rules for a “Complete WDO Inspection”. The State requires that a person must perform a complete WDO inspection, meeting the requirements of such, if the inspection is conducted “pursuant to the sale, exchange, or refinancing” of real property.

These rules are in place to ensure that critical information is provided in the evaluation of a property.

WAC 16-228-2060 (Link to Code)

Specific wood destroying organism inspection reports.

(1) A specific WDO inspection report must be completed in conjunction with any proposal or estimate for prevention or control of WDOs. Pest management activities performed under an existing warranty will not require the preparation of a specific WDO inspection report.

(2) A specific WDO inspection report must not be construed as a complete WDO inspection report or, in any case, be used in lieu of a complete WDO inspection report for the sale, exchange, or refinancing of real property. A statement explaining the restriction against use in real estate transactions must stand out by having larger print than the main body of the report, be highlighted, underlined, or be in bold print on all specific WDO inspection reports.

Under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) states this ( I pulled the two most relevant definitions)-

RCW 15.58.030 Definitions.  (Link to Code)

(4)"Complete wood destroying organism inspection" means inspection for the purpose of determining evidence of infestation, damage, or conducive conditions as part of the transfer, exchange, or refinancing of any structure in Washington State. Complete wood destroying organism inspections include any wood destroying organism inspection that is conducted as the result of telephone solicitation by an inspection, pest control, or other business, even if the inspection would fall within the definition of a specific wood destroying organism inspection.

(39) "Specific wood destroying organism inspection" means an inspection of a structure for purposes of identifying or verifying evidence of an infestation of wood destroying organisms prior to pest management activities.

Here is some additional information regarding Complete Wood Destroying Organism Inspection performed in Washington State.

FAQ for SPI License-Link

WSDA Guidance on Complete WDO Inspections -Link

Real Estate Licensees – WSDA note to Realtors-Link

So to sum it up if you are performing a Structural Pest Inspection that is linked to Real Estate Transaction a Complete WDO inspection has to be performed.

If as a consumer you feel that you have an improper home inspection performed you can file a complaint.

 (Link to complaint  form)

If a pest inspector overlooks damaged or infested areas, is uninsured, and refuses to help, you may be stuck with the bill, or be forced to take them to court.

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

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