By Licensed Professional Engineers • WDI Reports & NPMA-33 Forms for Real Estate Closings
Subterranean termites are found throughout New Jersey and can cause significant structural damage to homes and buildings — often without any visible signs until the damage is extensive. Carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and powder post beetles are also common wood destroying insects in the region. A professional termite inspection identifies active infestations and existing damage before they become costly repair problems.
While New Jersey does not require a termite inspection for every real estate transaction, most mortgage lenders require a clear Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection report before approving a loan. Even when not required by the lender, a termite inspection is a smart investment for any homebuyer in New Jersey.
Our inspectors examine the entire property — interior and exterior — for evidence of wood destroying insect activity and damage. This includes checking the foundation, basement or crawl space, structural framing, window and door frames, sill plates, and any wood components in contact with or near soil. We look for live insects, shelter tubes, frass, exit holes, damaged wood, and moisture conditions that attract infestations.
When evidence of wood destroying insects is found, we assess the extent of visible damage and document our findings with photographs. Our structural engineering background allows us to evaluate whether termite damage has affected the structural integrity of the building — an assessment that most general pest inspectors are not qualified to make.
For real estate transactions, we issue a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report using the NPMA-33 form, which is the industry-standard document accepted by lenders, title companies, and attorneys nationwide. This report details whether evidence of wood destroying insects was found, the type of organisms identified, the areas of the property affected, and whether visible damage is present.
We can perform the termite inspection as a standalone service or combine it with a full home inspection for efficiency and cost savings.
The most common wood destroying insects found in New Jersey properties include subterranean termites, which build mud shelter tubes and eat wood from the inside out; carpenter ants, which excavate wood to create nesting galleries but do not consume it; carpenter bees, which bore into exposed wood surfaces; and powder post beetles, which leave small exit holes and fine wood dust. Each species produces different evidence, and our inspectors are trained to identify all four.
When a termite inspection reveals wood-destroying insect activity, the next question is always: how much structural damage has been done? A general termite inspector can document what they see — our Licensed Professional Engineers can evaluate whether the damaged framing members are structurally compromised and what it would take to repair them. That is the difference between a termite report and a termite report that tells you what to actually do.
Our founders hold graduate degrees in structural engineering from Stanford University and Stevens Institute of Technology. When we find evidence of WDI activity in floor joists, sill plates, or load-bearing framing, we assess the structural significance — not just check a box. Learn about our structural inspection →
What is an NPMA-33 report?
The NPMA-33 (National Pest Management Association form 33) is the standard wood-destroying insect inspection report required for most real estate transactions and FHA/VA loans in New Jersey. Our licensed inspector completes this form following the inspection. It documents all accessible areas inspected, any evidence of WDI activity found, and any conducive conditions observed.
Is a termite inspection required to close on a home in NJ?
Not legally required by NJ law, but typically required by lenders (especially FHA and VA loans) and commonly requested by buyers’ attorneys. If your mortgage requires it, we provide the NPMA-33 form. We also offer termite inspections as a standalone service independent of a home inspection.
What wood-destroying insects do you check for?
We inspect for Eastern subterranean termites (the most common in NJ), carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powderpost beetles, and other wood-destroying organisms. Conducive conditions for WDI activity — moisture, wood-to-soil contact, ventilation issues — are also documented.
How long does a termite inspection take?
Typically 30–60 minutes. The NPMA-33 report is typically delivered the same day or next business day.
Can you combine a termite inspection with a home or structural inspection?
Yes. We regularly combine termite/WDI inspection with home inspection and structural inspection in a single visit, saving you time and coordination. Ask when scheduling.
When a termite inspection reveals wood-destroying insect activity, the next question is always: how much structural damage has been done? A general termite inspector can document what they see — our Licensed Professional Engineers can evaluate whether the damaged framing members are structurally compromised and what it would take to repair them. That is the difference between a termite report and a termite report that tells you what to actually do.
Our founders hold graduate degrees in structural engineering from Stanford University and Stevens Institute of Technology. When we find evidence of WDI activity in floor joists, sill plates, or load-bearing framing, we assess the structural significance — not just check a box. Learn about our structural inspection →
What is an NPMA-33 report?
The NPMA-33 (National Pest Management Association form 33) is the standard wood-destroying insect inspection report required for most real estate transactions and FHA/VA loans in New Jersey. Our licensed inspector completes this form following the inspection. It documents all accessible areas inspected, any evidence of WDI activity found, and any conducive conditions observed.
Is a termite inspection required to close on a home in NJ?
Not legally required by NJ law, but typically required by lenders (especially FHA and VA loans) and commonly requested by buyers’ attorneys. If your mortgage requires it, we provide the NPMA-33 form. We also offer termite inspections as a standalone service independent of a home inspection.
What wood-destroying insects do you check for?
We inspect for Eastern subterranean termites (the most common in NJ), carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powderpost beetles, and other wood-destroying organisms. Conducive conditions for WDI activity — moisture, wood-to-soil contact, ventilation issues — are also documented.
How long does a termite inspection take?
Typically 30–60 minutes. The NPMA-33 report is typically delivered the same day or next business day.
Can you combine a termite inspection with a home or structural inspection?
Yes. We regularly combine termite/WDI inspection with home inspection and structural inspection in a single visit, saving you time and coordination. Ask when scheduling.
Call or email to book. Available as a standalone service or combined with your home inspection.
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