Termites Found When Buying a Home — What Now?

A WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) report is standard in most California real estate transactions. It documents two types of findings: Section 1 (active infestation and directly caused damage that typically must be remediated before close of escrow) and Section 2 (conditions conducive to future infestation, which are disclosed but often negotiable).

Section 1 findings must typically be cleared before a lender will fund — especially for VA and FHA loans. The seller is usually responsible for Section 1 clearance, but this is negotiable. As a buyer, you can request treatment as a condition of purchase, negotiate a price reduction, or ask the seller to credit you at closing.

Section 2 findings (earth-wood contact, moisture, wood debris) are conditions that create risk but don't necessarily mean there's active infestation. These are typically disclosed and negotiated rather than required to be fixed pre-close.

If you're the buyer, get an independent inspection even if the seller provides a WDO report. An independent inspector works for you — not the seller — and may identify issues not visible during a staged showing.

Treatment costs vary by method: spot treatment $300–$1,500, tent fumigation $1,500–$4,000, Termidor soil treatment $800–$2,500. These costs should factor into your offer negotiation if Section 1 findings are present.