What is the difference between WDO and WDI?

WDI stands for Wood Destroying Insects and WDO stands for Wood Destroying Organisms. They are two names for a termite inspection report, and the difference is scope. A WDI report covers only insects: termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles. A WDO report is broader and also includes non-insect organisms, mainly fungi and dry rot (wood decay). Which term applies depends on the state.

Is a WDO report the same as a termite report?

Yes, in everyday use. WDO, WDI, termite report, and termite inspection report all refer to the inspection done for a real estate transaction or peace of mind. The technical difference is whether fungi and dry rot are included (WDO) or only insects (WDI).

Does a WDI report cover dry rot or fungus?

Generally no. A strict WDI report covers insects only. Dry rot and fungus are wood destroying organisms, so they are reported under a WDO report (as in California). Always check the form and state requirements that apply to the property.

WDO vs. WDI: What's the Difference?

Q: Which states use WDO vs WDI?

California uses the broader WDO term: its Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms Inspection Report under Business and Professions Code Section 8516 includes fungi and dry rot. Texas uses WDI: the Official Texas Wood Destroying Insect Report (Form SPCS/T-5) covers insects. The nationwide form used for FHA and VA loans, the NPMA-33, is titled a Wood Destroying Insect report and does not include mold, mildew, or non-insect organisms.

WDI vs. WDO at a glance

	WDI	WDO
Stands for	Wood Destroying Insects	Wood Destroying Organisms
Covers	Termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wood-boring beetles	All of the insects, plus fungi and dry rot (wood decay)
Includes fungus / dry rot?	No	Yes
Typical use	Texas (Form SPCS/T-5); the federal NPMA-33	California (Section 8516)

Which term does each state use?

The terminology follows the state form. California uses the broader WDO term: the Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms Inspection Report under Business and Professions Code Section 8516 includes fungi and dry rot. Texas uses WDI: the Official Texas Wood Destroying Insect Report (Form SPCS/T-5) covers insects. The nationwide form used for FHA and VA loans, the NPMA-33, is titled a Wood Destroying Insect report and does not include mold, mildew, or non-insect organisms.

For the form that applies to you, see our guides on the California WDO report, the Texas WDI report, and the NPMA-33 form.

Write any of these reports by voice

Whether your state calls it a WDO or a WDI report, Serv AI lets an inspector photograph their field sheet or speak their findings, imports the building footprint for the diagram, and produces a compliant report in minutes instead of 45 in the truck.