Can we say Termite in our Report. The Answer from Assistant Chief/Environmental Admin

Local Inspection Issues Florida and SUNachi Inspectors
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I posted this back in December, but Ben G. Requested I post it again.

My question to the Division of Agricultural Environmental Services Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services…

"As a Florida licensed home inspector if I see live termites and evidence of such as subterranean mud tubes and include such finding in my report to my client would I be in any violation.

When I find evidence of WDO’s I always recommend a licensed pest control contractor evaluate further.
Here is an example that maybe see in my report.

  • “Evidence of wood destroying insects was noted… I.e. Subterranean termite mud tubes. Live organisms was noted at the time of inspection. Recommend a licensed pest control contractor evaluate further.”*

Would I be in any sort of violation as a Florida licensed home inspector with the above statement in my report?

Thanks
Roy Lewis "

Their answer…

From: Czerniak, Marlene
Date: 12/1/2014 8:15:38 AM
To: roy@1stproinspection.com
Subject: Wood destroying insects

Dear Mr. Lewis:
Thank you for your inquiry. As long as you are not advertising WDO inspections as being part of your service and collecting fees for a WDO report, you are in compliance with Chapter 482 Florida Statutes. The way you are handling your WDO observations in the report is acceptable, and further recommending that the homeowner contact a licensed pest control company for evaluation is a good practice also.

Sincerely,

Marlene Czerniak
Assistant Chief/Environmental Administrator
Division of Agricultural Environmental Services
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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That’s good stuff, Roy. WDO inspector resources http://www.nachi.org/wdo-report.htm

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Thanks for sharing Roy.

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Good clarification. Thank you for sharing.

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Thanks Roy.

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My Pleasure.

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I’m a licensed Pest Control Operator here in Florida and I’m licensed in WDO, I’m currently going through the Home inspector course. Will I be able to do both home inspections and WDO INSPECTIONS as long as I’m licensed in both with the state

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Yes, and you will have a good USP (Unique Selling Point).

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I’ve reported like Roy in the example above and felt confident I wasn’t violating anyone’s “turf.” Bug guys (licensed) still get upset.

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You may perform both like I did today

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Thank you. Appreciate the help! Have a great holiday

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I also ment to ask, should I still go through the WDO course in the home inspection training program?

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Can’t hurt! :wink:

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and holidays!