Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspections
Licensed WDI inspections in San Antonio, Hill Country, and surrounding areas — with certified applicators and technicians trained to detect termite and insect activity before it costs you thousands.
Why WDI Inspections Matter
Our WDI inspections are performed in partnership with Priority Pest Management — licensed pest control professionals you can trust.
- Termites and other wood-destroying insects can remain hidden until major damage is done.
- VA and FHA loans typically require a WDI inspection before closing.
- Regular inspections protect your investment and can prevent costly structural issues.
Preventative Tip
Always check wood piles, fence posts, and deck structures for unusual signs like hollow wood, mud tubes, or insect droppings. See something? Say something.
Our Inspections Include
- Visual examination of accessible wood structures
- Reporting of signs of infestation or past treatment
- Fast, digital report submission using the Texas WDI form
- Guidance on next steps if WDI activity is found
Termites
At Priority Inspection Services, we specialize in identifying and reporting Wood Destroying Insects (WDI) that can silently compromise the structure of your home. From termites to wood borers, these pests cost Texas homeowners millions of dollars in repairs every year.
Drywood Termites
Live inside the wood they eat and do not require contact with soil — making them especially difficult to detect. Found in southern coastal Texas counties, with spot activity in San Antonio, Uvalde, and up to Collin County.
Signs to look for:
- Small wood-colored pellets (frass)
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
- Hollow-sounding wood
Formosan Termites
Considered the most economically devastating species in the U.S. Colonies can exceed 1 million termites within 5 years. Very aggressive — attack wood, insulation, plastic, and even soft metals.
Signs to look for:
- Large swarms at night during late spring to early summer
- Spongy carton nests made of chewed wood, soil, and feces
- Yellow-brown swarmers about ½ inch with long wings
Subterranean Termites
Build large colonies underground and enter homes through cracks in the foundation or plumbing entry points. Responsible for billions in damage each year. Found from East Texas through Bexar County (San Antonio), Uvalde, Tom Green, and Eastland County.
Signs to look for:
- Pencil-sized mud tubes along foundation walls or crawlspaces
- Hollowed wood along the grain with mud inside
- Black swarmers about ¼ inch with translucent wings in early spring
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants (Camponotus species) are large, social insects that excavate wood to build their nests, often causing hidden structural damage over time. While they do not eat wood like termites, their tunneling can still weaken framing and create entry points for moisture and other pests.
Identification
- Varies by species: yellowish red, solid black, or black with red patterns
- Large ants, typically ¼ to ½ inch in length
- Most active in spring and early summer; nocturnal foragers
- Build nests in rotting wood, wall voids, and moist structural framing
What Their Presence Means
- Moisture intrusion from leaks or poor drainage
- Rotting or softened wood in the structure
- Gaps or cracks near doors, windows, or siding
- Overhanging branches or stacked firewood near the structure
How to Prevent Intrusion
- Eliminate excess moisture sources inside and around the home
- Trim trees and shrubs away from exterior walls and rooflines
- Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and foundations
- Store firewood well away from the house and off the ground
- Schedule regular WDI inspections for early detection
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees, but these solitary insects burrow into wood to create nesting tunnels — especially in soft or decaying wood. Over time, their repeated tunneling can cause cosmetic and structural damage, especially when old holes are reused and expanded.
Identification
- Bright orange or yellow hairs with a shiny, black abdomen (unlike the fuzzy rear of bumblebees)
- Around ½ to 1 inch in size
- Prefer softwoods such as cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood
- Bore round holes into eaves, siding, fences, and decks
- Return to reuse and expand existing holes each season
How to Manage Carpenter Bees
- Apply liquid, aerosol, or dust insecticide directly into the holes
- After treatment, seal holes with wood filler, caulk, or a suitable sealant
- Consider installing carpenter bee traps
- Paint or seal exposed wood surfaces — bees prefer unpainted or weathered wood
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find an answer? Contact us at [email protected]
Don't Let Termites Ruin Your Home
Protect your biggest investment with a licensed Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection by certified professionals.