Wood Destroying Organism Inspections in Northern Nevada: Why Every Homeowner Needs One

Northern Nevada is a beautiful place to live. From the high desert landscapes to the forests and expanding neighborhoods in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Elko and surrounding areas, homeowners here take pride in their properties. But hidden beneath the surface, wood destroying organisms can silently damage homes without warning. Termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and carpenter bees are all present in Northern Nevada and can cause serious structural damage if left untreated.

A Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection is one of the most important services a homeowner can invest in. Whether you are buying, selling, refinancing, or simply protecting your home, a professional inspection can prevent costly repairs, protect your investment, and give you peace of mind. At Progressive Pest Management, we understand the unique pest pressures in Northern Nevada and provide thorough inspections to keep your home safe.

What Is a Wood Destroying Organism Inspection?

A Wood Destroying Organism inspection is a professional evaluation of your home to identify signs of pests that damage wood. These inspections focus on detecting activity, damage, and conditions that may lead to infestation.

During a WDO inspection, trained professionals examine key areas of your home including:

• Crawl spaces
• Attics
• Foundations
• Exterior walls
• Decks and fences
• Garages
• Structural wood components

The goal is to identify both active infestations and potential risk factors before major damage occurs.

Wood Destroying Organisms Common in Northern Nevada

Many homeowners assume termites are only a problem in warmer, humid climates. However, subterranean termites are active throughout Northern Nevada, including Reno and Sparks. In addition to termites, several other pests can damage wood structures.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are the most destructive wood destroying organism in Northern Nevada. They live underground and build mud tubes to reach wood structures. These termites consume wood from the inside out, often leaving no visible signs until damage becomes severe.

Termites can damage:

• Structural beams
• Floor joists
• Wall studs
• Subfloors
• Support posts

Because they work silently, infestations can go unnoticed for years without a professional inspection.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are another common pest in Northern Nevada. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they tunnel through it to create nests. Over time, their tunneling weakens the structure.

Carpenter ants are often found in:

• Moist or damaged wood
• Crawl spaces
• Attics
• Window and door frames

Homes with moisture issues are especially vulnerable.

Wood-Boring Beetles

Wood-boring beetles lay eggs in wood, and their larvae tunnel through structural components as they develop. This can weaken beams, flooring, and framing.

Signs of wood-boring beetles include:

• Small round exit holes
• Powdery dust (frass)
• Weak or damaged wood

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees commonly damage exterior wood such as decks, fences, and trim. They bore holes to create nests, and repeated activity can weaken wood over time.

While carpenter bees may seem like a minor nuisance, long-term activity can lead to costly repairs.

Why Wood Destroying Organism Inspections Are Critical in Northern Nevada

Early Detection Prevents Expensive Repairs

One of the biggest dangers of wood destroying organisms is how quietly they operate. By the time visible damage appears, repairs may already be expensive.

Termite damage alone can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Since most homeowner insurance policies do not cover termite damage, prevention and early detection are essential.

A professional inspection allows problems to be identified early before structural damage becomes severe.

Protect Your Home’s Structural Integrity

Your home’s structure depends on wood framing and support systems. When wood destroying organisms damage these components, the safety and stability of your home can be compromised.

Serious infestations can cause:

• Sagging floors
• Cracked walls
• Structural weakening
• Unsafe living conditions

Routine inspections help ensure your home remains strong and secure.

Required for Real Estate Transactions

Wood destroying organism inspections are often required during real estate transactions in Northern Nevada. Mortgage lenders, buyers, and real estate agents rely on these inspections to confirm the home is free from damaging pests.

If you are buying a home, a WDO inspection protects you from inheriting hidden damage. If you are selling, it helps avoid surprises that could delay or cancel the sale.

Progressive Pest Management provides professional WDO reports accepted by real estate professionals and lenders.

Protect Property Value

Your home is one of your most valuable assets. Wood destroying organism damage can significantly reduce property value and make homes harder to sell.

Routine inspections help maintain property value by ensuring:

• No active infestations
• No structural damage
• Proper preventative measures

Having documentation from a trusted pest control company demonstrates responsible homeownership.

Northern Nevada Homes Are Especially Vulnerable

Northern Nevada’s climate creates conditions that can attract wood destroying organisms. While the region is dry, irrigation systems, snow melt, and seasonal moisture create ideal environments for termites and carpenter ants.

Risk factors include:

• Moisture near foundations
• Wood-to-soil contact
• Older homes
• Crawl spaces
• Landscaping near structures

Even newer homes are not immune to infestation.

Signs You May Need a WDO Inspection

Many infestations show few visible signs. However, homeowners should schedule an inspection immediately if they notice:

• Mud tubes on walls or foundations
• Swarming insects inside or near the home
• Hollow sounding wood
• Small holes in wood
• Sawdust or frass near wood structures
• Soft or damaged wood

If you notice any of these signs, a professional inspection is critical.

What to Expect from a Progressive Pest Management Inspection

At Progressive Pest Management, our inspections are thorough, professional, and designed specifically for Northern Nevada homes.

Our inspection includes:

• Complete visual inspection of accessible areas
• Identification of wood destroying organisms
• Detection of damage and risk factors
• Detailed inspection report
• Professional recommendations

Items we are looking for:

• Termites
• Other Wood destroying insects
• Wood Destroying Fungi
• Earth to Wood Contacts
• Faulty Grades
• Insufficient Ventilation
• Excessive Moisture
• Cellulose Debris

We ensure homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals have clear, accurate information.

Why Professional Inspections Are Better Than DIY

Wood destroying organisms often hide inside walls, crawl spaces, and structural components. Without professional training, infestations are easy to miss.

Our trained technicians know exactly where to look and what to look for. We understand the behavior of termites and other pests specific to Northern Nevada.

Professional inspections provide accurate detection and peace of mind.

Prevention Is the Best Protection

Preventing infestations is far less expensive than repairing damage. Regular inspections help identify risk factors before pests invade.

Homeowners can reduce risk by:

• Eliminating moisture problems
• Fixing leaks
• Keeping wood away from soil
• Maintaining crawl space ventilation
• Scheduling regular inspections

Preventative care protects your home long term.

Why Choose Progressive Pest Management

Progressive Pest Management is a trusted local company serving Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada. We understand the specific pest challenges homeowners face in this region.

When you choose Progressive Pest Management, you receive:

• Experienced local professionals
• Thorough and accurate inspections
• Honest recommendations
• Reliable service
• Protection for your home and investment

We are committed to helping homeowners protect what matters most.

Schedule Your Wood Destroying Organism Inspection Today

Wood destroying organisms can cause serious damage before you even know they are there. A professional inspection is the best way to protect your home, prevent costly repairs, and ensure your property remains safe and structurally sound.

Whether you are buying, selling, refinancing, or simply protecting your home, Progressive Pest Management is here to help.

Don’t wait until damage becomes visible.

Call Progressive Pest Management today at 775-322-7378 to schedule your professional Wood Destroying Organism inspection and protect your home.