Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

According to NPMA guidelines, an inspector is required to report which type of insects?

1. Reinfesting

2. Non-reinfesting

3. Endangered

4. Exotic

The correct answer is: Reinfesting

The NPMA (National Pest Management Association) guidelines emphasize the importance of identifying and reporting insects that actively cause damage to wood structures. Reinfesting insects are those that have the potential to cause ongoing damage once they have initially infested a structure. This includes pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying organisms that can return or continue their destructive activity if not properly managed. Reporting reinfesting insects is crucial for homeowners and property managers to take necessary actions to mitigate the risk and prevent further structural damage. The guidelines are designed to ensure that inspectors provide comprehensive evaluations of properties, focusing on ongoing threats to the integrity of the structure. By identifying these pests, inspectors can help clients understand the severity of the infestation and the necessary steps to address it. In contrast, non-reinfesting insects, endangered species, and exotic pests do not fall under the same level of immediate concern regarding structural damage as reinfesting insects. While they may have their own significance in other contexts, the primary focus of the NPMA guidelines is to ensure that those wood-destroying organisms that can cause sustained damage are reported to facilitate timely and effective pest control measures.