In South Eastern North Carolina, we worry about hurricanes, flood zones, and Nor'easters. But the biggest threat to your new home’s equity isn't usually the wind—it’s what’s eating the wood.

In our warm, humid coastal climate, termites are active year-round. Unlike up north where winter kills them off, our mild 2025 winters mean they never stop working.

When you buy a home in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick County, the standard home inspection is not enough. You need a WDIR (Wood-Destroying Insect Report). Here is why this single document is your best friend, and how to read it like a pro.

1. It’s Not Just a "Termite Letter"

Old-school agents might call it a "termite letter," but the official WDIR-100 Form covers much more than just termites.

The "Big Four": The inspector is looking for evidence of Subterranean Termites, Powder Post Beetles, Old House Borers, and Carpenter Ants/Bees.

Why it matters: Powder Post Beetles can turn your crawl space joists into sawdust just as effectively as termites. If you only check for termites, you miss 50% of the risk.

2. The "Conducive Conditions" Red Flag

The most valuable part of the WDIR isn't just finding bugs; it's finding moisture.

Section 2 of the Report: This section lists "conditions conducive to infestation." In our market, the most common flag is "Excessive Moisture Content" (typically defined as wood moisture reading above 20%).

The Coastal Reality: If your report says "22% moisture in crawl space," you don't just have a bug problem; you have a fungus and rot problem. Termites love wet wood. This finding is your leverage to ask the seller for a dehumidifier or encapsulation before you close.

3. The "Bond" Trap: Repair vs. Re-treatment

This is the single most important question to ask the seller: "Do you have a Termite Bond, and is it Transferable?" But not all bonds are equal.

Re-treatment Bond: If termites return, the company will come out and spray again for free. They will NOT pay to fix the wall they ate.

Repair Bond: If termites return, the company will spray and write a check to repair the structural damage.

The Buyer Strategy: In late 2025, with construction costs rising, a Repair Bond is worth its weight in gold. If the seller only has a re-treatment bond, you are essentially self-insuring the structure.

4. The Formosan Factor (New Hanover & Brunswick Alert)

If you are buying in Wilmington or Southport, you need to know about the Formosan Termite.

The Threat: Unlike native termites, Formosans are aggressive "super termites" that can chew through a home in six months. They don't just live in the ground; they can build carton nests inside your walls, fed by a leaky roof.

The Inspection: Standard visual inspections might miss them if they entered through the roof. If you are buying a historic home or one with a flat roof, ask your inspector if they saw any signs of "carton material" (which looks like a sponge).

5. Interpreting the "Previous Treatment" Box

Seeing "Evidence of Previous Treatment" (drill holes in the porch or trenching marks) is not a bad thing.

The Reality: There are two types of homes in coastal NC: Those that have had termites, and those that will.

The Verification: If the box is checked, demand the paperwork. Who treated it? When? Is the warranty still active? A home that was treated 5 years ago and has been under bond since is often safer than a home that has "no evidence" but has never been protected.

The Bottom Line

The WDIR report typically costs $100–$150. The average termite repair bill in our region is over $3,500. The ROI on this inspection is infinite.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we review the WDIR with a magnifying glass. We know the difference between "old, inactive damage" (a negotiation point) and "active infestation" (a deal-breaker). We ensure you aren't buying a home that is structurally compromised before you even get the keys.