VA Local Requirements by State (Termite/WDI
VA termite and wood-destroying insect inspection rules depend on where the property sits on the VA termite infestation map. The basic rule is straightforward: if the home is in a Moderate to Heavy or Very Heavy infestation area, the inspection is generally mandatory for VA purchases and cash-out refinances. If the property is in a lower-risk area, the inspection may only be required when the appraiser spots visible infestation or conditions that suggest a problem.
That makes location the deciding factor. Some states require the inspection statewide, some only require it in listed counties, and a smaller group usually leaves the decision to the appraiser unless evidence is visible. Buyers also need to know the practical rules: the report is usually valid for 90 days, the fee is now allowed to be paid by the Veteran, and any active infestation or structural damage has to be treated and cleared before closing.
Next step: Check VA Property Inspection Rules For Your State
Statewide Inspection States
- Automatic statewide requirement: In these states and territories, a termite or WDI inspection is generally required for every VA purchase and cash-out refinance.
- South: AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV.
- West and Northeast: AZ, CA, HI, NM, UT, CT, MA, NJ, RI.
- Midwest and territories: IL, IN, KS, MO, OH, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
County-Specific States
- Inspection depends on the county: In these states, the VA only requires the inspection in listed counties rather than statewide.
- Colorado, Iowa, and Michigan: Colorado includes counties such as El Paso, Douglas, and Pueblo; Iowa includes counties such as Polk and Linn; Michigan includes counties such as Wayne, Oakland, and Kent.
- New York and Pennsylvania: New York includes all New York City boroughs plus Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester; Pennsylvania includes counties such as Philadelphia and Allegheny.
- Wisconsin and Nevada: Wisconsin includes counties such as Milwaukee, Dane, and Waukesha; Nevada includes counties such as Clark and Washoe.
Appraiser-Triggered States
- Low-probability areas work differently: In lower-risk states, the inspection is usually not automatic.
- Common examples: AK, ID, ME, MN, MT, ND, OR, SD, VT, WA, and WY generally fall into this lower-probability category.
- Appraiser observation matters: If the VA appraiser sees visible infestation, damage, or conditions conducive to termites or other wood-destroying insects, the inspection can still be required.
- Key takeaway: Even in discretionary states, the issue does not disappear if the property condition raises concerns.
Compliance Rules
- Report validity: The NPMA-33 inspection report is usually valid for 90 days from the inspection date.
- Who can pay: The Veteran is allowed to pay for the inspection fee, although it is still a negotiable item that sellers often cover.
- What happens if damage is found: If there is an active infestation or structural damage, treatment and required repairs must usually be completed before the loan can close.
- Where this applies most: These rules are most relevant to VA purchase loans and cash-out refinances because termite and WDI inspections are tied to property-condition risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are VA termite inspections required in every state?
Which states usually require a VA termite inspection statewide?
Can a VA termite inspection still be required in a low-risk state?
Who pays for the VA termite or WDI inspection?
VA Termite and WDI Requirements by State in 2026
VA termite and wood-destroying insect (WDI) rules are location-driven. In some states, a WDI inspection is required statewide on VA purchase and cash-out refinance transactions. In others, it’s county-specific. And in low-probability areas, it’s usually only required if the VA appraisal flags evidence or conditions that support an infestation concern. The clean move is to confirm the property’s state and county requirement early—before you write a tight closing timeline.
- Quick Filter: If the state is on VA’s statewide list, assume a WDI report will be required and plan for cost and timing.
- Quick Filter: If the state is not listed, WDI is typically appraiser-triggered—meaning property condition and observations drive the requirement.
When Does VA Require a Termite or WDI Inspection?
VA requires wood-destroying pest inspection information when the property location and/or the Notice of Value (NOV) conditions trigger it. In practice, this shows up on purchases and cash-out refinances because those transactions require a VA appraisal and an NOV. If the property is in a required area, the loan can’t close until the report is provided and any required treatment/repairs are completed to satisfy the NOV conditions.
These are the most common ways the requirement gets triggered.
- Statewide requirement states: The VA local requirements list says WDI information is required for the entire state (and certain territories) regardless of county.
- County-specific states: The VA local requirements list names specific counties where WDI information is required; outside those counties, it’s typically not required unless flagged.
- Appraiser-triggered requirement: In states not listed, WDI is generally not required unless the VA appraisal notes visible evidence or conditions that justify requiring it.
- NOV conditions rule the closing: Once the NOV is conditioned for WDI, treatment and repairs tied to that report must be cleared before guaranty.
Scenario: The Home Is Fine—Until the NOV Adds a WDI Condition
The buyer assumes termite/WDI is “optional” because they’ve never needed it before. The appraisal comes back and the NOV is conditioned for a WDI report due to location or observed conditions. The deal now requires an inspection, possible treatment, and documentation before closing.
Approval Watchpoint: This Is a Property Condition Gate
WDI isn’t a credit or income issue. It’s a property acceptability issue. If the report finds active infestation or damage that affects value or safety, the loan stalls until treatment and required repairs are verified.
States and Territories With Statewide WDI Requirements
If the property is in a statewide requirement state, WDI information is required for the entire state. That means there’s no “maybe” based on county—your planning should assume the WDI report will be part of the closing checklist. This matters most for contracts with short inspection periods and tight closing dates, because the WDI requirement adds scheduling and potential repair time.
| Statewide WDI Requirement | States and Territories Listed by VA | Planning Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Entire state required | AL, AZ, AR, CA, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MS, MO, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV | Assume a WDI report will be needed and schedule it early to protect the closing timeline. |
| Territories listed by VA | Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands | Expect higher timeline sensitivity; remote logistics can make scheduling harder. |
Deal Saver: Schedule WDI Like an Appraisal Adjacent Task
Don’t wait for “later.” If the state is on the statewide list, schedule the WDI inspection early enough that treatment and any required repair verification can be completed before the closing date gets tight.
States With County-Specific WDI Requirements
In some states, the VA only requires WDI information in specific listed counties. That means the buyer’s job is to confirm the property county—because “the state” is not enough. If the property is in a listed county, treat the requirement as mandatory. If it’s outside the listed counties, WDI is typically not required unless the VA appraisal flags a concern.
| State | VA Requirement Type | What You Must Confirm | Common Execution Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan for treatment/clearance if needed. | Waiting until late to schedule WDI, then treatment or repair clearance squeezes the closing date. |
| Alaska | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Assuming “not required” and getting a late NOV condition due to observed risk, creating a last-week scramble. |
| Arizona | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm who orders it and when it must be delivered to the lender. | Inspection ordered late; treatment/reinspection timing breaks the contract timeline. |
| Arkansas | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; plan for inspection scheduling and potential repairs. | Buyer waits for the appraisal first, then loses time coordinating WDI and any required work. |
| California | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm inspection provider meets state requirements. | WDI comes back with treatment needs and the deal has no time left for clearance and documentation. |
| Colorado | County-specific | Is the property in one of VA’s listed counties? | Assuming “not required” without checking county, then losing time when the NOV conditions it. |
| Connecticut | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule it early to protect closing timing. | Inspection scheduled late; any treatment requirement delays final underwriting/closing. |
| Delaware | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm report format and delivery requirements. | Report timing conflicts with closing date; repairs/treatment cannot be completed fast enough. |
| Florida | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; plan for inspection timing and potential treatment. | Buyer underestimates how long treatment/clearance takes, pushing the closing date. |
| Georgia | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm who is paying and how it’s shown on closing docs. | Seller refuses to handle treatment late; buyer is forced into last-minute renegotiation or delay. |
| Hawaii | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan around contractor availability. | Scheduling bottlenecks cause delays, especially if treatment or repairs are required before closing. |
| Idaho | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Visible evidence triggers a late condition; inspection/treatment timing becomes the critical path. |
| Illinois | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm timing so it’s available before final underwriting. | WDI is treated like an afterthought; closing is delayed when the NOV requires clearance. |
| Indiana | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan for potential repairs. | Inspection reveals issues late; treatment/repair clearance delays closing. |
| Iowa | County-specific | Is the property in one of VA’s listed counties? | WDI scheduled late because buyer thought it was “optional,” then repair verification squeezes closing. |
| Kansas | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm provider and report timing. | Buyer misses the requirement until the NOV; inspection availability becomes the bottleneck. |
| Kentucky | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan for clearance if needed. | Termite treatment is required and the deal has no buffer for reinspection/clearance. |
| Louisiana | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm inspection timing and any repair responsibility in contract. | Repairs/treatment trigger a reinspection and the contract timeline collapses. |
| Maine | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Buyer assumes “no WDI,” but appraiser flags conditions and the inspection is ordered late. |
| Maryland | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan for treatment/repairs if found. | WDI becomes a last-week condition and pushes closing when treatment is required. |
| Massachusetts | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm reporting requirements and validity window. | Report ages out due to delays and must be redone, adding cost and time. |
| Michigan | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Observed damage triggers inspection late; treatment/clearance timing delays closing. |
| Minnesota | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Property condition triggers a late NOV requirement; buyer is unprepared for timing and cost. |
| Mississippi | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan for treatment if needed. | Inspection reveals infestation; treatment and clearance delay closing without contract protections. |
| Missouri | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm who orders it and expected turnaround time. | Late ordering creates timeline stacking with appraisal and underwriting conditions. |
| Montana | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Buyer ignores visible risk; appraiser conditions WDI and the deal loses time. |
| Nebraska | County-specific | Is the property in one of VA’s listed counties? | County mismatch between mailing address and actual county delays the decision and scheduling. |
| Nevada | County-specific | Is the property in one of VA’s listed counties? | Inspection not ordered until after appraisal, creating avoidable timeline stacking. |
| New Hampshire | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Late condition due to observed issues creates a timing crunch for inspection and clearance. |
| New Jersey | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm inspection scheduling and delivery to lender. | WDI is treated as “later,” then becomes the critical path when the NOV requires it. |
| New Mexico | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan for treatment if flagged. | Inspection/treatment timing pushes closing because there’s no buffer in the contract. |
| New York | County-specific | Is the property in one of VA’s listed counties? | NYC-area county requirement gets missed; the fix is simple but timing becomes the problem. |
| North Carolina | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm inspection timing and any repair responsibility. | WDI condition appears late and forces renegotiation of treatment/repairs under deadline. |
| North Dakota | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Appraiser flags evidence; inspection is ordered late and delays closing. |
| Ohio | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; plan for inspection and potential clearance timing. | Buyer delays scheduling; treatment/reinspection pushes closing. |
| Oklahoma | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and confirm report validity window. | Report expires due to closing delays; reinspection/updated report adds cost and time. |
| Oregon | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Buyer skips planning; appraiser conditions WDI late due to observed issues. |
| Pennsylvania | County-specific | Is the property in one of VA’s listed counties? | Repair items discovered late; treatment + clearance can slip the closing date. |
| Rhode Island | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan for treatment if needed. | WDI becomes a last-minute condition; inspection availability delays closing. |
| South Carolina | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm inspection provider meets state requirements. | Treatment/repair clearance timing breaks a tight closing schedule. |
| South Dakota | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Observed conditions trigger inspection late; buyer loses time and leverage. |
| Tennessee | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan around contractor timelines. | Inspection finds issues; treatment/repair clearance delays closing. |
| Texas | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and confirm who pays in contract terms. | Buyer assumes seller will cover it, but terms aren’t written; cost/timing becomes a last-week issue. |
| Utah | County-specific | Is the property in one of VA’s listed counties? | Buyer assumes “Western state = low risk,” but county list triggers the requirement. |
| Vermont | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Inspection becomes required late due to observed issues; closing timeline gets squeezed. |
| Virginia | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; confirm inspection timing and delivery requirements. | Late WDI scheduling or treatment requirements create a closing delay. |
| Washington | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Property condition triggers a late NOV requirement; inspection/treatment becomes the bottleneck. |
| West Virginia | Statewide | WDI inspection/report is required statewide; schedule early and plan for clearance if needed. | Treatment/repair clearance collides with a tight closing date. |
| Wisconsin | County-specific | Is the property in one of VA’s listed counties? | WDI becomes a last-week condition because the county requirement wasn’t checked early. |
| Wyoming | Appraiser-triggered | WDI is generally not required unless the appraisal notes evidence or conducive conditions. | Buyer assumes “no WDI,” but appraiser flags evidence and the inspection is ordered late. |
Scenario: The Address Looks Right, the County Is Wrong
A buyer assumes they know the county based on the city name. The property is actually in a different county, and that county is on the VA list. The lender conditions WDI late, and the inspection schedule becomes the critical path.
Closing Risk: County-Specific Means “Verify, Don’t Guess”
Don’t rely on memory or assumptions. Verify the county from the contract, listing tax data, or public records, then cross-check it against VA’s local requirements list before you set a tight closing timeline.
What If Your State Is Not Listed?
If a state is not listed on VA’s local requirements page, a WDI inspection is generally not required unless the VA appraisal notes specific issues. That typically means visible evidence of infestation or “conducive conditions” that justify requiring a report as part of minimum property requirements. In these areas, WDI becomes property-driven: a clean, well-maintained home may never trigger it, while a home with moisture, wood-to-soil contact, or visible damage might.
These are the common triggers in “not listed” states.
- Visible evidence: Signs consistent with termite activity or other wood-destroying pests can prompt the NOV to require a report.
- Conducive conditions: Moisture problems, wood-to-ground contact, or deterioration that suggests risk can be enough to require documentation.
- Condo unit nuance: WDI is generally not required on individual low-rise or high-rise condo units unless the appraiser notes potential infestation issues tied to the unit or building conditions.
- Repair gate: If a report is required and it finds active infestation or damage affecting value, treatment and repairs must be completed before closing.
Report Validity, Forms, and What Happens If Something Is Found
When WDI is required, it must be documented in the form the VA accepts for the transaction (commonly NPMA-33 or another VA-accepted form). The practical planning point is timing: WDI reports are generally treated as time-limited, and if you delay closing beyond the validity window, a new inspection may be required. If the report identifies active infestation or structural damage affecting value, treatment and required repairs must be completed before the loan can close.
Use this as the operational checklist once WDI is required.
- Schedule inspection early: Don’t wait until the last week—treatment contractors and re-checks can create a second timeline.
- Use the right documentation: Make sure the pest operator meets state requirements and uses VA-accepted reporting.
- Plan for treatment and repair verification: If the NOV is conditioned, the loan can’t close until the required work is completed and documented.
- Watch the validity window: If the closing timeline drifts, confirm whether the existing report is still valid or needs updating.
Scenario: The Report Is Clean, but It’s Too Old by Closing
The inspection was done early and came back clean, but the deal gets delayed by repairs, appraisal issues, or underwriting conditions. The report ages out and the lender requires an updated inspection before closing.
Deal Saver: Treat WDI as a Scheduling Problem First
Most WDI issues aren’t about the inspection fee. They’re about timing: getting it scheduled, getting treatment completed if needed, and not letting a validity window expire while the closing date moves.
Who Pays for the Inspection in 2026?
VA policy allows Veterans to pay for wood-destroying pest inspection fees when the NOV requires the report, and Veterans may also pay for repairs required to meet minimum property requirements. The practical point is negotiation: just because you’re allowed to pay doesn’t mean you should. The inspection fee and required repairs are commonly negotiated into seller-paid items or credits, depending on local market leverage and how the contract is written.
These rules keep the payment conversation clean at closing.
- Payment is allowed: VA policy authorizes the Veteran to be charged for required WDI inspection fees and to pay required repairs tied to MPR compliance.
- Invoice support matters: Keep the invoice itemized to the Veteran and property so it can be supported in the loan file and on the Closing Disclosure.
- Negotiate early: If you want the seller to cover WDI cost, put it in the offer terms instead of trying to solve it after the NOV comes back.
- Repairs can be the bigger cost: Even if the inspection fee is modest, treatment and repairs can become the real driver—especially with tight timelines.
Lender Reality Check: Allowed to Pay Doesn’t Mean It’s Budget-Neutral
If you’re already tight on cash to close, a “small” inspection fee and a repair invoice can push the file into last-week scrambling. Treat WDI as part of the cash plan, not a minor footnote.
The Bottom Line
In 2026, VA termite/WDI requirements are driven by property location and the VA Notice of Value conditions. Some states and territories require WDI information statewide, others only require it in listed counties, and states not listed are generally appraiser-triggered based on observed evidence or risk conditions. Once WDI is required, the deal can’t close until the report is provided and any required treatment and repairs are completed to satisfy the NOV. VA policy allows Veterans to pay the inspection fee and required repairs, but the smart move is negotiating those costs early when possible and protecting the closing timeline with early scheduling and a clear repair plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a termite/WDI inspection required for every VA loan?
No. It depends on the property location and whether the VA appraisal/NOV requires it. Some states require it statewide, some only in specific counties, and in states not listed it’s usually appraiser-triggered.
Where do I check whether my state or county requires WDI?
Use VA’s “Local Requirements” page, then verify the property’s county. County-specific states require WDI only in the listed counties, so confirming the county is critical.
Does the VA appraisal automatically include termite inspection?
No. The VA appraisal can trigger the requirement, but the WDI inspection is a separate report completed by a qualified pest control operator when required by location or NOV conditions.
Can the Veteran pay for the termite/WDI inspection?
Yes. VA policy authorizes Veterans to be charged for required wood-destroying pest inspection fees when required by the NOV, and Veterans may also pay for required repairs tied to MPR compliance.
What happens if the report finds active infestation or damage?
If the NOV is conditioned and the report finds active infestation or structural damage affecting value, the home must be treated and any required repairs completed before the loan can close.
Are WDI inspections required for condo units?
They are generally not required for individual low-rise or high-rise condo units unless the appraiser notes potential infestation issues or conditions that justify requiring the report.
How long is a VA WDI report valid?
VA training materials commonly treat WDI inspection reports as valid for 90 days. If closing is delayed beyond that window, lenders may require an updated inspection to keep the file current.
Resources Used
- VA Home Loans: Local Requirements (WDI inspection required states and county lists) (Benefits.va.gov)
- VBA Circular 26-22-11: Pest Inspection Fees and Repair Costs (Veteran may pay where required by NOV; repairs required prior to guaranty) (VA.gov PDF)
- Circular 26-22-11 Change 1 (updates termite map footnote reference) (VA.gov PDF)
- VA SAR Training (WDI report validity and condo-unit note) (VA.gov PDF)
- VA Lender’s Handbook (M26-7) (Benefits.va.gov)
