What does 8B Really Mean?

Here is what it says on the W.D.I.I.R. (termite report):

8B "No visible evidence of infestation from wood-destroying insects was observed."

Let's break it down.

Visible - This is what the termite inspector can see.

Evidence - This list consists of, but not limited to:  tubes, tube stains, fecal pellets, termites, etc.

Wood-Destroying Insects - Subterranean termites, drywood termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wood-destroying beetles.

When you see 8B on the report it means that no visible evidence of wood-destroying insects was noted at the time of inspection.

The key word is visible.  Here is a partial list of areas that can't be seen:  below carpet, tile, stone, wood floors, below throw rugs, in walls, behind paneling, wall paper, behind pictures, in the attic (below insulation, behind mechanical equipment, around pipes, around wiring, around conduits, or stored items in attic), in crawl spaces (below insulation, behind mechanical equipment, around pipes, around wiring, around conduits, or stored items in crawl space), under stairs, behind storage, personal items, furniture, parked cars in garage.  There are literally tons of areas that can't be effectively inspected.

When you read the report and 8B is marked, don't fall into a common misconception that "I have no termites".  This is not always the case.  It just means when the inspection was done "no visible evidence of Wood-Destroying Insects was observed" at the time of inspection.

The following statement is on the termite report.  The Statement of Purchaser, page 1, right above the Signature line of the purchaser.   I understand that this is not a structural damage fungi/mold report, or a warranty as to the absence of wood-destroying insects.

Plain and Simple, 8B does not mean there are no termites in the home.  It means that the inspector could not see termites at the time of inspection.