Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

One of the most recognizable signs of activity from wood-destroying organisms, such as termites or carpenter ants, is the presence of frass. Frass consists of the droppings or fecal pellets produced by these insects as they burrow into and feed on wood. This debris often accumulates near infested areas and can serve as a key indicator of the type of infestation present. Identifying frass during a home inspection can help determine the extent of damage and the type of wood-destroying organism involved.

Other indicators, while notable, do not serve as specific signs of active infestation. For instance, discoloration of wood can indicate moisture issues or fungal infections rather than direct insect activity. A hollow sound when tapping wood can suggest some degree of damage but may not be definitive without the presence of other indicators like frass. Visible insect activity often requires direct observation and can sometimes be sporadic or subtle, making frass a more reliable sign of ongoing problems with wood-destroying organisms.