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NPMA-33 Β· Wood Destroying Insect Reports Β· New Jersey

NPMA-33 Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Report in New Jersey

Your lender or attorney asked for an "NPMA-33" β€” and you're not sure what that is? It's the standard wood destroying insect report used in home sales. Here's what the form covers, what the inspector checks, how to read the results in plain English, and what happens next. Silver Bullet Pest Control completes NPMA-33 reports across North Jersey.

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What is an NPMA-33 report?

An NPMA-33 is the National Pest Management Association's Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report β€” the standard form lenders use to document whether a home shows visible evidence of termites and other wood destroying insects. It's used for VA, FHA and conventional loans and is completed by a licensed pest control company after inspecting the accessible areas of the house. In New Jersey, every VA purchase loan requires one. Silver Bullet Pest Control (NJ License 90568B) does NPMA-33 inspections across Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties β€” call 973-510-2585.

What is the NPMA-33 form?

The NPMA-33 is a standard report form published by the National Pest Management Association, the trade group for the pest control industry. Its full name is the Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report, so you'll hear it called a WDI report, a WDI inspection, a termite report or a "termite letter." In most New Jersey closings, those all mean the same piece of paper.

The point of a standard form is simple: a lender, an attorney or a buyer can pick up a report from any licensed company and find the same information in the same place. It records:

  • Who inspected the property, their company and license information, and the inspection date.
  • The property address and the structures that were inspected.
  • Whether the inspector saw visible evidence of wood destroying insects β€” or didn't.
  • If evidence was found: what kind of insect, where, and whether there's visible damage.
  • Signs of earlier treatment, if any were seen.
  • Areas that were inaccessible or obstructed and couldn't be inspected.

It's a snapshot of what a trained inspector could see on one day. That's its strength β€” and its limit, which we cover below.

Who asks for an NPMA-33 WDI report?

The same form shows up in almost every kind of New Jersey home sale.

WhoWhy they want itNotes
VA lendersNew Jersey is a required state for VA purchase loansUsually not needed for a VA Streamline (IRRRL). See VA requirements
FHA lendersTo document the home's condition for the loanLender decides if it's needed; the NPMA-33 is the standard form
Conventional lendersSame reason β€” some require it, some don'tAsk your loan officer early
BuyersPeace of mind before closing, even on a cash dealOften ordered alongside the home inspection
SellersTo know what a buyer's inspector will findA pre-listing report can avoid surprises
Attorneys and agentsTo keep the closing on scheduleThey often order it for the client and receive a copy

Buying with a VA loan? Our VA termite inspection page covers who pays (the rules changed in 2022), ordering, and sending the report to your lender.

What the inspector looks for

"Wood destroying insects" means more than termites. In North Jersey these are the ones that show up on reports:

Subterranean termites working inside damaged wood
Most common

Subterranean Termites

  • Mud tubes on foundation walls, piers and pipes
  • Swarmers or shed wings near windows in spring
  • Damaged wood near soil or moisture

The eastern subterranean termite lives in the soil throughout New Jersey and eats wood from the inside out. It's the main reason the form exists.

Two carpenter ants carrying food on a surface
Nests in wood

Carpenter Ants

  • Piles of coarse, sawdust-like debris
  • Large ants indoors, often in spring
  • Activity near leaks, rot or damp wood

Carpenter ants don't eat wood β€” they carve galleries in it to nest, usually where moisture has softened it. That still counts as wood destroying activity.

Damaged wood framing and insulation inside a home
Bees and beetles

Carpenter Bees and Wood-Boring Beetles

  • Neat round holes in fascia, decks and railings
  • Tiny pinholes with fine, flour-like powder
  • Damage in older or unfinished wood

Carpenter bees drill tunnels in exposed wood to lay eggs. Powderpost and other wood-boring beetles develop inside wood and leave small exit holes and powder behind.

What happens during an NPMA-33 inspection

1

Outside

The inspector walks the foundation looking for mud tubes, wood touching soil, moisture problems and damaged trim, decks and porches.

2

Basement or crawl space

Sill plates, joists, beams, posts and the spots where pipes come through β€” where subterranean termites usually start.

3

Garage and other rooms

Accessible framing, door and window trim, and any outbuildings that are part of the inspection.

4

Report

The NPMA-33 is filled out and sent to the people you name, along with the invoice.

For a typical single-family house in North Jersey the visit usually takes under two hours; multi-family houses, big basements or lots of storage take longer. If something needs a closer look, we may use thermal imaging and TermaTrac to check behind walls without cutting into them.

How to read your WDI report in plain English

You don't need to know the form inside out. Look for these findings β€” exact wording varies a little, but the meaning is the same:

What the report saysWhat it meansWhat usually happens next
No visible evidence of wood destroying insectsThe inspector didn't see insects, damage or other signs in the areas that could be inspectedThe report goes into the loan file. It's not a guarantee β€” see the limits below
Visible evidence of active infestationLive insects (or fresh signs like active mud tubes) were seenTreatment by a licensed company; the lender may want proof before closing
Visible evidence of a past infestationDead insects, old tubes, shed wings or damage β€” but no live activity seenAsk whether the home was treated; the buyer may want a closer look or treatment
Visible damage notedWood damage from insects was seenRepairs may be needed; on a VA loan, repairs may be needed to meet VA Minimum Property Requirements
Evidence of previous treatmentDrill holes, bait stations or other signs of earlier treatmentAsk the seller for old treatment paperwork
Inaccessible or obstructed areasSome areas couldn't be checked β€” finished walls, storage, locked rooms, no crawl space accessOpen them up and ask for a re-inspection if they matter to you

Read the inaccessible-areas part carefully. In older North Jersey homes with finished basements, the most important wood (sill plates and joists) is sometimes hidden behind drywall or ceiling tiles.

What an NPMA-33 report is β€” and isn't

  • It's a visual inspection. The inspector reports what can be seen in accessible areas on that day. Nothing is torn out or opened up.
  • It isn't a warranty or guarantee that the house is free of insects, now or later.
  • It isn't a structural report. If damage is noted, a contractor or engineer may need to judge how serious it is.
  • It isn't a home inspection. Roof, plumbing, electrical and the rest of the house are a different inspection.
  • It has a shelf life. Lenders decide how recent the report must be β€” ask yours. Many want it within about 30 to 90 days of closing.

None of this makes the report less useful. It's the fastest, most standard way for everyone at the closing table to know whether wood destroying insects are a problem in this house right now.

What happens next if activity is found

πŸ§ͺ

Treatment

Active termites are treated with a liquid treatment around the foundation, a bait system or both. Termite treatment from Silver Bullet comes with a 90-day warranty.

πŸ”¨

Repairs

Damaged wood may need repair. We also do termite damage repair once activity is under control.

πŸ“„

Paperwork

The lender will want to see that the work was done. Ask us for the treatment paperwork so the file is complete.

🀝

Who pays

Settled between buyer and seller. On a VA loan the veteran may pay for necessary repairs, but sellers often cover it.

Book the inspection early in the contract so there's time for all of this. Questions about VA timing? See VA termite inspection requirements in NJ.

Order an NPMA-33 WDI Report

Send the address, closing date, loan type and who should get the report. We'll confirm the soonest opening.

Why people order WDI reports from us

  • VA, FHA or conventional lender asked for an NPMA-33
  • Buyer wants a termite check before closing
  • Seller wants to know before listing
  • Old report is too old for the lender
  • Report found activity and treatment is needed
πŸ“ž Call 973-510-2585

Request Service

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What's bugging you? - Step 1 of 3

NPMA-33 WDI Report FAQ

What does NPMA-33 stand for?

It's the National Pest Management Association's Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report β€” form 33. Lenders and attorneys usually just call it a WDI report or termite report.

Is an NPMA-33 the same as a termite inspection?

It's the written report of a wood destroying insect inspection. It covers termites plus carpenter ants, carpenter bees and wood-boring beetles.

Which loans use the NPMA-33?

VA, FHA and conventional loans all use it as the standard WDI form. In New Jersey, every VA purchase loan requires one.

What does "no visible evidence" mean on a WDI report?

The inspector didn't see insects, damage or other signs in the areas that could be inspected that day. It isn't a guarantee the house is insect-free.

What does "inaccessible" mean on the report?

Some areas couldn't be inspected β€” for example finished walls, heavy storage or a crawl space with no entry. Clear them and ask for a re-inspection if they matter to you.

How long does a WDI inspection take?

For a typical single-family house, usually under two hours. Larger or multi-family homes take longer.

How long is an NPMA-33 report valid?

Your lender decides. Many want it within about 30 to 90 days of closing, so ask before you book.

What happens if the report shows termites?

The termites are treated, and damaged wood may need repair. Our termite treatment comes with a 90-day warranty.

Who can fill out an NPMA-33 in New Jersey?

A licensed pest control company. Silver Bullet Pest Control holds NJ Pesticide License 90568B.

Do you send the report to the lender and attorneys?

Yes. Give us their emails when you book and we'll send it to everyone you name.

ΒΏHacen reportes NPMA-33 de termitas en espaΓ±ol?

SΓ­. Hacemos la inspecciΓ³n y el reporte NPMA-33 en el norte de New Jersey, y le explicamos los resultados en espaΓ±ol. Llame o mande texto al 973-510-2585.

NPMA-33 inspections near you

Based in Garfield, we complete WDI reports across Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

Our service area

Union County

973-510-2585
  • Berkeley Heights
  • Clark
  • Cranford
  • Elizabeth
  • Fanwood
  • Garwood
  • Hillside
  • Kenilworth
  • Linden
  • Mountainside
  • New Providence
  • Plainfield
  • Rahway
  • Roselle
  • Roselle Park
  • Scotch Plains
  • Springfield
  • Summit
  • Union
  • Westfield

Morris County

973-510-2585
  • Boonton
  • Butler
  • Cedar Knolls
  • Chatham
  • Denville
  • Dover
  • East Hanover
  • Florham Park
  • Hanover
  • Kinnelon
  • Lincoln Park
  • Madison
  • Mendham
  • Montville
  • Morris Plains
  • Morristown
  • Mountain Lakes
  • Parsippany
  • Pequannock
  • Randolph
  • Riverdale
  • Rockaway
  • Roxbury
  • Whippany

Updated November 2026 by the Silver Bullet Pest Control team, Garfield, NJ β€’ NJ License 90568B

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