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VA Termite Inspection Requirements in New Jersey

If you’re buying a home with a VA loan, one of the first questions is whether you need a termite inspection. In New Jersey the answer is almost always yes. This guide explains how the VA’s termite (wood-destroying insect) rules work, what your lender will ask for, and what happens if termites are found — so nothing surprises you before closing.

How the VA decides where termite inspections are required

The VA ranks every area of the country by how likely termite infestation is. Areas with the highest risk — rated very heavy or moderate to heavy — require WDI information on every VA appraisal. In lower-risk areas a termite inspection is not automatically required.

The VA publishes these local requirements state by state. Some states are required statewide, some only in certain counties, and some not at all. In a 2025 update the VA revised the list; New Jersey remains on the statewide list, while nearby New York and Pennsylvania are required only in certain counties.

The appraiser can still require an inspection anywhere

Even in an area where an inspection isn’t automatically required, the VA appraiser will call for one if they see signs of termites or wood damage — mud tubes, damaged wood, swarmers. When that happens, a pest inspection becomes a condition of the loan.

What the lender needs: the NPMA-33

VA lenders ask for the NPMA-33 Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report (some states accept an equivalent state form). It must be completed and signed by a licensed pest control professional and shows:

• Whether visible evidence of termites or other wood-destroying insects was found
• Any visible damage and its location
• Evidence of previous treatment
• Areas that couldn’t be inspected and why

The report covers subterranean termites and other wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants, carpenter bees and wood-boring beetles. See what a termite inspection in New Jersey includes.

How long is a VA termite inspection valid?

The VA leaves timing to the lender, and many lenders accept a report for about 90 days. If your closing is pushed back past that, expect the lender to ask for an updated inspection. Schedule the inspection once you’re under contract and the loan is in process.

Who pays for the VA termite inspection?

Who pays is negotiated in the purchase contract, and the seller often covers it. VA rules allow the Veteran buyer to pay for the inspection, but your lender will confirm what’s allowed on your specific loan. We can bill whoever is responsible — buyer, seller, agent or attorney.

What happens if termites are found?

1. Treatment: active infestations must be treated before the loan closes (liquid treatment vs. bait systems).
2. Proof of treatment: the lender usually wants documentation of the treatment, and often a warranty or service agreement.
3. Clearance: an updated report or clearance letter shows the condition has been addressed.
4. Repairs: if the inspection found damage, the lender may require repair before closing so the home meets VA standards (termite damage repair in NJ).

New construction

For newly built homes, lenders typically look for proof that the builder protected the home against termites — for example, documentation of a pre-construction soil treatment or a builder’s termite guarantee. If signs of termites appear, treatment and certification are still required.

VA, FHA and conventional loans compared

• VA: required statewide in New Jersey.
• FHA and conventional: often required by the lender as well, especially when the appraiser notes signs of termites — and most buyers in NJ get one anyway.
• Cash buyers: not required, but strongly recommended before you buy.

Checklist for VA buyers in New Jersey

• Book the termite inspection as soon as you’re under contract
• Tell the inspector your lender and closing date
• Make sure the basement, crawl space, garage and porches are accessible
• If activity is found, schedule treatment right away and ask for the clearance paperwork
• Keep copies of the report and treatment documents for your records

VA termite inspection requirements — FAQ

Does every VA loan in New Jersey need a termite inspection?

VA purchase loans in New Jersey require wood-destroying insect information statewide, so plan on an NPMA-33 inspection. Your loan approval conditions are the final word.

Is a VA termite inspection the same as a WDI inspection?

Yes. “Termite inspection,” “WDI inspection,” “pest inspection” and “NPMA-33” all describe the same wood-destroying insect report.

Can the Veteran pay for the termite inspection?

VA rules allow it, but who pays is usually negotiated with the seller. Your lender will confirm what’s allowed.

What if the home had termites treated years ago?

Previous treatment is noted on the report. Without current activity, past treatment usually doesn’t stop a VA loan — have any warranty paperwork ready.

What if the lender needs an updated report?

We can re-inspect and issue an updated NPMA-33 when a closing is delayed.

Schedule your VA termite inspection

Silver Bullet Pest Control performs VA termite inspections, treatment and clearance across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Union Counties. Learn about our VA termite inspections, call 973-510-2585 or request a free quote.