Wood Destroying Insect Report in Alexandria & Northern Virginia
Better Termite issues the formal NPMA-33 letter lenders, VA, and closings require for real estate transactions across Northern Virginia — completed on-site by a licensed inspector and delivered within 24–48 hours.
- NPMA-33 Form
- Real Estate Closings
- Lender Required
- 24-48hr Turnaround
Get your WDI inspection & letter
Call for pricing · Turnaround in 24-48 hours
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What you're paying for
The signed letter your lender, the VA, and your closing attorney have been asking for.
Licensed technician walks the property
A trained, licensed inspector visually examines the accessible areas of your home — foundation, crawl space, basement, attic, garage, and the exterior wood around the structure — looking for any sign of wood-destroying insects or organisms.
Tuned for Northern Virginia and Maryland property types
Old Town rowhouses, 1950s ramblers in Arlington and Fairfax, mid-century split-levels, modern Northern Virginia new builds, and condos with shared walls — we inspect them all every week and know what the common findings look like at each.
Fast turnaround
The completed NPMA-33 letter is typically delivered to the buyer, seller, agent, and lender within 24–48 hours of the on-site inspection — fast enough to keep your real estate closing on schedule.
From Your Neighbors
Northern Virginia Real Estate Clients — in their own words
Buyers, sellers, and agents across Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax on what it's like to close on a home with Better Termite handling the WDI letter. Three generations of locals, the Better Promise, and the NPMA-33 done right.
- Homes protected
- 100k+
- Google reviews
- 4.9★
- Years local
- 58
How the inspection works
A three-step process built around your closing timeline.
On-site, on the form, in your inbox — the entire WDI process is designed to fit cleanly into a Northern VA real estate transaction without holding up settlement. Here's exactly what happens from scheduling to delivered letter.
On-site visual inspection
A licensed Better Termite inspector walks the foundation, crawl space, basement, attic, garage, and accessible exterior wood. The inspection covers all wood-destroying organisms — subterranean termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, carpenter bees, and wood-decay fungi — not just termites.
Findings documented on the NPMA-33
Every visible finding is recorded on the NPMA-33 — the federal-standard wood-destroying insect inspection report that lenders, the VA, FHA, and conventional closings have accepted as the canonical form for decades. The report covers active infestations, evidence of previous infestations, and conducive conditions.
Letter delivered to buyer, seller, agent, lender
The completed, signed NPMA-33 letter is emailed to whoever needs it — typically buyer, seller, both agents, and the lender — within 24–48 hours of the inspection. Hard copies on request. If anything was found, you'll get the treatment quote in the same email.
Why the WDI report matters
The letter that unlocks the closing.
For most Northern Virginia real estate transactions, the NPMA-33 is the last piece of paperwork standing between the buyer and the keys. Closer to home than the appraisal, faster than the title work, and one of the few documents that can flag a five-figure problem before it becomes yours. Related reading: our VA termite letter page, the free homeowner termite inspection, and our termite control options if the report comes back active.
VA loans require it
Department of Veterans Affairs loans in Virginia require a wood-destroying insect inspection on the NPMA-33 form before closing. Without the letter, your VA loan doesn't fund. This is the document your loan officer is asking for.
Lenders make it a condition of closing
Beyond VA loans, many conventional lenders — and most loans on older Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax homes — require a clear NPMA-33 as a condition of closing. The letter goes into the closing file alongside the appraisal and title work.
Buyers gain peace of mind and leverage
If the home is clear, the buyer closes confidently. If there's an active finding, the buyer has documented evidence to negotiate repairs, a treatment credit, or a price reduction before signing — protection that costs a one-time flat fee and can save thousands at closing.
Active findings can be resolved before closing
When the report comes back with active termite or other wood-destroying activity, we can treat the home and issue a re-inspection letter showing the property is back in good standing — usually fast enough to keep the original closing date.
The Better Promise: Free Re-Treatments Until Pests Are Gone
You're never locked into a contract—stay because you want to.
Unlimited re-treats if pests return, no long-term contracts, and if we can't get results, you don't pay for your last service. Cancel anytime.
Pest Control Service Area: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax & Maryland
Including areas south of Fredericksburg, west to Winchester and Frederick, MD and up to Baltimore. Type in your zip code above to check your home, or give us a call to check to ensure you are in our service area.
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Fairfax
- Loudoun County
- Prince William County
- Washington D.C.
- Montgomery County
- Prince George's County
Real Estate Closing Reviews from Northern Virginia and Maryland Clients
1500+ 5 Star Reviews on Google "I highly recommend this company for your home pest control. Their technicians are thorough and have prevented any unwanted problems from happening on our property. During our last treatment, Jasmine took care of our outdoor spider webs without us even asking. Last summer they removed a mud dauber's nest under our deck and above our patio door. That attention to detail speaks volumes. Thank you for taking care of us!"
"The team at Better Termite & Pest control are phenomenal! I feel like my family and my home are in good hands. Everyone I have come into contact with has been responsive, pleasant and professional. The price is right and the service is superb!"
"Joann is amazing! She always takes time to talk with me and check inside boxes. I so appreciate her!! I have been using Better Termite and Pest Management for over 20 years."
"I love Darren over at Better Termite. He is always so attentive and kind, and really goes, IMO, out of his way to do a fantastic job. And I am so happy that I had NO MOSQUITOES this summer in my backyard in spite of the fact that there is a drainage area right behind my house, and that is 100% because of Better Termites services."
"Daren and Shay were prompt, courteous and professional. Daren has been maintaining my property for a while now. He's passionate about his work and the environment. Definitely glad I found them!"
"Better Termite has been keeping our house bug free for years with regular perimeter treatments. As a small, family owned business, they are able to personalize their approach based on your needs. It's clear that they prioritize customer service and communication. We recently had a swarm of a stinging insect take shelter under our ground-level deck, and they researched, bought necessary equipment, and came up with the best way to treat it. Highly recommend!"
"Steve was very accommodating and patient in explaining what we're dealing with and what measures he recommended to address our rodent issue. He walked through and assessed our home thoroughly for areas of concern and walked my wife and I through the treatment plan and why he recommended the treatments. Steve's customer service skills were fantastic. He spoke clearly and concisely, alleviated our concerns, and assured us of their treatment service. I also want to recognize Cindy who promptly made the service call to check up on us the next day. She confirmed the treatment that had taken place and also provided reassurance of the work. Cindy's customer service was attentive and kind. My wife and I are extremely grateful for you both!"
"I called the office to get a quote, and Kamaal was very patient in explaining the process. He stayed on the call for 30+ minutes and provided a lot of valuable information. I truly appreciate his time and professionalism. Although we ultimately went with a different company because the latter were available sooner during the holiday season, I highly recommend checking out Better if you're looking for an honest and trustworthy service team to work with."
"Better Terminate and Pest Control provide my termite inspection annually. They have kept my home termite free for over 30 years. Throughout those years they have been a pleasure to work with and they are always respectful each time they've been to my home. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others for their pest control needs."
"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."
"Serviced my home for annual termite inspection for over 35 years! I think that speaks for itself. Technicians are thorough, polite, and trustworthy. They are quick to point out any pest concerns and offer resolutions. Highly recommend!"
"My initial review was one star. However, they reached to me to explain the situation with their new system to contact customers and schedule visits. They came out to look at the problem on time. They seemed very experienced and quickly provided assessment of the problem and made recommendation to address the issue. They were honest in their assessment and did not try to mislead me in anyway. The most important part for me was to have someone experienced and honest company provide the estimate and resolution. Once I have fixed the water leak issue and replaced the damaged material, I will call them to treat the insects. I changed my rating to five stars."
"Better Termite & Pest Control has been providing us effective and reliable service for over 20 years. Darren is our current technician, and he is wonderful. We couldn't be more pleased. Based on our experience, we would highly recommend Better Termite to anyone looking for a termite and pest control provider."
"I am a longtime (+20 year) customer of Better Termite & Pest Control because of the awesome customer service provided by Cindy. She always answers the phone with cheer and makes sure my needs for a pest free house are conveniently scheduled."
"24 years with Better Termite & Pest Control. They always have done a great job. Cindy in the main office is also so helpful. Greatly appreciated!"
"We've been a customer of Better Termite and Pest Control since moving into our Reston townhouse over 40 years ago and only stopped service because we finally moved out of the neighborhood. They have always provided great service. They treated a problem that we had many years ago, inspect for it regularly, and it has never recurred. Their regular inspections and preventive treatments avert pest problems and give great peace of mind. Cindy is especially helpful in scheduling visits and ensuring that the work is done properly. I highly recommend this business to anyone needing such services."
"Been using BT & PC for our annual inspection for over 30 years. Great service, always call ahead and leave no trace behind"
"We were blown away by the outstanding service received from Better Termite! We required a specific inspection for closing on a VA loan refinance and time was of the essence. Not only did they fully understand what was needed but they were able to accommodate our tight timeline. Every employee we spoke to or welcomed into our home was professional and courteous. We can't thank you enough for your assistance! We have been happy customers for over 10 years and will continue!"
"We've used Better Termite for 30 years. They are very professional, courteous and most of all, knowledgeable."
"We have been with Better Termite & Pest Control for 15 years & would highly recommend the company. We just renewed our service & Cindy at Better Termites was professional & helped answer all our questions regarding the renewal terms & schedule an extra service for our house. The services for general pest control & termites monitoring stations is reliable & performed on time!"
"I have been a client of Better Termite & Pest Control for decades. Their service is always A+. Cindy has always been helpful with clear explanations and quick to follow up. Being my main contact Cindy gives me great confidence in the company."
"I signed up for a plan and have been truly happy with it. This company is highly professional and very responsive. When I saw fence damage from a carpenter bee, they came out quickly to address the issue right away! Accolades to Cindy the dispatcher, and all the technicians from Juan to Daren to Fredie. I appreciate your service!"
"Edited to add: this company CONTINUES to amaze me! Last night, we found some super scary nests of stinging beasts embedded in the window screen right next to our front door. We are hosting a birthday party for our toddler on Saturday, so I was obviously distraught about potentially having to cancel given the location/danger to little kids. I left them a message AFTER they were closed, and BEFORE they were open this morning, I got an automated call from their scheduling system stating they'd be here today. It is 10:19am, and their employee is here, bravely tackling what I'm way too scared to address myself. Seriously y'all, if you have pests, and you call anyone else, you're shortchanging yourself. These pros GET. IT. DONE! We've had a subscription service with this company for yrs, since moving into our current house, and realizing it was rather...spidery. 🤮 But NO MORE! Better Termite uses pet-friendly, but not spider-friendly products, and we are now creepy crawly-free! Over the years, they've also tackled ants, bees, and HORRIBLE paper wasps! Further, Cindy and Darren are awesome to work with, and really know their stuff! I can't recommend this company enough."
"I've had nothing but great experiences for 3 years now. Their consistent, reliable service really stands out for me, and everyone is always kind and easy to talk to. I also like that they're a local, family-run business. They came with my new house protention plan and I've had no reason to ever switch. Kamaal, who I'm gonna call my customer consultant, is fantastic—he really listens to my concerns and works with me to come up with the best plan for whatever pest issues I'm dealing with. He even keeps me updated on pest trends in my area so we can stay ahead of any problems. I even had them go and take care of a mouse problem for my grandmother. Cleared out an infestation! I highly recommend them."
"Daren did an outstanding job conducting my termite inspection today. He was right on time and extremely professional thorough throughout the entire process. I did not have any problems, and he was very good with some solid advice about how to continue to guard against not only termites but other rodents as well. Cindy also expertly took care of me throughout the process. I know if I have any problems in the future.I will definitely call these folks. Outstanding job!!"
"After several months of on-again off-again rodent issues inside our house, I decided to look for a new exterminator team to partner with. Thanks to a quick ChatGPT search, I was able to cut through all the noise on the internet and find Better Termite & Pest. Following a review of their informative website, I called and spoke with Hussam—and he's awesome! He listened patiently to my issues and thoughtfully suggested services that fit my particular needs. Hussam also made it a point to pair me with a technician whose expertise aligns with the issues I am facing. My first consultation with Better Pest is this Friday, it could have been sooner but this worked best for me, and I look forward to tackling our pest problems with them!"
"Outstanding Customer Service Experience with Mr. Hussam! I want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional service I received from Mr. Hussam. From the start, he was highly professional, personable, and attentive to my needs. What truly stood out was his ability to recall our previous conversations, making the experience feel personalized and valued. His dedication and loyalty to both his job and the business were evident in the way he handled every interaction with care and expertise. He went above and beyond to ensure that I had the best experience possible. His positive attitude, commitment to excellence, and genuine concern for customer satisfaction truly set him apart. Thank you, Mr. Hussam, for your outstanding service—your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed!"
"We have used Better Termite since 1996 and we're very pleased with the results. The techs and the staff are flexible and prompt with appointments. Their price is reasonable. In 2023 we started using their pest control service for bugs and mice. Again we have been happy with the results of their service. Kamaal, I appreciate your customer satisfaction call to check us."
"Transfered my pest control service to someone new as my old service no longer served the area. My old service was fantastic and I didn't expect a business to beat it. First impression they might beat the other business! The set up of my account was easy and affordable and the best part was the actual service! Steve came by and was just the sweetest and knowledgeable guy ever! He answered all my questions and provided information on things I didn't know i needed! Just an awesome experience thus far and I have a feeling it will continue to be great. Thanks Better Termite & Pest Control!"
"They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."
"We had a bad cockroach problem - we knew it was bad because of all the baby cockroaches we spotted. It took a while but Better Termite ultimately solved it and our house is cockroach free. I signed up for a plan, but ultimately when I got laid off I had to cancel it. Fortunately their customer service, Cindy in particular, was quick to help out and made it pain free"
"I highly recommend this company for your home pest control. Their technicians are thorough and have prevented any unwanted problems from happening on our property. During our last treatment, Jasmine took care of our outdoor spider webs without us even asking. Last summer they removed a mud dauber's nest under our deck and above our patio door. That attention to detail speaks volumes. Thank you for taking care of us!"
"The team at Better Termite & Pest control are phenomenal! I feel like my family and my home are in good hands. Everyone I have come into contact with has been responsive, pleasant and professional. The price is right and the service is superb!"
"Joann is amazing! She always takes time to talk with me and check inside boxes. I so appreciate her!! I have been using Better Termite and Pest Management for over 20 years."
"I love Darren over at Better Termite. He is always so attentive and kind, and really goes, IMO, out of his way to do a fantastic job. And I am so happy that I had NO MOSQUITOES this summer in my backyard in spite of the fact that there is a drainage area right behind my house, and that is 100% because of Better Termites services."
"Daren and Shay were prompt, courteous and professional. Daren has been maintaining my property for a while now. He's passionate about his work and the environment. Definitely glad I found them!"
"Better Termite has been keeping our house bug free for years with regular perimeter treatments. As a small, family owned business, they are able to personalize their approach based on your needs. It's clear that they prioritize customer service and communication. We recently had a swarm of a stinging insect take shelter under our ground-level deck, and they researched, bought necessary equipment, and came up with the best way to treat it. Highly recommend!"
"Steve was very accommodating and patient in explaining what we're dealing with and what measures he recommended to address our rodent issue. He walked through and assessed our home thoroughly for areas of concern and walked my wife and I through the treatment plan and why he recommended the treatments. Steve's customer service skills were fantastic. He spoke clearly and concisely, alleviated our concerns, and assured us of their treatment service. I also want to recognize Cindy who promptly made the service call to check up on us the next day. She confirmed the treatment that had taken place and also provided reassurance of the work. Cindy's customer service was attentive and kind. My wife and I are extremely grateful for you both!"
"I called the office to get a quote, and Kamaal was very patient in explaining the process. He stayed on the call for 30+ minutes and provided a lot of valuable information. I truly appreciate his time and professionalism. Although we ultimately went with a different company because the latter were available sooner during the holiday season, I highly recommend checking out Better if you're looking for an honest and trustworthy service team to work with."
"Better Terminate and Pest Control provide my termite inspection annually. They have kept my home termite free for over 30 years. Throughout those years they have been a pleasure to work with and they are always respectful each time they've been to my home. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others for their pest control needs."
"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."
"Serviced my home for annual termite inspection for over 35 years! I think that speaks for itself. Technicians are thorough, polite, and trustworthy. They are quick to point out any pest concerns and offer resolutions. Highly recommend!"
"My initial review was one star. However, they reached to me to explain the situation with their new system to contact customers and schedule visits. They came out to look at the problem on time. They seemed very experienced and quickly provided assessment of the problem and made recommendation to address the issue. They were honest in their assessment and did not try to mislead me in anyway. The most important part for me was to have someone experienced and honest company provide the estimate and resolution. Once I have fixed the water leak issue and replaced the damaged material, I will call them to treat the insects. I changed my rating to five stars."
"Better Termite & Pest Control has been providing us effective and reliable service for over 20 years. Darren is our current technician, and he is wonderful. We couldn't be more pleased. Based on our experience, we would highly recommend Better Termite to anyone looking for a termite and pest control provider."
"I am a longtime (+20 year) customer of Better Termite & Pest Control because of the awesome customer service provided by Cindy. She always answers the phone with cheer and makes sure my needs for a pest free house are conveniently scheduled."
"24 years with Better Termite & Pest Control. They always have done a great job. Cindy in the main office is also so helpful. Greatly appreciated!"
"We've been a customer of Better Termite and Pest Control since moving into our Reston townhouse over 40 years ago and only stopped service because we finally moved out of the neighborhood. They have always provided great service. They treated a problem that we had many years ago, inspect for it regularly, and it has never recurred. Their regular inspections and preventive treatments avert pest problems and give great peace of mind. Cindy is especially helpful in scheduling visits and ensuring that the work is done properly. I highly recommend this business to anyone needing such services."
"Been using BT & PC for our annual inspection for over 30 years. Great service, always call ahead and leave no trace behind"
"We were blown away by the outstanding service received from Better Termite! We required a specific inspection for closing on a VA loan refinance and time was of the essence. Not only did they fully understand what was needed but they were able to accommodate our tight timeline. Every employee we spoke to or welcomed into our home was professional and courteous. We can't thank you enough for your assistance! We have been happy customers for over 10 years and will continue!"
"We've used Better Termite for 30 years. They are very professional, courteous and most of all, knowledgeable."
"We have been with Better Termite & Pest Control for 15 years & would highly recommend the company. We just renewed our service & Cindy at Better Termites was professional & helped answer all our questions regarding the renewal terms & schedule an extra service for our house. The services for general pest control & termites monitoring stations is reliable & performed on time!"
"I have been a client of Better Termite & Pest Control for decades. Their service is always A+. Cindy has always been helpful with clear explanations and quick to follow up. Being my main contact Cindy gives me great confidence in the company."
"I signed up for a plan and have been truly happy with it. This company is highly professional and very responsive. When I saw fence damage from a carpenter bee, they came out quickly to address the issue right away! Accolades to Cindy the dispatcher, and all the technicians from Juan to Daren to Fredie. I appreciate your service!"
"Edited to add: this company CONTINUES to amaze me! Last night, we found some super scary nests of stinging beasts embedded in the window screen right next to our front door. We are hosting a birthday party for our toddler on Saturday, so I was obviously distraught about potentially having to cancel given the location/danger to little kids. I left them a message AFTER they were closed, and BEFORE they were open this morning, I got an automated call from their scheduling system stating they'd be here today. It is 10:19am, and their employee is here, bravely tackling what I'm way too scared to address myself. Seriously y'all, if you have pests, and you call anyone else, you're shortchanging yourself. These pros GET. IT. DONE! We've had a subscription service with this company for yrs, since moving into our current house, and realizing it was rather...spidery. 🤮 But NO MORE! Better Termite uses pet-friendly, but not spider-friendly products, and we are now creepy crawly-free! Over the years, they've also tackled ants, bees, and HORRIBLE paper wasps! Further, Cindy and Darren are awesome to work with, and really know their stuff! I can't recommend this company enough."
"I've had nothing but great experiences for 3 years now. Their consistent, reliable service really stands out for me, and everyone is always kind and easy to talk to. I also like that they're a local, family-run business. They came with my new house protention plan and I've had no reason to ever switch. Kamaal, who I'm gonna call my customer consultant, is fantastic—he really listens to my concerns and works with me to come up with the best plan for whatever pest issues I'm dealing with. He even keeps me updated on pest trends in my area so we can stay ahead of any problems. I even had them go and take care of a mouse problem for my grandmother. Cleared out an infestation! I highly recommend them."
"Daren did an outstanding job conducting my termite inspection today. He was right on time and extremely professional thorough throughout the entire process. I did not have any problems, and he was very good with some solid advice about how to continue to guard against not only termites but other rodents as well. Cindy also expertly took care of me throughout the process. I know if I have any problems in the future.I will definitely call these folks. Outstanding job!!"
"After several months of on-again off-again rodent issues inside our house, I decided to look for a new exterminator team to partner with. Thanks to a quick ChatGPT search, I was able to cut through all the noise on the internet and find Better Termite & Pest. Following a review of their informative website, I called and spoke with Hussam—and he's awesome! He listened patiently to my issues and thoughtfully suggested services that fit my particular needs. Hussam also made it a point to pair me with a technician whose expertise aligns with the issues I am facing. My first consultation with Better Pest is this Friday, it could have been sooner but this worked best for me, and I look forward to tackling our pest problems with them!"
"Outstanding Customer Service Experience with Mr. Hussam! I want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional service I received from Mr. Hussam. From the start, he was highly professional, personable, and attentive to my needs. What truly stood out was his ability to recall our previous conversations, making the experience feel personalized and valued. His dedication and loyalty to both his job and the business were evident in the way he handled every interaction with care and expertise. He went above and beyond to ensure that I had the best experience possible. His positive attitude, commitment to excellence, and genuine concern for customer satisfaction truly set him apart. Thank you, Mr. Hussam, for your outstanding service—your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed!"
"We have used Better Termite since 1996 and we're very pleased with the results. The techs and the staff are flexible and prompt with appointments. Their price is reasonable. In 2023 we started using their pest control service for bugs and mice. Again we have been happy with the results of their service. Kamaal, I appreciate your customer satisfaction call to check us."
"Transfered my pest control service to someone new as my old service no longer served the area. My old service was fantastic and I didn't expect a business to beat it. First impression they might beat the other business! The set up of my account was easy and affordable and the best part was the actual service! Steve came by and was just the sweetest and knowledgeable guy ever! He answered all my questions and provided information on things I didn't know i needed! Just an awesome experience thus far and I have a feeling it will continue to be great. Thanks Better Termite & Pest Control!"
"They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."
"We had a bad cockroach problem - we knew it was bad because of all the baby cockroaches we spotted. It took a while but Better Termite ultimately solved it and our house is cockroach free. I signed up for a plan, but ultimately when I got laid off I had to cancel it. Fortunately their customer service, Cindy in particular, was quick to help out and made it pain free"
Pest Control FAQ: Termites, Rodents, Mosquitoes & More
What is a Wood Destroying Insect Report?
+
A Wood Destroying Insect Report — also called a WDI report, WDO report, or simply a "termite letter" — is a formal inspection document completed on the NPMA-33 form (the National Pest Management Association's federal-standard wood-destroying insect inspection report). A licensed inspector visually examines the accessible portions of a home for evidence of subterranean termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, carpenter bees, and wood-decay fungi, then documents any findings on the form. The signed letter is what lenders, the VA, and real estate closings require before funding the loan on a property in Alexandria or Northern Virginia.
Is a WDI report the same as a termite inspection?
+
Sort of — they overlap but aren't identical. A termite inspection is the broader, informal walk-through we offer free to Northern Virginia homeowners who suspect activity or are considering protection. A WDI report is the formal, signed NPMA-33 document required for a real estate transaction. The on-site work looks similar, but the WDI report produces a federally-recognized letter with the inspector's signature and license number that lenders accept as the closing document. If you're a homeowner not buying or selling, you almost certainly want our free termite inspection, not the WDI report. See /termite-inspection/ for the homeowner version.
How much does a WDI report cost in Alexandria, VA?
+
The Better Termite WDI report is Call for pricing for properties in Alexandria and Northern Virginia. That's a flat fee — no per-square-foot charges, no add-ons, no surprises. It includes the on-site inspection of all accessible areas, the completed and signed NPMA-33 letter, and delivery to whoever needs it (buyer, seller, both agents, lender). If you're a VA buyer, see also our dedicated /va-termite-letter/ page.
How long does it take to get the letter?
+
The on-site inspection itself typically runs 30–60 minutes depending on the size of the home and accessibility of the crawl space and attic. The completed NPMA-33 letter is then delivered by email within 24–48 hours of that inspection — fast enough to keep almost every Northern Virginia real estate closing on schedule. Need it faster for a closing that's stacked up? Tell us when you call and we'll usually find a way.
What happens if the report comes back with active termites or other findings?
+
The NPMA-33 documents whatever was visible at the inspection. If active subterranean termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, or wood-decay fungi are present, we'll quote the treatment in the same email as the report. After treatment, we issue a re-inspection letter showing the property is back in good standing — that updated letter is what the lender and the VA will accept for closing. The vast majority of closings with active findings still go through on the original timeline once treatment and re-inspection are handled. See /termite-control/ for the treatment side.
Do I need a WDI report if I'm not buying or selling a home? +
No. The WDI report exists for real estate closings — that's its job. If you're a current Alexandria or Northern Virginia homeowner who suspects termite activity or wants to evaluate protection options, request our free termite inspection instead. It covers the same wood-destroying organisms in the same way, you get a written summary of findings, and there's no charge. The WDI report fee only applies when you specifically need the signed NPMA-33 letter for a transaction — call (703) 683-2000 for current pricing.
Does the WDI letter satisfy VA loan requirements? +
Yes. The NPMA-33 is the form the Department of Veterans Affairs requires for wood-destroying insect inspections on VA-financed home purchases in Virginia, and our licensed inspectors are credentialed to complete and sign it. We do dozens of VA closings every month across Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and the rest of Northern Virginia. If you're specifically looking for the VA letter, our /va-termite-letter/ page goes deeper on the VA-specific timeline.
Is the WDI report the same as the NPMA-33 form? +
Yes. The Wood Destroying Insect Report is the document; the NPMA-33 is the specific federal-standard form it's written on. When a lender, agent, or VA underwriter asks for "the NPMA-33," "the WDI," "the WDO report," or "the termite letter," they're all asking for the same thing — the signed NPMA-33 inspection report from a licensed pest control company. That's exactly what we deliver.
Is there a contract or ongoing commitment? +
No. The WDI report is a flat, one-time fee — call (703) 683-2000 for current pricing. You're not signing up for ongoing service, a termite plan, or a monitoring contract — just the inspection and the letter. If findings come back active and you choose to treat, the treatment is a separate quote you can accept or decline. No pressure.
Are you local and family-owned? +
Better Termite & Pest Control has been family-owned and operated since 1968 — three generations of the Schulz family running the company out of Alexandria, Virginia. We've completed thousands of WDI reports for Northern Virginia closings over the decades. We currently maintain a 4.9 rating across 1500+ verified reviews and an A+ rating with the BBB.
Do you offer wood-destroying-insect inspection in Bethesda, Rockville, or Silver Spring? +
Yes — in addition to our Alexandria and Northern Virginia footprint, we service most of Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland. Wood-destroying-insect inspection in Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, Hyattsville, College Park, Bowie, and surrounding zip codes is on the route. Call (703) 683-2000 and we'll confirm coverage for your specific zip code.