Summer in Georgia brings sunshine, cookouts, and long days—along with an unwelcome surge of pest activity. From termites and carpenter ants to powderpost beetles and wood-decaying fungi, the warm, humid climate of the Metro Areas creates the perfect breeding ground for wood-destroying organisms (WDOs). While many homeowners focus on visible pests like ants or mosquitoes, WDOs operate silently and behind the scenes, often causing significant structural damage before their presence is detected.
For homeowners in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Athens, especially those concerned about the health and longevity of their foundation and framing systems, early detection of WDO activity is essential. That's where a professional WDO inspection from LunsPro Inspection Group can make all the difference. In this article, we'll explain what a WDO inspection entails, why it's vital during the summer months, and how it ties into your home's overall structural health.
Understanding WDOs and Why They Thrive in Summer
Wood-destroying organisms include a broad category of pests and fungi that thrive in moist, warm environments—precisely the conditions found across Georgia during the summer. These organisms feed on or break down cellulose-based materials, including wooden support beams, flooring, subflooring, wall studs, and other essential structural elements.
The most common WDOs in the region include:
Subterranean termites
Drywood termites
Carpenter ants
Powderpost beetles
Wood-decaying fungi
Many of these pests go undetected for months or even years, quietly compromising a home's structural stability. In the Metro Areas, summer brings heightened pest activity due to increased humidity, rainfall, and warmth—all factors that accelerate colony expansion and wood decay.
Because of these conditions, summer is the most critical time for homeowners to schedule a WDO inspection. Waiting until signs become obvious can mean the difference between a minor fix and a costly foundation or structural repair.
What Is a WDO Inspection?
A WDO inspection, also known as a Wood-Destroying Organism inspection or termite inspection, is a specialized evaluation that focuses on identifying the presence of pests or fungi that damage wood. While standard Georgia home inspections may touch on signs of pest activity, WDO inspections are much more thorough and are typically required for real estate transactions, renovations, or long-term property maintenance.
When performed by LunsPro Inspection Group, a WDO inspection involves:
Detailed visual inspection of the home's exterior and interior
Assessment of crawl spaces, attics, basements, and foundations
Examination of wooden elements for evidence of damage, frass (insect droppings), or moisture
Identification of conducive conditions such as standing water, wood-to-soil contact, or poor ventilation
Evaluation of previous treatments or infestations and their current status
These inspections are performed by licensed professionals who understand how to recognize subtle clues that might be missed by the untrained eye.
Signs You May Need a WDO Inspection This Summer
While some WDO activity is hard to spot without professional help, there are certain warning signs homeowners in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Athens should look out for:
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
Small holes or tunnels in exposed wood
Buckling floors or sagging beams
Piles of what looks like sawdust (frass) near wood surfaces
Mud tubes on exterior foundation walls (common with subterranean termites)
Swarming winged insects near baseboards or windows, especially in early summer
If you've noticed any of these signs—or if your home hasn't had a WDO inspection in several years—it's time to call in the professionals. LunsPro Inspection Group provides WDO evaluations as part of their comprehensive Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Athens Residential and Commercial Inspections, giving homeowners clear insight into potential infestations and what actions are needed to protect the home's integrity.
Why WDOs Pose a Risk to Foundation Health
For homeowners worried about foundation issues, WDOs should be a top concern. Subterranean termites, for example, typically enter the home through the foundation and thrive in damp soil. They often build mud tubes to access wooden support structures and can cause extensive damage to load-bearing elements in a matter of months.
Wood-decaying fungi also flourish in dark, moist crawl spaces—common in many older Georgia homes—and can weaken the joists and sill plates that connect your home's framing to the foundation. Over time, these issues lead to:
Uneven floors
Cracked walls
Sinking or settling foundation slabs
Expensive structural repairs
By identifying early signs of WDO activity, a summer inspection allows you to address problems before they evolve into structural crises.
What to Expect During a WDO Inspection from LunsPro
When you schedule a WDO inspection with LunsPro Inspection Group, you'll receive a thorough, professional evaluation customized for the unique climate and conditions of Georgia home inspections. Here's what the process typically involves:
1. Exterior Inspection
Inspectors begin by examining your home's exterior, looking for wood-to-soil contact, moisture issues, and mud tubes. Siding, deck supports, and door frames are inspected for signs of damage or fungal growth.
2. Interior Evaluation
Next, the inspector checks inside the home—focusing on baseboards, window frames, wooden flooring, and door thresholds. Discoloration, hollow wood, and warping may indicate hidden infestations.
3. Crawl Space and Attic Assessment
These hard-to-reach areas are magnets for pest activity due to moisture and limited ventilation. Inspectors look for fungus, moisture intrusion, and direct damage to wood structures supporting the roof or flooring system.
4. Foundation Check
The inspector looks for entry points, mud tubes, or damaged wood near the foundation, crawl space supports, or slab edges. This helps identify threats to the stability of your home's foundation.
5. Comprehensive Report
After the inspection, homeowners receive a digital report complete with photographs, identified problem areas, and expert recommendations. This report can serve as documentation for pest control services, insurance, or real estate negotiations.
The Role of Prevention and Ongoing Maintenance
While WDO inspections are crucial for identifying current infestations, prevention is equally important. Homeowners in the Metro Areas should take the following steps to reduce the likelihood of pest problems:
Ensure proper grading around the home to prevent water pooling
Keep gutters and downspouts clean to avoid foundation saturation
Store firewood and lumber away from the home's exterior
Repair leaking pipes or fixtures to reduce crawl space humidity
Use vapor barriers and ensure crawl spaces are well ventilated
Schedule regular Georgia home inspections with a provider like LunsPro
LunsPro also offers bundled services, so you can combine your WDO inspection with a full home inspection, roof evaluation, or thermal imaging scan for complete peace of mind.
Residential and Commercial Applications
Whether you own a historic home in Atlanta, a modern townhouse in Alpharetta, or operate a commercial facility in Athens, WDO inspections are essential to maintaining the long-term health and safety of the structure. LunsPro Inspection Group provides both residential and commercial WDO inspections that comply with state regulations and mortgage lending requirements.
For property managers and commercial owners, regular WDO inspections are vital for avoiding liability, protecting tenants, and reducing costly damage. For homeowners, they offer peace of mind and help preserve property value over time.
Why Choose LunsPro Inspection Group?
LunsPro Inspection Group has earned a reputation for providing detailed, accurate, and timely inspection services across Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Athens Residential and Commercial Inspections. With deep local knowledge, their team understands the unique risks posed by Georgia summers, from termite swarms to moisture-loving fungi.
What sets LunsPro apart is their use of advanced tools, certified inspectors, and a commitment to education. Their reports don't just identify issues—they explain them in a way that helps homeowners make informed decisions about next steps. From first-time buyers to experienced property owners, LunsPro delivers clarity, reliability, and superior service.
Stay Ahead of Summer Pests
Summer in the Georgia is a time for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors—not for worrying about the unseen damage WDOs can cause inside your home. With the high humidity and heat, conditions are perfect for termites, carpenter ants, and fungi to thrive. And while these organisms may not be visible right away, their long-term impact on your home's structure—especially the foundation—can be severe.
Scheduling a professional WDO inspection from LunsPro Inspection Group is a smart, preventative step toward protecting your home from pest-related damage. With expert insight, local knowledge, and thorough reporting, LunsPro ensures that you stay ahead of infestations before they lead to major repairs. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply maintaining your property in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Athens, a WDO inspection can help you safeguard your investment all summer long.
So, don't wait until it's too late. Contact LunsPro Inspection Group today and take the first step in keeping your home safe, sound, and pest-free this season.