In California real estate transactions, escrow companies and lenders routinely require a Wood Destroying Organism report before closing. A technician examines accessible areas including crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior stem walls for evidence of drywood or subterranean termites. Findings are separated into Section 1 items, which show active infestation or damage, and Section 2 items, which note conditions that could lead to infestation. The report is ordered by the seller, buyer, or their agent and becomes part of the disclosure package.
Tehachapi foothill cabins on dirt crawl spaces often contain old-growth timbers where drywood termites leave frass pellets and subterranean termites build mud tubes along foundations. Identification matters because drywood treatments stay inside the wood while subterranean work requires soil barriers. A missed tube or gallery behind insulation can leave an active colony after the report is filed. Technicians document visible evidence only and note limited access areas such as finished interiors or blocked crawl-space entries.
Escrow and Section 1 Termite Reports Near You — Choose Your City
Every city below has its own local Escrow and Section 1 Termite Reports page with coverage details.
Mono County
Butte County
Kern
Fresno County
Plumas County
Kern County
Yuba County
Inyo County
Placer County
Sutter
Tuolumne County
Tulare
Calaveras County
Mariposa
Alameda
Mariposa County
Amador County
Nevada County
Sierra County
Plumas
Riverside
San Bernardino County
Sonoma
San Diego County
Riverside County
Sonoma County
Marin County
Glenn County
San Bernardino
Los Angeles County
San Diego
Tulare County
Mendocino
Yolo County
Monterey County
Madera County
Clearance re-inspections occur after recommended work is completed by a licensed operator. The technician returns to verify that Section 1 findings have been addressed and issues an updated report. Because the original inspection reflects conditions on the day of the visit, any new activity that appears later falls outside the scope of that single report.
Report Timing in Escrow
Inspections are typically scheduled within the first ten days of escrow so buyers can negotiate repairs. Properties vacant for months, common in Tehachapi, require extra time to open and examine every accessible timber.
Technician insight
In Tehachapi the thing that catches most people out with Escrow and Section 1 Termite Reports is dirt crawl spaces under 1970s cabins that sit empty through winter. Mud tubes along the north foundation stay hidden behind insulation batts, and a quick walk-through misses them until the buyer’s inspector opens every bay.
Foothill Cabin Escrow Inspection
A vacant Tehachapi cabin entered escrow in late fall. The initial walk-through found mud tubes on two piers. Further probing revealed drywood frass in the rim joist above the laundry room. The report listed both as Section 1 items and noted blocked access under the front deck. After treatment by a licensed operator the re-inspection confirmed the tubes were removed and no new frass appeared.
Escrow and Section 1 Termite Reports Services We Offer
✓Pre-Sale WDO Inspection
Full crawl-space, attic, garage and exterior examination that identifies active termite evidence before listing.
✓Section 1 and Section 2 Report Preparation
Written separation of active infestation findings from conducive conditions for escrow disclosure packages.
✓Clearance Re-Inspection
Follow-up visit after treatment to document that Section 1 items have been addressed on the property.
✓Limited Access Area Documentation
Notes areas blocked by insulation, finished surfaces or stored items that could not be fully examined.
✓Mud Tube and Frass Mapping
Precise location recording of tubes on foundations and frass below kick-out holes for targeted follow-up.
How it works
- 1
Schedule and Access
Agent or homeowner arranges entry and provides keys to crawl-space and attic hatches.
- 2
On-Site Examination
Technician inspects all accessible wood members, soil, and foundation surfaces for termite evidence.
- 3
Findings Classification
Evidence is recorded as Section 1 or Section 2 and mapped on a diagram included with the report.
- 4
Report Delivery
Completed document is sent to the escrow officer within the agreed timeframe for the transaction.
Pricing
Scope varies with property size, crawl-space access and number of structures, so pricing is set after the inspection. Call to schedule.