Termite (WDI) Inspection in San Antonio, TX — Do You Need One to Buy or Sell?
Texas rules, local cost, who pays, and a free checker — for 2026.
✓ Reviewed June 23, 2026 · sources: VA, Texas Dept. of Agriculture, NPMAYes for a VA loan — Texas requires a WDI report statewide. In San Antonio (Bexar County) every VA-financed purchase needs a Texas WDI report; FHA/conventional only if the appraiser flags pest evidence.
No mortgage? Not required — but smart, given heavy subterranean termite pressure across South-Central Texas.
Do I need a termite/WDI inspection in San Antonio?
Texas is a statewide VA-required state. Answer 2 questions. Informational — confirm with your lender.
⚠ Guidance only — not an official determination. Always confirm with your lender/insurer and the official source (.gov) before acting. See Disclaimer.
Texas-specific: Only an inspector licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) may issue the official Texas WDI report (Form NPMA-33). A general home inspector can’t issue it unless separately TDA-licensed.
Quick facts — San Antonio / Texas
| Required for VA loan? | Yes — Texas is statewide VA-required (VA, Circular 26-22-11) |
|---|---|
| FHA / conventional | Only if appraiser/contract flags pest evidence |
| Who issues the report | TDA-licensed inspector; document = Form NPMA-33 |
| Typical inspection cost | ~$100–$150 (often free with treatment) |
| Validity | ~90 days for mortgage use |
| Who pays | Negotiated — often seller (conventional), buyer (FHA) |
| Local risk | High — subterranean termites active across Bexar County |
Common questions
Do I need a termite inspection to buy a house in San Antonio?
In San Antonio, a termite (WDI) inspection is required for every VA loan and for FHA or conventional loans when the appraiser flags pest evidence. Texas is a statewide VA-required state, so VA buyers in Bexar County will need a Texas WDI report (Form NPMA-33). Cash buyers are not required but it is strongly recommended given high subterranean termite pressure.
Who can perform a WDI report in Texas?
In Texas, only an inspector licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) may issue the official Texas WDI report (Form NPMA-33). A general home inspector cannot issue it unless separately TDA-licensed for structural pest control.
How much does a termite inspection cost in San Antonio?
A termite/WDI inspection in San Antonio typically costs about $100 to $150, and many pest companies offer it free when you book treatment. Treatment, if needed, commonly runs $300 to $1,000, with whole-house fumigation higher.
Sources
- VA home loans & pest policy — benefits.va.gov (Circular 26-22-11), accessed Jun 2026
- Texas WDI licensing — Texas Department of Agriculture, accessed Jun 2026
- Form NPMA-33 — National Pest Management Association, accessed Jun 2026
- Termite biology & control in Texas — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, accessed Jun 2026
Related: Termite/WDO overview · Austin, TX