WDO Clearance Certificates

Clearance certificates for wood-destroying insects are commonly required for property transfers in the coastal provinces of South Africa.

Banks often require entomological clearance certificates in areas with known woodborer problems before they will finance a property transaction. The sales agreement between seller and purchaser will normally include a clause that requires the seller to produce a valid Certificate of Clearance for Wood-destroying Insects.

What pests are involved.

Only wood-destroying pests of economic significance are at issue. These can be divided into two broad groups, namely wood-destroying insects and wood-destroying fungi. Most property sales agreements require that only wood-destroying insects are reported and eradicated.

Ultimately, this means that we inspect for wood-destroying insects that have the potential to cause significant damage to dry seasoned timber. These insects fall into three broad categories - subterranean termites, drywood termites and beetles.

Not all termites and beetles can attack dry seasoned timber. The most common problem wood-destroying insects in Kwazulu Natal are:

Natal Subterranean Termite - Macrotermes natalensis
West Indian Drywood Termite - Cryptotermes brevis
Common furniture beetle - Anobium punctatum
Powder post beetle - Lyctus brunneus
European house beetle - Hylotrupes bajulus

Meranti commonly has some minor damage by Pinhole Borer, but this dies out during the curing process and is not a threat to seasoned timber.

What treatments are involved.

If infestation is found, the affected buildings will need treatment to eradicate the infestation before a Certificate of Clearance may be issued. Because of the stringent requirements for a Certificate of Clearance, the recommended treatment must also make allowance for the possibility of latent infestation and infestation in inaccessible areas.

Accordingly, the type and location of the infestation affects the recommended method of treatment.

Get the right person for the job.

Our inspectors are specifically qualified for this work and registered with the South African Pest Control Association as Inspectors for Wood-Destroying Organisms. Be cautious of persons who are only registered Pest Control Operators and do not have the needed specialist qualifications in this field.

Giving you peace of mind.

Our Certificates of Clearance and workmanship are underwritten by the Woodborer Inspectors Fidelity Fund of the South African Pest Control Association.
An up-to-date list of Qualified Woodborer Inspectors registered with SAPCA can be found on the SAPCA website here.

Check our downloads section for a downloadable brochure.

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