VA Termite Inspections in Colorado: The Newest Loan Requirement
- Ethan Martinez
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 15
For veterans and active-duty service members using a VA loan to purchase a home, the inspection process includes an important step that many buyers may not be familiar with: the VA termite inspection. In Colorado, this inspection is becoming increasingly important—and in many counties, it is now required for VA-backed home loans.
At Arrow Home Inspections, we provide professional VA termite inspections in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. Our trained inspectors know exactly what to look for, where to look, and how to properly document the findings using the forms lenders require.
What Is a VA Termite Inspection?
A VA termite inspection is also known as a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection. The purpose of this inspection is to determine whether a property has any active infestation or damage caused by wood-destroying insects.
These pests include:
Subterranean termites
Carpenter ants
Powderpost beetles
Carpenter bees
While termites tend to get the most attention, all of these insects can damage structural wood over time. A WDI inspection ensures the home is structurally sound and safe for the buyer.
For VA loans, the inspection must be documented on the NPMA-33 form, which is the standardized Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report required by most lenders.
VA Termite Inspections Are Now Required in Many Colorado Counties
In recent years, VA lending guidelines have made termite inspections mandatory in a growing number of Colorado counties. This requirement is designed to protect buyers from unknowingly purchasing a home with hidden structural damage caused by wood-destroying insects.
Even though Colorado is not traditionally considered a high-termite state like parts of the South, termites and other wood-destroying insects are still present here. Subterranean termites, in particular, can exist undetected for years because they often live underground and enter homes through foundations or small cracks in concrete.
Because of this risk, VA lenders want verification that the property is free of infestation or major damage before approving the loan.
Why You Need a Certified or Trained Inspector
A VA termite inspection isn’t just a quick visual check. It requires a trained eye and knowledge of how wood-destroying insects behave. Many infestations remain hidden unless the inspector knows exactly where to look.
A certified or properly trained inspector understands the signs of potential activity, including:
Mud tubes along foundations or crawl spaces
Damaged or hollow-sounding wood
Discarded insect wings near windows or doors
Frass (insect droppings) left by certain pests
Moisture conditions that can attract termites
Equally important is knowing the high-risk areas of a home, such as crawl spaces, basements, sill plates, and areas where wood contacts soil. These locations are often where infestations begin.
Choosing an experienced inspector ensures that potential issues are identified early, protecting both the buyer and the lender.
The Importance of the NPMA-33 Form
One of the most critical parts of a VA termite inspection is the documentation. Lenders require the inspection results to be recorded on the NPMA-33 form, which is the nationally recognized report for wood-destroying insect inspections.
This form provides standardized information about:
Evidence of active infestation
Previous damage caused by insects
Conditions that may lead to infestation
Whether treatment or further evaluation is recommended
Because lenders rely on this report to approve VA loans, accuracy and proper completion of the NPMA-33 form are essential. An inspector who is familiar with VA requirements can ensure the report is completed correctly and delivered promptly so the closing process stays on schedule.
Protecting Your Investment
A home purchase is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. For veterans and military families using VA loans, the termite inspection requirement is there to help protect that investment.
Wood-destroying insects can cause costly structural damage if they go undetected. Early identification allows homeowners to address issues before they become major repairs.
Even when no active infestation is found, the inspection still provides peace of mind that the property has been professionally evaluated.
Why Choose Arrow Home Inspections
At Arrow Home Inspections, we understand the specific requirements that come with VA loans. Our inspectors are trained to perform thorough WDI inspections and know exactly what signs of termite or wood-destroying insect activity to look for.
We also use the NPMA-33 form required by lenders, ensuring that your documentation meets VA loan standards and helps keep your home purchase moving forward smoothly.
Whether you’re buying a home in Colorado Springs or the surrounding communities, our goal is to provide clear, accurate inspections that help protect your investment and your peace of mind.
If you’re purchasing a home with a VA loan and need a professional termite inspection, Arrow Home Inspections is here to help.
FAQ About Termite Inspections
Termite Inspections are now required on all VA backed loans in the greater Colorado Springs area, and most of the counties in the state
Arrow Home Inspections can perform your termite inspection and utilizes the NPMA-33 form lenders require to close your loan on time
No licensure is needed to perform termite inspections in Colorado, however a license is needed to perform mitigation or extermination
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