The Georgia Termite Letter Explained for Macon Home Buyers and Sellers

What the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report covers, who can issue it, and what buyers and sellers in Macon should do with it.

What the report is

The Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report is the state-approved form used when a home is bought or sold. It records visible evidence of subterranean termites, drywood termites, powderpost beetles, other wood-boring beetles and wood-decaying fungi, and it notes areas the inspector could not reach.

Who can issue it

Only a licensed pest control company can perform the inspection and issue the report. The Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission sets the scope of the inspection and the form, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture oversees licensing.

Active infestation versus old damage

The report distinguishes between active infestation and evidence of past activity or damage. A note about old damage is not necessarily a deal-breaker; ask whether it was treated, whether there is an active bond, and whether the damage was repaired. For structural concerns, a builder or structural engineer should look at the wood itself.

Timing

Lenders usually want the report dated close to the closing date, so order it at the right point in your contract timeline. Ask your agent or lender what date window they accept.

Bonds that transfer

Many Macon homes come with an existing termite bond that can be transferred to the buyer. Get a copy, confirm whether it is a repair bond or re-treatment only, check the annual renewal cost, and make sure renewals are current. A lapsed bond may not be reinstated without a new inspection or treatment.