The NPMA-33 is copyrighted by NPMA and cannot be reproduced without written consent. We explain it here and link to the official sources; we do not offer the form as a download. Buy it from NPMA or a licensed printer, or use an NPMA-authorized software provider.
NPMA-33 at a glance
Section by section
| Section | What goes in it (paraphrased from NPMA's guidelines) |
|---|---|
| I. General information | Inspecting company, its state pest control business license number ("not required" where none is issued), inspection date(s), property address, structures inspected, and the inspector's name, signature and state certification/license number. Findings cover the structure itself and areas under it (crawls, basements, porches); attached decks count as part of the structure. |
| II. Inspection findings | Box A: no visible evidence. Box B: visible evidence, with at least one of (1) live insects, (2) dead insects, parts, frass, shelter tubes, exit holes or staining, (3) visible damage - each with description and location. The inspector is not a damage expert and does not distinguish structural from cosmetic damage. |
| III. Recommendations | Whether treatment and/or corrective action is recommended, using NPMA's suggested guidelines per insect (e.g. live termites = recommend, regardless of prior treatment). |
| IV. Obstructions and inaccessible areas | Areas that could not be inspected (basement, crawlspace, main level, attic, garage, exterior, porch, addition, other) with a numbered key for the reason - stored items, paneling, ceiling tile and so on. |
| V. Additional comments and attachments | Anything else: documentation of prior treatment, photos, diagrams, service agreement details with expiration date. All attachments must be listed here. |
| Signatures + page 2 | Buyer and seller sign (usually at closing - not the inspector's job to collect). Page 2 is consumer information on scope and limitations that inspectors should know. |
States that use their own form
NPMA lists these states as maintaining their own inspection forms instead of the NPMA-33: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. HUD may still require the NPMA-33 for HUD-insured loans in those states, so check the transaction. State licensing to perform WDI inspections also varies - see your state’s licensing page.
Where to get the form
- Paper: from NPMA (packs of 100 or cases of 700) or NPMA-licensed printers.
- Digital: from one of the software companies NPMA authorizes (NPMA lists more than a dozen).
- Wood decay fungi: the NPMA-33 covers insects only. NPMA offers a separate, non-copyrighted model Wood Destroying Organism attachment for areas that require fungus reporting; HUD and VA do not require it.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Checking Box A when there is any old evidence. Box A means no visible evidence, past or present.
- Reporting things away from the structure in Section II. Mulch, stumps and woodpiles go in Section V comments, not findings.
- Vague locations. “Garage” is not enough - give enough detail to lead someone to the spot.
- Unlisted attachments. If it is not listed in Section V, the buyer may never know it exists.
- Changing the report after documentation shows up. NPMA’s guidance: do not alter the report; advise that documentation be provided to the lender.
Related
Doing WDI inspections from the truck?
We are building structured WDI capture for small shops (NPMA-33 output pending NPMA authorization). Founding members lock $49/mo.
Frequently asked questions
What is an NPMA-33?
NPMA’s Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report - the standard form for reporting visible evidence of termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and reinfesting wood-boring beetles in real estate transactions.
Is the NPMA-33 required?
NPMA’s guidelines say it must be used for HUD/VA-guaranteed transactions, unless a state mandates its own form by statute or regulation. Lenders often ask for it on conventional loans too.
Can I download a free NPMA-33?
No legitimate free download exists - the form is copyrighted. Buy it from NPMA or a licensed printer, or use an NPMA-authorized software provider.
Is an NPMA-33 a warranty?
No. Per NPMA’s guidelines it reports conditions on the inspection date only, and no warranty is provided unless one is attached and noted in Section V.
Who can sign an NPMA-33?
The inspector who performed the inspection signs and enters their state certification, registration or license number. Which license is required to do WDI inspections varies by state.
Sources
- NPMA - Suggested Guidelines for Completing the NPMA-33 (v1.3, Aug 2019) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- NPMA - NPMA Forms Information (licensed printers, digital providers, state forms) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- NPMA - Outline of Revisions to the updated NPMA-33 WDI Report (accessed 2026-09-23)
- HUD - Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report notice (NPMA-33) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- HomeAdvisor - Termite inspection cost (updated June 2026) (accessed 2026-09-23) - Third-party consumer cost guide.