If you’ve ever looked into pest control services, you’ve probably come across the term “termite bonds.” What exactly is this bond, and when will you require it? We’ve put up a list of frequently asked questions for you!
A termite bond, similar to a maintenance contract, is a guaranty between you and a termite provider. It usually consists of two major components:
- An agreement to have termite inspections for the duration of the contract (typically a couple of years). These inspections can take place once a year, quarterly, or according to a predetermined schedule.
- If termites are identified, there is an agreement to offer treatment and control. These services are typically covered by a bond, so the homeowner is not responsible for any additional costs. Many bonds provide upfront servicing prior to inspections to address newly detected termite issues.
- Damage repair or retreatment is the sole option. A contract should include whether the service provider will retract the structure and repair any damage caused by a subsequent infestation, or if the service provider will just retreat the structure without making damage repairs. Because not all properties qualify for a Repair Bond, it’s a good idea to find out if yours does and what the expenses are.
A bond is not the same as a “termite letter,” which states whether or not a house is free of termites after an examination.
A termite bond provides you with piece of mind. If you have a termite infestation, you may be concerned that termites will return following treatment. A bond, on the other hand, ensures that the pest control firm will keep an eye on your property and ensure that a new infestation does not emerge.
Termite bonds are also beneficial when purchasing or selling a home. If a home inspector discovers a termite problem or a high probability of termites, purchasers will typically agree to buy the house only if the owners first acquire a termite bond. Similarly, lenders may refuse to issue a mortgage for at-risk properties without a bond. Pest inspections are required for some loans, such as FHA and VA mortgages, therefore termite bonds can help homebuyers qualify for those lower-cost loans as well.
A bond can only be issued by a licensed pest control company. Some home inspectors have relationships with qualified pest treatment firms and can refer homeowners or homebuyers to one.
We don’t recommend waiting until your home is inspected to see if you need a termite bond. The finding may cause a delay in the seller’s intentions at a critical point in the sale. Instead, it’s a smart idea to arrange for a bond if you’re thinking about selling your house or if you recently discovered a termite infestation and are concerned about it returning.
The price of a termite bond is decided by the length of the bond and the services included, as well as other criteria.
For the initial service, a typical price range for a residential residence is $700 to $1,000, however rates might be lower for simpler arrangements. The warranty coverage, which includes an annual inspection as needed, normally costs $300-$400 each year.
There are two types of termite bonds: transferable and nontransferable. When a home is sold, a transferable bond can be transferred to a new homeowner. As you may expect, it’s critical to secure a transferrable bond as soon as feasible.
How long does a termite relationship last?
“Some damage is so little that homeowners prefer not to restore it once the infestation has been controlled,” says Lisa Harris of RE/MAX Center in suburban Atlanta, who specializes in investment properties, elite houses, and gated communities.
“Termite damage can cost thousands of dollars to remediate in some circumstances, according to Harris. “In rare circumstances, dwellings are demolished due to substantial termite damage.”
Re-treat bonds and re-treat and repair bonds are the two main types of bonds. The first ensures that the pests are treated as soon as they are found. The second adds damage repair.
“In my perspective, treatment-only bonds are not worth having at all,” Carlson argues.
She suggests receiving a few quotations from reputable companies and making sure to ask the following four questions:
How long will the bond be valid before it needs to be renewed? (Carlson claims that a ten-year period is usual.)
Is termite protection from Terminix transferable?
Termite contracts are frequently transferred to new buyers who are moving into the same property where a termite contract already exists, though this varies by termite firm. A termite contract, on the other hand, cannot be transferred from one property to another. If you’re relocating, a termite contract should be one of the first things you purchase for your new house.
Do termite contracts make sense?
A termite warranty may be requested by a buyer if you are selling your house, however warranties are not required in most states. A termite warranty, on the other hand, is well worth the cost of protecting your home. Termite repair costs roughly $3,000 on average. Repairs for termites can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so a warranty is well worth the money.
Is a termite bond required when selling a home in South Carolina?
A termite bond is a contract between you and a termite management business that functions as a termite insurance policy. The terms can vary depending on the situation, but they typically include reimbursement for direct termite damage or coverage for future treatments.
When trying to buy or rent a house in a termite-infested area, it’s critical to have a fresh termite bond or letter on hand, or to have access to one. The seller’s disclosure should include any recent letters. A transferable bond is one that allows a termite bond to be transferred to a new homeowner.
Because a termite bond isn’t always necessary when selling a home, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want the inspection and bond executed. In most cases, the bond will include an annual inspection to keep termite infestations under control.
- Termites can cause damage to your home in a variety of ways (the bond may not cover all types)
They’ll also talk over if you need a termite warranty for the house and how often you should have inspections in the future. The cost of a termite bond is determined by the level of coverage you choose. The cost of the bond does not include inspections for bed bugs, ants, beetles, or other pests that could result in unexpected future charges. It also excludes damage that contributes to termite infestations, such as water damage that permits termites to enter. It only covers the termite’s actual killing and control, as well as damage caused directly by the termites.
Is damage covered by termite bonds?
A termite bond serves as a guarantee that a pest control company’s work is effective. It could include future damage repair or retreatment.
A termite bond, like a home or automobile warranty, protects your investment. The bond protects Peachtree Pest Control’s work after we conduct an inspection and apply the necessary treatments. If termites reappear, the insurance will pay the cost of any additional treatment.
Step 1: Locate and identify termites
Inspect your home for signs of termites on a regular basis. Look for rotten wood, especially in areas where wood surfaces come into contact with the ground. Another telltale symptom is mud tubes around 6mm in diameter running along walls, foundations, or joists. Drywood termites do not construct mud tubes because they live in dry wood. Drywood termites leave behind small digested wood pellets, about the size of a grain of rice, as they chew their way through wood.
Step 2: Contact a professional
Instead of trying to get rid of termites on their own, it’s usually recommended that homeowners use a professional terminator exterminator. This is due to the fact that termites are difficult to eradicate, and only particularly trained personnel are capable of doing so. Termite exterminators employ sophisticated equipment and hundreds of litres of liquid pesticide in most cases. DIY termite treatments, on the other hand, are commercially available and are best used on accessory structures such as sheds, fences, and decks.
Step 3: Apply a barrier treatment
Start by using a barrier treatment like BioAdvanced Termite Killer if you’re going to do it yourself. This consumer barrier treatment is made up of granules that you may put around the outside of your house to kill termites before they get inside. Make sure to follow the directions on the label.
Step 4: Use termite baits
To get rid of a termite infestation, use a bait like Spectracide Terminate. Consumer baits are stakes that you bury around your house. The bait attracts foraging termites, who return to the colony with the poison. The bait takes three to fourteen days to kill the colony.
Step 5: Prevent future infestations
In addition to using a barrier treatment on a monthly basis, homeowners can use a variety of non-chemical preventative steps to avoid future termite infestations. Such methods include removing wood siding or other structures that come into touch with the soil, installing effective gutters to direct rainwater away from the foundation, and utilizing gravel instead of wood mulch in garden beds.
Is it worthwhile to invest in termite prevention?
Roof repair, grass maintenance, leaking pipes, and other home maintenance and repair bills are just a few of the charges that homeowners encounter on a regular basis. It’s easy to put termite control on the back burner when you have a big list of maintenance tasks to think about. Many homeowners ask if termite control is truly worth their time, money, and effort.
On the one hand, termite management may appear to be a waste of money. Maybe you’ve seen a few bugs in your basement or attic, but you’re not sure if they’re termites. Maybe you’ve seen some minor damage to the wooden framework of your home, but you just chalk it up to normal wear and tear. You opt to wait until’real’ damage happens before taking action and hiring a professional to treat your property for termites.
The truth is that termite management in the house is vitally necessary. Termites can swiftly inflict significant damage on your property, necessitating pricey repairs. Termite inspection, control, treatment, and prevention are all activities that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
The Expense of Termite Treatment
There’s no denying that termite treatment is costly. When you’re dealing with a major termite infestation, eradicating the problem can be difficult and time-consuming. There’s also the expense of home repairs to think about. Termites can cost your property tens of thousands of dollars in structural damage, all of which must be accounted for.
An annual termite check is quick, uncomplicated, and inexpensive when compared to the cost of treatment and repairs. You’ll be able to catch a termite infestation before it gets out of hand if you have an annual inspection performed by an expert, avoiding costly treatment and repair fees. Termite prevention should be done on a regular basis to lower your chances of getting termites.
In South Carolina, how much does a termite bond cost?
A Termite Bond can cost anywhere between $500 and $2000 and is a one-time expense. An inspection is usually performed once a year, and most companies charge an additional cost for this service. If additional services are required, some contracts charge additional fees.
What is the best termite control method?
Borate wood treatments, which are provided by pest control professionals, are the most effective. Borate is a termite killer and repellant that penetrates deep into the wood grain. It destroys any existing termites on touch and prevents the colonies reappearance.