Is a termite bond a waste of money? Termites are those bothersome little pests that could potentially end up devouring your entire home without you even realizing it. Termites are a homeowner’s greatest nightmare since they may eventually end up costing you thousands of dollars in damage if they infest your property.
Although these bonds continue to prove to be a reliable solution to termite issues, are they really worthwhile? Do hundreds of dollars a year make a difference in preventing an infestation? If so, what are the benefits, and if not, what are the drawbacks? This article gives a thorough explanation.
What does it mean when a house has a termite bond?
A service contract with a pest control company that provides a termite barrier is a termite bond. The services include a termite inspection, treatments, and occasionally damage repair. The Termite contract conditions changes according to your circumstances.
However, preventing a termite infestation or re-infestation of your home should be your main concern. A termite bond ensures that once your home has been treated by a contractor, they will treat it for free if there is another termite infestation. Some also require the pest control business to handle and fix any termite damage that develops following the initial treatment.
Termite bonds might be quite helpful if your homeowner’s insurance does not cover termite damage. Termite bonds reduce the likelihood of future expenditures, in the same way any insurance does. The termite bond gives you a specific number of termite inspections within an allocated time frame to prevent termites from reinfesting your property.
Additionally, termite bonds ensure that your contractor treats your house for termites at no extra cost if they return. A termite bond protects you from losing money due to poor treatment.
You might not receive the complete protection that was promised with your bond, or even any protection when your termite bond expires.
If you learn that your termite bond has expired, it’s critical to act and gets in touch with your pest control company as soon as you can to swiftly restore protection.
You may end up paying a renewal fee on top of the inspection price, contingent upon the terms of your termite bond arrangement.
To ensure constant protection and prevent unforeseen expenses, it is best to inquire about the renewal with your Termite Company before the termite bond expires.
If a house owner is considering selling their house, it is advisable to buy a transferable bond. A transferable termite warranty may occasionally be demanded of new home builders to assure purchasers of recently constructed homes that the ground was treated with pesticides to eradicate any termites and to create a barrier of defense between the home and the soil and natural wood.
The house owner, apartment, or condo occupant is protected by a transferable bond and a non-transferable bond.
Termite bond benefits
Below are termite bond benefits.
There is no additional cost
You won’t have to spend money for any termite treatments once you’ve made the annual or quarterly termite bond payments. Termite bonds cover termite damage costs and treatments.
You need to carefully review the termite warranty contract and the repairs and damages covered by your termite bond. It is wise to confirm before signing any document because not every home is eligible for a repair termite bond.
The price of standard termite extermination, which can range from $1300 to $2500, is more expensive than securing a termite bond.
Your type of treatment and the size of your home are determining factors. If the termites have seriously destroyed your property, you may need to spend thousands of dollars on the repair of the affected sections and pieces.
Peace of mind
The termite bond is your best alternative if you have had termite treatment in the past but still have a recurrence of termite infestation. The local company is going to be liable for an annual inspection for the duration specified in the termite bond, providing peace of mind. Termite bond worth it because peace of mind is highly important.
Facilitates house sale
Because they guarantee that there are no termites inside the home, termite bonds facilitate the sale of a home.
Additionally, when a new owner purchases the home, it is transferred to the new owner.
Although termite bonds are not necessary, they are a nice idea and help to draw in new purchasers when selling a home.
The termite control company conducts yearly inspection
Termite treatment firms will work hard because they are accountable if anything is harmed by termites. Additionally, businesses perform inspections on your home numerous times a year to ensure you don’t have termite infestations
Termite bond drawbacks
Below are termite bond drawbacks.
No reinfestation
If your house never gets reinfested, it’s not exactly a drawback. However, it could seem unfair if you pay the early charge but never experience a re-infestation. Many customers believe it’s a waste of money.
Not all species are covered by a termite bond
Unfortunately, not all termite bonds include coverage for all termite species.
The following three termite species are prevalent in the United States:
- The native subterranean termites.
- The Formosan termite, a species of subterranean termite.
- The drywood termite.
They all have distinctive traits despite living in various regions, some of which are more prevalent in a few cities than others. However, they all chew through the wood covertly, which is something in common.
You need to pay special attention to the common termite species in your region and determine whether your bond protects against them.
Costly
Several individuals are reluctant to get a termite bond because they consider it to be pricey.
The initial price for obtaining a bond ranges from $700 to $1000 on average, with costs varying according to the size and location of your home.
However what bothers several people is that they must pay about $200 yearly to preserve the bond, with the price varying based on several factors.
Certain individuals dislike investing money in these bonds year after year if there is never a reinfestation, since it seems like a waste of money.
Kinds of termite bonds
Below are the types of termite bonds.
Re-treat bond
Re-treat bonds assure that the pest control company treats your house at no extra cost if there are future termite infestations.
Damage repair bond
This termite bond requires the pest control business to fix any termite damage that might develop following the initial treatment. Pre-existing damage is not covered by the agreement.
It is valid only if there is evidence of live termites following treatment. It is presumed that if you uncover additional damage without the presence of live termites, the harm occurred before the initial treatment.
How often should you check for termites?
You can contact pest control firms at any time and request an inspection because the majority of them offer a free inspection.
You can conduct a self-inspection before contacting any pest control.
You probably have termites if you discover any termite mud tubes, wings, droppings, etc. You are not obligated to call pest control for the inspection if there are no signs of termites in the home.
Tips for preventing termites
The following simple home preventative measures may help stop termites from moving in and damaging your most priceless possessions:
- A house’s foundation should not be exposed to water.
- Make use of mulch properly.
- The simplest targets for infestation are tight spaces and close to foundations, so avoid storing firewood there.
- Remove any wood that comes into contact with the ground.
- Lessen moisture and humidity in confined areas.
- Termiticide treatment should be performed by an expert on your home.
What is a termite letter?
A termite inspection report and a report on wood-destroying organisms are also referred to as termite letters.
It’s a record created by a pest control specialist detailing the previous treatments applied to a house, the present infestation, any damage, and suggested remedies.
Lenders and homebuyers rely on the report to protect them against purchasing a house with termite infestations.
A termite letter is normally valid 30 to 90 days before closing.
States have different requirements for the duration of validity.
Is annual termite treatment necessary?
Termites can continue to grow within a home for months after treatment, depending on the situation. However, most termites are killed by treatment, which is usually effective. Go for it if you’re experiencing it frequently.
A termite bond requires the company to do the inspection and treatment and to assume responsibility for any damage.
FAQ
Is termite protection worth the money?
Termite bonds are rarely a financial waste. Termite bonds are often less expensive than treating a home for termites unless you reside in an area with little termite activity. Nevertheless, certain individuals would rather pay for termite treatment (about $1500 contingent upon the size of the property) when purchasing a new home and then carry out their routine termite inspections.
While it is essential to conduct routine termite inspections, it is challenging to substitute the equipment (typically thermal cameras) and skills of a skilled termite technician.
What is the average cost of a termite bond in Florida?
A termite bond is a contract that stipulates that frequent inspections and treatments, if necessary, will be provided for a certain fee.
A residential home’s initial inspection can cost between $700 and $1000, based on the bond’s duration and the services it includes. After the initial treatment, a termite bond cost roughly $400 in Florida, where the termite issue is more prevalent.
Do termites affect home value?
Your home’s value may be significantly impacted by termites, and numerous homeowners spend on average $3000 on repairs. According to some data, termites may cause a home’s value to drop by up to 20%.
If termites are discovered during a home inspection, it might dramatically lower the value of your house or possibly make potential buyers think twice about making an offer.
If termite damage or evidence of termites is discovered, you may be required to pay an extra cost in some termite-infested cities.
The following are some signs to look out for:
• A powdery substance that resembles sawdust occasionally emerges close to the infestation.
• Another indication can be if the walls or floors have a bubble-like texture and feel soft to the touch.
• Check your home’s foundation for structural damage and check for brown or grey vertical lines that resemble mud tubes.
• If you notice little white wings, this indicates a larger issue since termites shed their wings and burrow into the wood is an indication of the presence of a new colony inside the house.
Conclusion
Obtaining a termite bond for your home has both advantages and disadvantages. In the end, it depends on your circumstances and the size of your house. Termite infestation is a significant issue in some cities.
Always read the small print and request quotations from a minimum of three different Pest control companies so you may compare prices and maximize your options.
The termite treatments and frequency that are covered by the contract are listed there. It’s also critical to understand whether your bond can be transferred if you sell your home. Most reputable Pest control companies also provide an adequate warranty.
Consult your real estate agent or house inspector if you do not already know about a reliable termite bond company. They frequently have suggestions for reputable local companies.
Some also require the Pest control company to handle and fix any termite damage that develops following the initial treatment. I hope this guide on “Is a termite bond a waste of money” is helpful.