Who Pays For Termite Treatment - Accurate Termite and Pest Control (2023)

FAQs

Are termite policies worth the money? ›

However, a termite warranty is well worth the cost of protecting your home. The average cost of a termite repair is around $3,000. Some termite repairs can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, so a warranty is well worth the cost.

If a termite inspection is being conducted as part of a real estate transaction, there is usually cost associated because the inspection covers other wood-destroying insects. Typically, the seller will cover any costs associated with the service.

Termite damage and removal typically aren't covered by your home, condo, or renters insurance policy. Insurance companies consider termite infestations to be preventable, so the cost of termite damage and removal will come out of your pocket.

Homeowners are legally required to disclose information about a termite infestation to any potential buyers since this discovery could affect your home's structural integrity and appraisal. Some experts estimate termite damage could reduce the value of your home by approximately 20%.

The bad news is that in some cases, termites come back after treatment. In fact, they're some of the toughest pests to eliminate from a property.

While spraying for termites is effective, it wasn't always safe. Contaminated well water, poisoned fishing ponds and indoor air pollution are just some of the effects of spraying chemicals to eliminate termites.

There are several ways to treat termite infestations, but the two most popular termite treatment systems are the Chemical Termite Barriers and In-Ground Baiting Systems.

So, when is it a deal-breaker? In most cases, termite damage shouldn't be a deal-breaker, unless you find that: — There is an active and unresolved termite infestation. — There is extensive and unresolved structural damage to the home caused by termites.

How much is a pest control inspection? ›

If you choose a quarterly plan, expect to pay between $100 and $300 per treatment. Annual pest control services for small infestations or yearly inspections typically cost around $300 to $500, which is similar to a single-visit treatment.

In California and most other states, the seller pays for termite inspections. This is because some lenders ask home buyer's for a termite certificate or report prior to funding a loan — no inspection, no loan, no home sale.

Although termite damage may be reversed through professional repair, homeowners should first call a local termite specialist. Repairs should not be made until a licensed pest professional has confirmed that there are no longer termites present and the risk of further infestation has been eliminated.

As the colony matures, they can do significant damage, destroying a home's structure in five to 6 years. The Formosan termite is one type of problematic subterranean termite, and they reproduce so rapidly that they can destroy a home in as little as one year.

Subterranean termites

They build distinctive "mud tubes" to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species in the U.S.

Your house can literally collapse from damage caused by termite infestation. And, in some cases, you may not even know the termites are there until the damage is obvious – including your house actually collapsing.

Termites damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year. U.S. residents spend an estimated $5 billion annually to control termites and repair termite damage.

Old and antique homes have a unique charm that tends to attract us to them. But research suggests that the possibility of termite infestation in older homes is higher than in newly constructed homes. So, yes, older homes are at a higher risk of termite infestation.

Trey McCallie, principal broker at Urban Toolbox Real Estate in Lexington, KY, suggests that a buyer can purchase a home with termite damage as long as it's not in the floor joists or any of the main supports of the home. The damage is considered minimal if it's primarily on the surface of wood structures.

Do all houses have some termites? ›

Do most homes in California have termites? Unfortunately, 90% of California is located in a heavy-risk Termite Infestation Probability Zone. If you live in northern California your home is at moderate risk for termite damage.

How often should I treat my home for termites? To avoid infestations, homeowners should have their home inspected annually for termites. Termite treatments last anywhere from 5 to 13 years depending on the type of treatment used and any signs of current activity.

Termite bait stations can take months to work, while liquid treatments can take anywhere from a few days to several months.

Once a house is fumigated, the termites die, but their pellets remain inside their hollowed out galleries. Unless all those galleries are found and repaired, the pellets may sift down over time much like sand in an hourglass.

Winter is the most important season for termite control. If you already have termites, it's imperative you have been them exterminated as soon as possible. If not, then this is an excellent time to fortify your home and prevent future infestations.

Clemson University scientists reported that 'Termites hate smells of cedarwood, geranium, and tea tree oil. It has also been found that clove bud, cinnamon, and garlic oils can also repel termites.

Termidor is approved by the EPA and is safe after it dries. Termidor SC – is a non-repellent, undetectable chemical technology treatment that is picked up and spread by termites.

That being said, as a general rule, a termite spray or liquid treatment will typically begin killing termites within a day or two. If you choose to use bait stations, the process might take a little longer to begin. After that, it's all up to the size of the colony, but they'll rarely last more than four or five days.

Bait stations can provide an effective, long-term solution for termite issues. While the bait is designed to act slowly, it does allow for the destruction of all castes of termites, including reproductives, soldiers and workers.

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. However, there are ways that you can work to proactively prevent another termite infestation; our team can help you understand the steps you should take to keep these critters from returning.

Do termites always return to ground? ›

Termites are quite resilient and will always find a way back into your home given a chance. However, usually, it should take at least five years before termites can finally find their way back into your home.

Yes. Swarmers from colonies infesting homes may get trapped indoors after surfacing and fly around looking for an exit. Additionally, since termites are attracted to light, the pests may congregate near open or loosely sealed windows and doors and end up inside.

Pest control qualifies as an ordinary and necessary expense. If you own a business, the same idea applies. Pest control would qualify as an ordinary and necessary expense, so you could deduct the cost under maintenance.

In most cases, termite prevention is paid for by the buyers, and termite treatment is paid for by the seller in the closing costs. However, if the seller listed the house “as is,” the buyers are responsible for all termite damage and future prevention costs.

They're everywhere! Termites are active across the state of California, from Redding to San Francisco, down to Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego. Both subterranean and drywood termites are well-known for damaging homes in California.

Sunlight. Termites hate sunlight. In fact, they can die from too much sunlight and heat exposure. If you suspect that a piece of furniture has termites, drag it to the yard to bake in the sun for a bit.

In rare cases termite damage can be so extensive that the home is completely demolished. In addition to the structural repairs that have to be made, cosmetic repairs also have to be made. Termites can cause discoloration and other damage to sheetrock, flooring and paint which will also need repair or replacement.

Spring is the swarming season for most subterranean termites. Most species of subterranean termites swarm during the spring and summer months, typically on a warm day with calm winds after a rainfall.

How fast do termites spread in the house? ›

Termites take a very short time to spread. Within a few days, they can multiply to what's considered an infestation. Homeowners need to take every percaussion possible, and be sure to act quickly in order to protect their homes.

According to studies, workers and soldiers can survive an average of one to two years, while queen termites may live for over a decade when the climate conditions are favorable. Even if the long-living queen dies, queens from other colonies and the secondary reproductive termites will continue to reproduce.

Insects, Nematodes and Arachnids. The greatest hunters of termites are their slightly larger insect cousins, the ants. Megaponera analis is an ant species that only eats termites, which it does by raiding termite colonies for hours at a time.

Powderpost beetles are second only to termites in their ability to damage dry, seasoned wood. And yet, customers often receive conflicting opinions about whether the insects and/or damage they are seeing is indeed due to powderpost beetles.

Outward signs of termite damage include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage and visible mazes within walls or furniture. Termite infestations also can exude a scent similar to mildew or mold.

These insects thrive in our warm environment, and Florida has become home to several invasive species that can cause significant damage in a shorter period of time, compared with native subterranean termites. Subterranean termite protection should be high on your list of home-maintenance priorities.

In summary, baits are useful and effective tools for managing termite infestations. Regardless of which product/system is used, they will not work by simply hammering some stations into the ground and walking away.

The cost of termite damage to homes amounts to more money annually than damage from natural disasters. Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance does not cover damages from termites in South Carolina. This is why it pays to have your home protected before termites become an issue.

In most instances, the home buyer is responsible for paying for the presale pest inspection, which typically costs about $150 – $250. However, some sellers will include a pest inspection as part of their seller concessions as a way to attract more potential buyers.

Who pays for termite treatment in Florida? ›

The property seller is almost always responsible for paying for termite inspections. If past or present termite activity is found, the seller is usually also responsible for covering treatment either up-front or in closing costs.

No, homeowners insurance in Florida does not cover termite damage. Termites are considered preventable pests, and any damages they cause would be the responsibility of the homeowner to repair or replace.

Fix leaks immediately. Keep vents free from blockage, including plants. Ensure that trees and shrubs are not planted too close to the structure and do not allow them to grow against exposed wood surfaces. Do not pile or store firewood or wood debris next to the house.

CYCLODIENES (CHLORDANE, HEPTACHLOR, ALDRIN, AND DIELDRIN)

Acute or chronic exposure of humans to cyclodienes can produce central nervous system symptoms characterized by headache, blurred vision, dizziness, involuntary muscle movements, tremors, and seizures.

Post-treatment termite swarms are not uncommon and may occur up to around four weeks after an effective treatment. The goal of termiticide use is to create mortality among the workers and the other caste members of the termite colony, weaken the colony, and eventually eliminate it.

The best defense against termites is a combination of liquid barriers and bait traps. The bait traps work to destroy the colony, while the liquid barrier will prevent new termites from reaching your home in the meantime.

At STC we generally use dusting as a method of reducing termite numbers in an infested building prior to the application of a protective chemical application. If we are serious about complete colony control we use termite baiting programs, which are far more predictable and consistently effective than dusting.

A high-quality chemical termite barrier can cover an average house of 70 linear metres. This type of barrier is designed to last up to a maximum of 8 years.

South Carolina is one of the most active areas for termites in the US. The climate of the southeast United States contributes to active termite swarms throughout the year, particularly in the spring and summer.

Are termite letters required in South Carolina? ›

In SC, a CL-100 letter is required by your lender to close on any home. What Is It? The official and technical name for a termite letter, or CL-100, is the Official South Carolina Wood Infestation Report. It is advised that all homebuyers obtain this report rather than the seller.