"Treated For Termites" - should I be worry?

Question

Hi, I just went into contract for a property that mentions "house was treated for termites and wood infestation." I am waiting for the inspection report. What should I look out for? Should I be worry about termites and wood infestation in the future?

This is my first time dealing with a property like this. Appreciate any thoughts!

This is my first time dealing with a property like this. Appreciate any thoughts!

Russell Brazil · Answer

Every property in my entire region of the country has termites, so it wouldnt bother me that much.

Brian Briscoe · Answer

Treated is good as long as there's no current infestation and no structural damage.  @Russell Brazil is right - it is definitely regionally dependent.  We had termites in our garage in San Diego several years ago... treated, inspected, and never had issues again.  In South Carolina, every structure that has wood will eventually get termites.  Key is regular inspections and treatments to keep the damage to a minimum.

I'm not a structural engineer, but it seems to me that the damage would have to be extensive to cause problems.

Mark H. Porter · Answer

You want to make sure that not only are the termites gone, but that the damage has been repaired AND a treatment perimeter has been installed around the house to prevent them from coming back.

i had damage in South Carolina.  They actually swarmed in one of the bedrooms and were dead all over the floor.  I had to replace two exterior walls and spray it with borate.  I also had to set up traps/poison stations every ten feet around the house.  These are all flush with the ground.  They come back and inspect every 6 months.

Ralph Poirier · Answer

I own several rentals in SC my agent once said to me “in SC it’s not if you get termites it’s when”. I paid $750 for a termite inspection and treatment bond which insures me if I do get termites. There is also a $300 Annual inspection and service to keep up the bond which is transferable.

Serena Cheung · Answer

Thank you, Mark! Super helpful.

"Treated For Termites" - should I be worry?

Most Popular Reply