Termite Prevention Treatment - is it necessary?

Question

I'm under contract on a 4plex property in Texas (Houston Area) and just had the inspections completed. The termite inspector's report read that there were signs of a previous termite infestation but it looks like the property was treated and there were no current signs of termites. With that said, I'm not sure how to feel about it or how to proceed...

Would it be better to hire someone to do termite prevention measures or maybe hire a termite inspector annually to keep an eye on things?

I'm also wary since people have horror stories of inspectors claiming termites are gone but then suddenly homeowners find them everywhere in the walls where inspectors can't see and I'm wondering if I ought to just walk away from this property so I don't regret it.

Advice appreciated.

Bruce Lynn · Answer

Account Closed   The inspectors say every house in Texas will have termites at some point.  I know nothing about them, however a friend who was a home inspector and licensed termite applicator used to tell me, treat them when you see them.  Don't pay for the bait traps and periodic service.  The chemical they use is very effective.  However many people treat the area where the termites are seen and not always the whole house, so if it was just a spot treatment, then they might come back somewhere else.  If I remember right he though the chemical treatment lasts about 10 years.

You might call the company that treated in the past and see when they did it and if they did spot treatment or whole house.  Just because it has had termites would not make me want to back out.  Also have the conducive conditions been addressed if they can be...like no foliage touching the house, high soil removed, etc.

Wale Lawal · Answer

Account Closed

I do it every 3 months. Hire someone to do termite prevention for peace of mind and avoid issues in the future.

Reinaldo Lopez · Answer

Hi and yes, I have a pest control company for all my properties quarterly service, like mr Tope said, cheap insurance and Texas like in Florida you will have them sooner or later. About the inspection you can really know how much of a damage unless you open the walls. Good Luck

Cameron Tope · Answer

Hello again Rob,

We only recommend doing routine termite treatments if the property has shown evidence of previous termite damage - like your property.

It's cheap insurance.

Mark H. Porter · Answer

Termite prevention is a semi annual task.  I pay $85 every 6 months for them to check the bait stations