Termite Warranty

[Gene Zhang]

I purchased a newly built home near Savannah, Georgia in 2008. It came with a termite warranty. However, the warranty is held by a termite and pest control company, who require an annual inspection costing $175 in order to maintain the warranty. From their reports, it seems they do a very simple inspection.

Given that I'm paying an annual fee, it feels like I'm paying an insurance premium rather than holding a typical warranty. And I wonder if there's a more cost-effective approach.

My question is: Is this common practice for termite insurance? I.e. to have to pay for annual inspections to maintain a warranty?

Along those lines, what are people's general strategies for handling termite risk?

Thanks!