Is a Termite Bond Necessary in the Southeast?

Question

I have a few rentals and we found evidence of past termite activity in one of them. We've had it treated and bonded, but now I'm wondering if we should consider having all of our properties treated and bonded. It's a large expense, but not as large as having to repair termite damage.

I'm new to this, and had not considered how to handle termite prevention in my rentals. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer!

Patricia Steiner · Answer

@Minnae Chabwera

There's no way to estimate the cost, unfortunately. But it does sound like the damage was extensive. It generally involves removing the wood that has been compromised and replacing it. Most times it is in areas that are difficult to reach or involves removing flooring, doors, etc.  You'll need bids from a carpenter/awesome handyman.

And, you definitely wouldn't want to do the work until after the house is tented for termites - so I would add that as a condition of sale.

Hope this helps.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

Termites are a problem in Florida and tenting is very expensive. It's important to know that a Bond is not a guarantee - it's a maintenance contract. Tenting kills the termites that are present but does nothing on those "arriving" the second the tent is lifted. I would not incur the expense of termite treatment until you have evidence of an infestation. If one neighbor has termites, everyone does. What you can do is take preventative measures (listed online) and have the usual exterminating services done on a regular basis. Also, one huge thing you can do for termite prevention/mitigation is buy a block house/building. There's still wood in it (roof,etc) but a wood house is a feeding grown for termites and wood fungus.

(Wish I didn't know anything about this topic but unfortunately...).

Paul Anglin · Answer

@Patricia Steiner is absolutely correct. One (of the many) bad thing(s) about termites is if there's damage you can see, there's usually lots you can't. You usually end up tearing out a lot of other stuff to get to what needs to be repaired. Sometimes you'll get lucky and the floor joists and ceiling joists can be replaced or reinforced without tearing out the flooring, ceiling, or roof (I don't usually have that kind of luck :) ). If you decide there is damage in a structural wall, you usually have to tear them out along with any cabinets, sinks, fixtures, etc. that are attached to get to it.

If you have the connections and or the time/skills to have the repairs done, you can still make it work. Especially if you can get the seller to make some concessions and figure in the repair costs into the price. But from the sound of it, it's going to be a pretty involved repair.

Minnae Chabwera · Answer

@Patricia Steiner thank you. It does give me a better idea of how to proceed.

Minnae Chabwera · Answer

Hi! I was looking into this topic because I am considering a property with termite issues. There is some roof rafter damage, some floor joist issues, and a crawl space problem.

Do either of you know how much of a cost this may approximately incur?

@Paul Ang and @Patricia Steiner

Paul Anglin · Answer

Thanks for the feedback!

In this area, wood frame with a vinyl or brick veneer is the most common construction. I haven't seen a block home in quite a while.

When you mention exterminating services, are you referring to something like the bait stations? I think we are leaning towards annual inspections, and we're undecided on whether to do a routine service agreement. I think we've ruled out bonding for all of our properties as it just adds expense that should be unnecessary if the treatments are effective.

Thanks again!

Is a Termite Bond Necessary in the Southeast?

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