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Termite bonds can last anywhere from 5 to 30 years, depending on the type of bond and the coverage it provides.
Typically, termite bonds last around 10 to 15 years, with some lasting up to 20 years.
The cost of a termite bond can vary depending on the type of coverage and the location, but on average, it can range from $500 to $2,000.
Most termite bonds require annual inspections to ensure the termite infestation is under control.
A fresh viewpoint: Long Duration Bonds
Termite Bond Basics
A termite bond is an agreement between a homeowner and a termite company that serves as an insurance policy for the house.
Most termite bonds state that the pest control company should reimburse the homeowner for all the costs of repairs for termite damage, treatment, and retreatment.
Termite control treatments for recurring termite infestations are free for as long as it's stated in the termite bond.
Periodic inspections are also included in many termite warranties offered by professional termite exterminators.
A termite bond is typically effective after the termite inspection and treatment are performed.
Termite Bond Warranties
Termite bond warranties are a promise that all necessary precautions were taken to keep termites out of the new home.
A termite bond warranty can be transferred from a home builder to a home buyer, which means the promises made in the bond are passed on to the new owner.
Termite warranties work by providing all or part of payment due or free services for termite inspection, prevention, and treatment when needed after a claim has been made on the bond.
The pest control company has a vested interest in a customer's complete satisfaction when a termite warranty is in place, as future bond costs increase each time a claim is made.
There are different types of termite warranties, including the Retreatment Only Warranty, which covers treating termites at no additional cost if they get into your home after treatment.
The Retreatment Only Warranty is the most common type of warranty because homes are not always 100% termite proof, and some building defects can make them more inviting to termites.
Termite Bond Pricing and Duration
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Termite bonds are a type of insurance policy that protects homeowners from termite damage. The cost of a termite bond can vary, but it's often less expensive than repairing termite damage, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Prices for termite bonds typically range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the provider, region, and length of the bond term. This cost includes coverage for prevention and transferability.
A termite bond usually lasts for a specified period, and some treatments, like Termidor, can last for around ten years before another application is required. However, this doesn't guarantee that termites won't get into a treated structure, and follow-up inspections may be necessary to ensure the treatment zone remains intact.
Here are some common factors that affect the cost and duration of a termite bond:
- Length and depth of coverage
- Whether the bond covers prevention
- Whether the bond is transferable
What Is Not Considered
A termite bond is not the same as a letter, which is also known as a Wood Infestation Inspection Report. This report outlines termite and other insect activity in a structure.
Letters are often required by lenders before closing on a home sale, but they're not the same as a termite bond. A clean letter can give you peace of mind, but it's not the same as having a termite bond in place.
Termite warranties are not insurance, although they do provide protection against termite damage. They're more like a guarantee that the pest control company will reimburse you for repairs and treatment if you have a termite issue.
Termite warranties are typically required by local or national agencies for some home builders, and they may be requested by home buyers as a condition of sale. They're an important consideration when buying or selling a home.
Termite surety bonds and insurance are similar, but they're not the same thing. Bonds pay out only when certain conditions are met, and they're not an insurance product.
Discover more: Long Term Bonds
Termidor vs. Baiting Stations
Termidor vs. Baiting Stations is a common debate among homeowners. Termidor works immediately, permeating the foundation and starting to kill termites right away.
Baiting stations, on the other hand, require more maintenance and can take months to show results. They are used to monitor termite activity and ensure that termites don't come back.
A professional termite control company often uses both bait stations and liquid treatments like Termidor to start killing the colony immediately. Bait stations last for a year, while Termidor can last for five years or more.
It's a good idea to have both on your property, as they complement each other well.
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Bond Pricing
Purchasing termite insurance is often much less costly than clearing infestations from a home and repairing the damage. Prices vary by bond provider, region, and length of the bond term, but typically range from $500 - $2,500.
The average cost of repairing termite damage is in the tens of thousands of dollars. This makes termite insurance a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
Other factors affecting termite warranty cost include the length and depth of coverage.
Termidor Treatment Duration
Termidor treatment can last for around ten years before another application is required, backed by more than 15 years of research and a history of protecting structures from termite infestation.
However, some instances may inhibit the protective barrier or enable termites to go past the barrier treatment, such as wood to soil contact or stagnant water against the foundation.
A professional can perform follow-up inspections to ensure that there has been no breach in the treatment zone, and it's a good idea to have a termite control company check the property annually to determine if another treatment is needed.
If you notice signs of termite activity, contact a pest control company immediately, as termite attacks can be difficult to stop, even with preventative measures in place.
Here are some potential reasons for a Termidor treatment to be needed before the ten-year mark:
- Any wood to soil contact
- Piles of firewood near the exterior foundation
- Presence of stagnant water against the foundation or in any crawlspaces
- Too much landscaping around the foundation
- When untreated structures come in contact with the building foundation during construction
Managing Termite Bonds
Renewing your termite bond immediately after it expires is crucial to protect your home from property damage. It's like renewing your car insurance, you don't want to be left vulnerable to unexpected expenses.
If your termite bond has expired, make sure to remove all untreated wood products from your house and avoid wood-to-ground contact when storing them.
Fixing holes in the foundation, water leaks, and other moisture problems is essential to prevent termite infestations. This is because termites thrive in damp environments.
Keeping your gutters clear of dead leaves and water buildup is also crucial to prevent termite infestations. A clogged gutter can attract termites and lead to costly repairs.
It's also essential to maintain a dry and well-ventilated attic, crawl space, or basement. This will help prevent termites from taking up residence in your home.
If you notice any signs of termite activity, contact a pest control company immediately. They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Here are some common termite bond renewal options:
- Termite bait stations: These are designed to attract and kill termites without harming the environment.
- Liquid termite treatments: These involve applying a liquid termiticide to the soil around your home.
- Soil and barrier treatments: These involve creating a barrier around your home to prevent termites from entering.
Termite Bond Treatments
Termite bond treatments are a type of liquid termiticide that can last for around ten years before another application is required, but this doesn't guarantee that termites will never get into a treated structure.
Some instances that may inhibit the protective barrier or enable the termites to go past the barrier treatment include wood to soil contact, piles of firewood near the exterior foundation, stagnant water against the foundation or in any crawlspaces, too much landscaping around the foundation, and when untreated structures come in contact with the building foundation during construction.
A professional can perform follow-up inspections to ensure that there has been no breach in the treatment zone, and Termidor treatment is backed by more than 15 years of research and has a history of protecting structures from termite infestation.
Termidor Treatment
Termidor Treatment is a popular option for termite control. It's a liquid termiticide that's professionally applied to protect your property.
Termidor is non-repellent and undetectable by termites, which means they won't avoid the treated area. This makes it more likely for termites to expose themselves to the treatment.
It's effective against many different kinds of termites, including dampwood, drywood, subterranean, and Formosan termites. Termidor can control populations of these termites.
Termidor exterminates termites by touch as well as by ingestion. This is because the termites can't detect the treatment, so they contact the chemical even if they don't ingest it.
The "Transfer Effect" allows affected termites to transfer Termidor to the entire colony by touch. This allows the termiticide to move swiftly through a termite colony.
Termidor liquid termiticide can last for five years or more.
Baiting Stations
Baiting stations are a viable option for getting rid of termites in your home. They contain pesticides that spread via the worker termites.
A professional will bury the baiting stations in a perimeter around your house. They'll check your stations several times to see how much bait the workers have taken back to the colony.
The treatment itself will last about a year and require annual inspections. Baiting stations need more maintenance than other kinds of termite treatments.
This multi-pronged approach is very effective in eliminating termite colonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a termite bond worth it?
A termite bond may be worth it if you live in an area with a high termite risk, offering peace of mind and potential cost savings. Its value is lower in areas with low termite risk.
Sources
- https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/termite-bond-new-builds-344680/
- https://www.nfp.com/insights/what-is-a-termite-bond/
- https://www.positivepest.net/what-happens-when-you-have-property-damage-after-termite-contract-expires/
- https://stampedepestcontrol.com/how-long-does-a-termidor-treatment-last/
- https://120pest.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-termite-bond-and-warranty/
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