Termite bonds cost far less than the average price of termite treatment. As with the health of our bodies, preventative measure for our homes are cheaper and more effective than treating symptoms. One of the top priorities on your checklist when buying a home is to have trusted professionals check for termites. These small burrowing insects that feed on wood cause about $5 billion in property damage every year; according to the National Pest Management Association.
Termite damage can go undetected for years creating quite a devastation to homeowners when revealed- due to the fact that most insurance companies do not include coverage for these costly damages.
Top Termite Infested Cities in USA
There are 45 different types of termites. They reside in all the states except Alaska. There are some cities that are more termite-ridden than others and if you reside in these areas it should be at the top of your list to check into termite bond cost. The top twenty cities for 2015:
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Houston, TX
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Phoenix, AZ
- Atlanta, GA
- Sacramento, CA
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL
- Boston, MASS.
- Washington, D.C.
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Cincinnati, OH
- Philadelphia, PA
- Baton Rouge, LA
- New York, NY
- Kansas City, KS
- San Antonio, TX
What Is A Termite Bond?
A Termite Bond is a contract between the homeowner and a termite control company. Contracts vary from company to company. Some offer re-treatment services and damage repair. It’s like any other contract; some offer more and some offer less. It’s really about which company you choose that will determine how much the termite bond will cost. Always be sure to read the fine print.
The contract will list the treatments that you are covered for and the frequency. It is important to know if your bond is transferrable in case you sell your house. Most quality termite control companies offer a good warranty also.
Who Needs A Termite Bond?
Do you need a termite bond? A favorite pest control saying that goes as follows:
There are two kinds of homes: those that have had termites and those that will have termites.
When you purchase your home and the inspection does not reveal any termites that don’t mean they won’t show up in the future and sometimes the inspector might have overlooked a small infestation. If you live in one of the twenty cities stated earlier it would be very wise to have a termite bond in place.
The price of a Termite Bond may runs between $500 and $2000 dollars which is a one time cost. Usually an inspection is done once a year with most companies charging an extra fee for this service. Some contracts have extra fees if extra services are needed. The higher end amount is usually for contracts that are inclusive of the inspection and for those living in areas known for higher infestations of termites.
Once you become established with a termite control company that you can trust they should continue to help you apply termite prevention and if a termite issue arises they will have the best plans for treatment concerning the type of termite that has moved in. Check out these ten companies and see what others are saying about them to help you choose the right one for you.
Termite Prevention Tips
There are some common household tips that will help prevent these costly pests from taking up residence in your home and destroying one of your most costly possessions:
- Keep all stored firewood or lumber of any type away from the foundation of your home. Don’t cover foundation or any wood surfaces completely with vegetation, soil, or mulch; Examples being; trim, siding, window frames on basement windows.
- Any wood that has contact with the soil needs to be treated. If treated materials were not used for deck supports, fences retaining walls, steps, or any other items that are in contact with the soil; they will need to be replaced.
- Maintain gutters.
- Reduce moisture in crawl spaces.
- Keep repairs up to date concerning leaks in the roof, flashings, pipes, and plumbing fixtures.
Termite Treatments Available To You
The 45 different species of termites fall into 3 different categories; dampwood, subterranean, and drywood. Understanding the different categories will reveal the most likely entrance way into your home-and also the most effective treatment that will give them their eviction notice.
- A Dampwood termite is the largest in both size and popularity of the three different types of termites. They live in areas that are high in moisture. Your best line of treatment is to eliminate any leaks and dry out the areas that are high in moisture. In places where moisture control cannot be used-spot treatments of termite insecticides will take care of them.
- Subterranean termites are the most destructive of the three categories. Baiting treatments, foam treatments, preconstruction and post-construction treatments are a few methods for treating this destructive pest.
- The Drywood termite does not need any contact with the soil and can thrive within the confines and protection of wood. Treatments of Orange Oil, Sunlight, Microwaving, and Electrocution can be effective when distributed through a termite exterminator.
