Did you know that the damage done by the termites in the USA affects about 600 thousand houses every year? Apparently, the people in the USA spend about $5 billion every year on termite control and repair work caused by termite damage. 
Dealing with termites is not an easy task for most homeowners since they can inflict horrendous structural damage that mostly goes unnoticed but reaches very intense levels. Private property owners can seek additional protection in the form of a termite bond since the damage from termites is usually excluded from coverage as standard homeowners’ insurance.
A termite bond is an agreement between a licensed pest control company and an individual homeowner. Under the bond, the pest control company is obligated to perform an annual inspection of the property. Treatment is dispensed whenever termites are discovered, and, at times, repair coverage is available. These agreements may vary between states. For example, under a termite bond in Mobile, AL, if a termite company fails to perform or violates state rules, the affected clients may file claims against the bond and seek compensation
Let’s explore the basics of a termite bond and learn how it contributes to the safety of a real estate property.
Understanding Termite Bonds
When protecting your home from termite damage, it is important to understand termite bonds.
A termite bond is a legal arrangement between you and a pest control company. The bond outlines the terms of termite treatment and prevention services. With a bond, the company agrees to perform periodic inspections and treatments when necessary to keep your home protected.
An annual fee is usually payable, depending on the size and location of your home. But one thing you need to know is that the bonds can come with terms that specify coverage and limitations. They may not cover damage done prior to signing the bond.
Having that knowledge will actually help you make a more informed decision toward protecting the integrity of the property against termites.
Benefits of Having a Termite Bond
A termite bond provides peace of mind and guarantees the proactive defense of one’s home against potential damage. Any termite bond protects a customer from the unexpected and often costly repair of termite damage. Regular inspections for termite signs are a common feature of large termite bonds. Through these inspections, potential termite infestations are detected and prevented.
Bearing this bond gives you an edge in selling the house since prospective buyers often feel more comfortable knowing the house has been safeguarded from termites.
Potential Drawbacks of Termite Bonds
A potential homeowner should carefully consider the disadvantages before opting for termite bonds. Many require regular inspections, adding to the costs and scheduling headaches. Some forms of damage may not be covered by the bond, leaving you responsible for the repairs. Some companies stipulate that only treatment methods selected by them may be used. This restriction limits your choices for termite control methods.
Some homeowners could become reliant on these termite bonds and forget to take other preventive measures to protect their houses or property. Selling a home seldom means that the transfer of bonds will be duly arranged, which might, in a way, affect the value of your property. These are all points to account for before signing up for a termite bond.
Alternative Termite Prevention Methods
The disadvantages of termite bonds force some homeowners to look for alternative forms of termite treatment. One effective technique is to keep a dry atmosphere surrounding your house. Repair any known leaks and set up proper drainage since termites tend to thrive around moisture. You may opt for setting up physical barriers, like stainless steel mesh or sand barriers, while constructing.
Regular inspection must be done. Be on the lookout for mud tubes and damaged wood. Plant nematodes or diatomaceous earth to serve as natural deterrents in your garden. Keep all firewood piles away from your home. Outside the house, see to it that there is proper ventilation in the crawl space. These small actions will go far to keep your house safe from termite infestation.
Assessing Your Home’s Risk for Termite Damage
For effective termite treatment, the risk factors around your home should be determined first. Start by analyzing the location of your property. Homes located in warm, humid climates have a much higher susceptibility to termite attacks. Moisture is one such consideration. Termites need water to survive. Check for wood-to-soil contact. Wooden decks or siding touching the ground provide easy access to termites.
Check for cracks in the foundation or gaps in any lines of utilities by which termites can gain entrance. Regularly get rid of debris, such as leaves or firewood, which serves as an attraction to them. It may serve you well to have one or two professional inspections so infestation can be caught early.
Note: This is a collaborative post
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