FAQ: What Is A Termite Bond?
A termite bond is a type of insurance that protects your home against damage from termite infestations. It secures your home beyond just regular homeowners insurance. After a termite infestation, a homeowner may worry about returning termites and future damages. Even after successful fumigation, a homeowner should purchase a termite bond so that the pest control company regularly ensures that another infestation won’t occur.
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely been asked by a pest control company to purchase one, have had a realtor suggest you purchase one or have had one transferred to you. This article tells you everything you need to know about termite bonds.
Also Read: Termite Tenting and Fumigation Guide
Why Do You Need A Termite Bond?
Termite bonds often come up when buying or selling a home. If your home inspector found evidence of termites, they may have suggested you purchase a termite bond. If you’re planning on buying a home and there’s evidence of termites, consider asking the previous owners to purchase a termite bond before you buy. This protects your home’s assets against termites. Mortgage lenders are more willing to give loans to buyers with a bond.
Even if the house doesn’t have a history of termites, if your inspector believes your home is at risk of an infestation, you may need to purchase one. Loans like FHA or VA mortgages specifically require pest inspections. So you’re more likely to have to purchase a termite bond if that’s the loan you’re applying for. More importantly, since these loans are lower-cost loans, a termite bond will help you save money in the long run.
Transferable termite bonds can be transferred to new homeowners upon purchasing a home. A termite bond is either transferable or nontransferrable.
What Is A Termite Bond Used For?
You’ll need to purchase a termite bond because you’ve either discovered a termite infestation in your home or are planning on selling your home. If your home has had a previous infestation, selling your home without a termite bond will prolong the buying and selling process.
Your termite bond is used as a maintenance contract between you and your pest control company. This contract should generally include three important parts:
- An agreement on scheduled maintenance and inspection.
- Treatment services included at no extra cost if termites are discovered.
- Specifications on whether the exterminator will retreat and repair damages, also known as a Repair Bond.
Repair Bonds guarantee your home will be treated if there’s termite activity found. This bond also and includes repairs from any damages. They aren’t available for homes that do not qualify by your pest control company’s standard. Speak with your pest control company to see why your home would or wouldn’t qualify.
Retreat Bonds will only treat your home if termites are present.
If you’ve received a termite letter from your home inspector, it means that your home is free of termites. This is not the same thing as a termite bond. You should still have your home assessed for termite risk and discuss with your exterminator whether you need a termite bond.
Also Read: 5 Types of Termites That Can Infest Your Home
Where Do I Get A Termite Bond?
You can purchase a termite bond with any reputable pest control company. To get quotes on a termite bond, you can call Pest Brigade to set up a free consultation and get a quote.
Your home inspector may also have some suggestions. They may recommend you speak with your mortgage lender to get a termite warranty over a termite bond.
What’s A Termite Warranty?
A termite warranty insures your home against termite damage, only it’s handled by your insurance instead of a pest control company. It is an actual insurance policy included in your homeowners’ insurance. It typically includes more coverage and sometimes can include an ongoing maintenance agreement.
A termite warranty is similar to a termite bond, as it also includes similar agreements. Just like a termite bond, a termite warranty should also include a policy on whether the pest control company will retreat or repair termite damage. The warranty may also be transferable or non-transferable depending on the type of warranty you have. The biggest difference between a termite bond and a termite warranty is who will give you the protection.
Also Read: Ant vs Termite: What’s The Difference? (With Pictures)
How Much Is A Termite Bond?
Termite bonds vary in price depending on several things. You’ll need to set up a consultation with an exterminator to assess your home for the following:
- Duration of the bond
- Services included in the agreement
- The size, location, and type of home you have
- Inspection and maintenance schedule
Normally, the initial service will cost between $700 to $1,000. The initial cost is generally only a one-time fee with the scheduled inspections only costing a couple hundred dollars. The inspection costs will vary depending on what type of treatments you choose.
Transferring a bond between homeowners can cost an additional $500 to $2,500. This can change spending on how large your home is and your contract. To talk to a reputable exterminator and get quotes on your home’s termite bond, call Pest Brigade.
What You Should Know About Termites
Termites are attracted to dead and rotting piles of wood, dead trees, stumps, mulch, and clogged gutter. Any dead or dying wood material is gold to a termite. To prevent termites, make sure your home is clear of any dead or dying yard debris.
Always look for signs of termite activity by inspecting your home’s wood for tunnels and bites. Termite activity can sometimes look like wood rot, so it’s always best to call an exterminator if you’re suspicious of termite activity.
Also Read: Signs of Termites and How To Prevent Them
