When it comes to owning a home, we’ve all heard the saying that “our house is our biggest asset,” and therefore there are many things that us as homeowners have to do to protect that asset. This includes protecting your home from things like tornados, floods, hail and any other unforeseen issues that may occur. But what about termites? In many parts of the U.S., especially in the southern parts, termites are very prevalent and pose a real threat to our homes. However, in most cases, your homeowner’s insurance does not cover termite damage. On average, termites cause over 2 billion dollars a year in damages…BILLION, with a B!! Yet for some reason, they are an afterthought when it comes to home ownership. So, what do you as a homeowner need to do to make sure your home is protected?
First, make sure that you were provided with a termite contract when you closed on the home. If it was an older home that you purchased from another family, it should have been transferred to you at the time of the sale. However, if you purchased a newly built home, the builder should have been responsible for obtaining the termite contract and subsequently transferring it into your name at the time of the closing.
Next, read over the contract to determine what it actually covers. Some contracts will cover remedial treatments when necessary, but will not cover any damages. Other contracts will cover both. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your contract, and don’t hesitate to contact your termite control provider if you have any questions or need any clarification.
When it comes to a newly constructed home, there are a couple of different options for termite control. One is the conventional option where a liquid termiticide application is applied to the soil prior to any concrete slabs being poured. This method provides a chemical barrier that protects the home from a termite invasion into the structure. A second option would be to have a baiting system installed around the perimeter of the home. This is typically done towards the latter part of the construction process once the landscaping has been completed. Either option is a sufficient method for establishing a termite contract.
At Mr. Bugg’s Pest Patrol, we work with numerous home builders in providing termite control for new homes. We offer both conventional liquid applications as well as bait system installations. We make sure to accommodate both the builder and the homeowner by meeting the needs of each individual situation.
If you yourself are in need of a termite contract or are simply looking for some advice regarding your own home, please feel free to contact our company. We offer FREE evaluations, and we promise to provide you with an honest and fair assessment.
