Termites love South Florida’s climate as much as the state’s residents do. For that reason, it’s usually a question of when and not if a Florida homeowner will have to address these pests.
One of the most effective ways of guarding against termites is through a termite bond. We’re here to answer any questions you have about them such as what they are, how they work, whether or not you need one, and how to compare different types of plans (including the 365 COMPLETE Home Protection Package).
What is a termite bond?
A termite bond is a contract or agreement between a homeowner and a pest control company. The basis of this bond ensures inspectors will inspect and treat your home for any termite activity. Think of termite bonds as insurance against termites, because homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage.
How do termite bonds work?
Termite bonds typically include two important items: 1) initial inspection and treatment, and 2) routine inspections on an annual, quarterly, or otherwise agreed-upon schedule. Depending on the terms, termite bonds may also cover future treatment and repairs.
How much does a termite bond cost?
Depending on the duration of the bond and what services are included, the average cost of an initial inspection for a residential home is around $700-$1,000, with the yearly cost averaging an additional $300-$400.
Do I need a termite bond?
There is no legal requirement for a termite inspection when selling a home, but many lenders won’t approve a mortgage application without a termite inspection report showing no current activity. Real estate agents also encourage people to get their homes inspected to prevent delays in closing a sale.
Termites account for more than $5 billion in damages to U.S. homes every year, and the average cost of termite treatments and damage repairs is over $9,000. Termite bonds can offer protection against these destructive pests.
How do I decide on what termite plan is best for me?
Make sure you know the specific time periods and service terms of the contract, including the number and frequency of inspections. Ensure that any agreement you’re considering will actually treat future termite problems at no extra charge. Many times, this aspect is not guaranteed. Additionally, many bonds won’t cover repair costs from termite damage.
What does Nozzle Nolen’s 365 COMPLETE Home Protection Package cover? Is it a termite bond?
The 365 COMPLETE Home Protection Package does things a little differently. 365 COMPLETE is an all-inclusive pest control and prevention plan that targets every major pest common to South Florida, including both of your most common termites. It’s the first plan of its kind – true preventative termite protection where we take the offensive against termites.
The 365 COMPLETE Home Protection Package no longer mimics the old, insurance-style approach to termite protection. We offer peace of mind that starts on Day One. It includes:
- Initial preventative treatment that includes our premier baiting system, right when the plan begins – and every year after – to make sure new colonies haven’t formed. We don’t believe in offering preventative treatment for the first year only.
- Annual inspections to make sure termites have not returned. Between annual visits, Nozzle Nolen experts are also looking for activity by using our routine pest control visits and identifying conducive conditions for activity. The goal is to address these issues before they become real problems. Most companies don’t want to find activity because that means they will have to treat the structure. At Nozzle Nolen, we believe waiting costs you money.
- Future treatment to continually safeguard the structure. At Nozzle Nolen, if you are covered for the issue, treatment always comes at no charge.
- Home repair costs if your house is damaged by termites after treatment. We have built in the repair bond element to the 365 COMPLETE Home Protection Package, wherein if the building qualifies, homeowners can opt in to our “Million Dollar Repair Warranty.”
- Frequent plan/bond renewal after annual inspections. Industry average is to perform renewals every 1 to 3 years, but at Nozzle Nolen, we make sure these renewals occur every year to address any new termite activity promptly.
Getting straight to the basic facts, here is how Nozzle Nolen’s 365 COMPLETE Home Protection Package offers pinpointed prevention against the two specific types of termites you’ll find in South Florida:
Subterranean Termite Monitoring and Treatment
To treat subterranean termites, we use strategically placed baiting and monitoring stations that not only identify colony activity, but also surround the home. The bait is working for you 24/7 and immediately provides defense for the home. If termites reach the bait, the colony will be eliminated by direct ingestion.
If remedial treatments are necessary, we don’t stop there. Our treatment process can include applying a liquid treatment into the soil around the perimeter of the building. On their way to the building, subterranean termites must crawl through this treatment zone. The contact treatment, which contaminates the termite’s skin after passing through the material, then transfers to other termites in the colony. The material we use has an advanced non-repellent or undetectable liquid technology, which means termites cannot see, smell, taste, or avoid it. Instead, they contact, ingest, and share the product, making it a perfect one-two combo against termites.
Drywood Termite Monitoring and Treatment
For drywood termites, the treatment we use is an all-natural, silica-based dust application that can be applied to the entire attic space. Our product is a desiccant dust that has no odor and will not stain. This product is considered a low-risk material with no skin toxicity to humans.
When drywood termites contact the product, it clings to their exoskeleton and absorbs the waxy coating, causing death by dehydration. This product remains indefinitely unless disturbed. Over time, any live termites that come in contact with the product will be eliminated.
What more is there to know?
That should cover the long (subterranean) and short (drywood) of termites, as well as the options for protection plans you have available to safeguard against them.
So where do you start? The first step to a termite-free and pest-free home would be to schedule a FREE termite inspection to see how we can give you peace of mind all year long. If you think you, or someone you know, could benefit from a termite inspection, please contact us today.
