Do I need Termite Treatment Plan in my home?

A termite treatment plan is an investment in protecting your home.  But, when is a termite treatment plan necessary, and what exactly do customers get?  Let’s start first with the geography we live in.  The Carolinas are known to have a high Eastern Subterranean Termite population and thus, these pests are more likely to invade our homes.  Findings from North Carolina State University show that there can be several colonies of termites in just one acre of land in our area and each colony can have anywhere from 50,000 to 2,000,000 termites within them*.  In our geography, comprehensive annual inspections are key to managing the risks associated with foraging termites and the damage they cause.  We also strongly recommend a termite service agreement (or warranty) to protect from activity and damage.

In the very least, homeowners should have their home inspected by a pest control and management firm that they have confidence in to determine if there is any visible evidence of termite activity.  The key word here is visible.  Many homeowners have a false sense of security when a pest management professional tells them that they have not found any termite activity in and around their home.  What they forget (and often what the pest management professional forgets to disclose) is that so much of the structure is not accessible for inspection due to dry wall, masonry and other construction that “blocks the view” of inspectors looking for evidence.  And this is the key reason we recommend for all homeowners to be under a service agreement against termite activity and damage.  Even us professionals, cannot always see what is happening behind the walls and bricks and under the slabs.

Many companies offer special discounts through Angie’s List or if you refer your friends or colleagues to the company.  Utilize these discounts to obtain the best pricing available.  But remember, when and if you have a termite issue in the future, you will want the company that will stand behind their word and their service agreement.  You may not remember how much you paid for the initial service, but what will become very clear is the level of service that that company offers.  Make a good decision on the termite service provider and please read our blog on “How to select a termite treatment provider” to help you shop for this very important service.

*Source: union.ces.ncsu.edu

**Please keep in mind these prices are average prices and may be drastically different for your home, given the size and type of construction and other challenges that may occur.