This has come up many times and you will get more comments than you can imagine if you do a search of this site for "Termites".
The answer may be influenced as to whether you are buying new or buying preowned.
I bought new and was told that the land was treated during the building process and we got a 5 year guarantee, but it required a yearly inspection for which you have to pay. When they came to inspect they then bring up the topic of flying termites which can enter your attic and they get you to pay for added treatment which then inflates the yearly inspection fee.
The annual inspection is a 15 minute check looking for mud trails or evidence of termites but no additional treatment unless something is found.
After 5 years , they try to get you to spend about $500 to install termite tubes which they install around the house. They don't stop termites but an inspection of the tube can give advance warning of termite invasion.
All of this is to basically keep a warranty in place to repair any damage caused by termites.
I personally have not heard of any neighbors having termite problems but previous posts may give you some insight.
Personal opinion after 7 years is that on a new house at my age, is that I'll repair the damage if they ever show up. I can look for mud trails as well as they can. However, I have paid the annual inspection fee up to this point. Something like $100 per year that I probably am wasting. Many might disagree.
But you must make your own decision. I believe the companies encourage us to pay for this service even though the potential is low.
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