Actual statistics on Termite infection in T.V.

[DALEPQ]

Recently met with Massey about Termite service, they were quite convincing about their
service, haven't done anything with them yet.
Would like to know if there are any actual statistics on Termite infections for homes in T.V. Not who is getting service, but actual infestations. From what I have heard there are
very few, but don't have any statistics. I do know that properties are treated prior to construction.
Thanks for any info.

[Pairadocs]

Recently met with Massey about Termite service, they were quite convincing about their
service, haven't done anything with them yet.
Would like to know if there are any actual statistics on Termite infections for homes in T.V. Not who is getting service, but actual infestations. From what I have heard there are
very few, but don't have any statistics. I do know that properties are treated prior to construction.
Thanks for any info.

Have used Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes for about 18 years in Florida, and for 15 years in a northern state less prone to termites but did have them. We have found them to be completely effective, easy and simple to use, and reasonably priced ($38-$50 annually for most). We've had several homes built over the years, including here; always makes me wonder when they say they treated the ground...not sure, could be, just always am suspicious rather here in Fl or in previous states where we've had one built.

[Garywt]

The way it was explained to me when we bought was, everything is treated during construction and you are basically paying for an insurance policy that will repair/replace your house if needed.

[retiredguy123]

It's always been a mystery to me. When I lived in Georgia, it would be unthinkable to not treat for termites. If you laid a board on the grass in your back yard, within a month or so, you could turn it over and see thousands of termites. But, the risk seems to be lower in Florida. It is standard to treat the soil under new houses. The Massey new house treatment contract expires after 5 years and they need to retreat and renew it. Actual termite statistics would be unreliable because most houses have been treated. Also, the cost for termite treatment is a lot less than homeowners insurance, and I don't see a lot of homeowners insurance claims either. I paid $400 to retreat and renew my termite contract, and it can be renewed for less than $100 per year for 10 years. Some people pay that much for one year of homeowners insurance, and they don't treat or inspect anything.

[Arctic Fox]

Here is the link to a thread I started last month:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/termites-villages-what-facts-328549/

As suspected, no-one answered with any actual reports of having had termites in TV

Mrs Fox wanted us to continue with our Massey coverage, but I think it's a waste of money and scaremongering

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

It's always been a mystery to me. When I lived in Georgia, it would be unthinkable to not treat for termites. If you laid a board on the grass in your back yard, within a month or so, you could turn it over and see thousands of termites. But, the risk seems to be lower in Florida. It is standard to treat the soil under new houses. The Massey new house treatment contract expires after 5 years and they need to retreat and renew it. Actual termite statistics would be unreliable because most houses have been treated. Also, the cost for termite treatment is a lot less than homeowners insurance, and I don't see a lot of homeowners insurance claims either. I paid $400 to retreat and renew my termite contract, and it can be renewed for less than $100 per year for 10 years. Some people pay that much for one year of homeowners insurance, and they don't treat or inspect anything.
That system has currently changed over the last couple of years. I was under the same system with Massey and they now have the option to have "metal holders" with termite control, put around my home. This is Life Time Warrantee and can be transferred when you sell your home. They come once a year to check the property and add to the metal holders more termite control. Living in Floridia is a bug state just with the type of weather and with all the golf courses, I was told even more so for termites. It is a protection for your home. I had termites years ago up North and It cost me $$$$ to repair. You may not have termites but your neighbor may and they will travel to your house. I do have Massey for l2 years and have never been disappointed. PRofessional, in every way.

[retiredguy123]

That system has currently changed over the last couple of years. I was under the same system with Massey and they now have the option to have "metal holders" with termite control, put around my home. This is Life Time Warrantee and can be transferred when you sell your home. They come once a year to check the property and add to the metal holders more termite control. Living in Floridia is a bug state just with the type of weather and with all the golf courses, I was told even more so for termites. It is a protection for your home. I had termites years ago up North and It cost me $$$$ to repair. You may not have termites but your neighbor may and they will travel to your house. I do have Massey for l2 years and have never been disappointed. PRofessional, in every way.
The system has not changed. I just had my house treated using the perimeter chemical injection system last year. They poison the soil all the way around your house. There is an option to use the bait system that you described, but nothing has changed. Both the chemical soil injection and the bait systems have been been available and used in The Villages for many years. In my opinion, the perimeter chemical system is a better and less expensive way to go. With the bait system, they need to visit your house periodically to maintain the system, and, if you change your landscaping, you may need to relocate the bait stations. With the chemical system, there is no maintenance, just annual termite inspections. Both systems are transferable to a new owner.

[Bonnevie]

at my last home in Florida I never had it done. regular bug person, but not specifically termite treatment. house was inspected when I sold it for termites and that was done there, but I never heard of this constant termite treatment until I moved here.

[Packer Fan]

Here is the link to a thread I started last month:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/termites-villages-what-facts-328549/

As suspected, no-one answered with any actual reports of having had termites in TV

Mrs Fox wanted us to continue with our Massey coverage, but I think it's a waste of money and scaremongering

No it is not. You seem
To me to be making the same argument some antivaxer people make about polio - why vaccinate - there is no polio. They have the cause and effect backward. So do you. The fact we don’t have many infestations in TV is BECAUSE the vast majority of us protect our huge investment in our house with termite protection. The houses are treated when built and retreated every 10 years or so. Because of this there are few termites in the area so you may be fine, but maybe not. For $125 a year it is cheap insurance

[davem4616]

the numbers are low...so they're not using that as a sales tool...and even if you do find some statistics, how accurate are they...IMHO trying to predict the odds that you'd get termites, is like playing pin the tale on the donkey

I feel like I'm being robbed every time I renew the termite coverage, but I renew because we've had termites (not in TV, but in Ft Lauderdale)

when we lived in Ft Lauderdale it wasn't uncommon to see one house in our area 'tented' about every two-three years....we ended up having termites twice

the first time they came into the house inside a wooden headboard of a bedroom set that we had purchased from a furniture store in Florida (we were told that's quite common, as the warehouses aren't sprayed for termites)...as we were closing up the house for the summer about five or six years later, I noticed 'wings' on the window ledge in the spare bedroom....they had swarmed

the second time they came in inside brand new kitchen cabinets, when we remodeled the kitchen...it took about five years for us to discover them, just after we agreed to a purchase and sales agreement to sell....the buyer's inspector found the evidence of the little buggers, we had no idea. It almost cratered the deal...we had it treated and bought two follow-on years of coverage against them returning to ease the concern the out of state buyers had. Termites is a 4-letter word in the real estate market

so, they are here...and for that reason, I renew, so that when I do go to sell, a buyer won't be hesitant because I hadn't kept the coverage

[Michael G.]

Dean's also offers 1 year perimeter chemical injection system with termite insurance, (whatever that insurance is).
If termites did show up, I wonder if they could say termites were present before their treatment.

[Arctic Fox]

The fact we don’t have many infestations in TV is BECAUSE the vast majority of us protect our huge investment in our house with termite protection. The houses are treated when built and retreated every 10 years or so. Because of this there are few termites in the area

Most of the houses in TV are now over ten years old, and not everyone will have continued their termite protection, yet out of the tens of thousands on TOTV no-one came back to say that they have had termites here.

If even one person on TOTV who had not renewed the termite protection had subsequently had termites I suspect that they would have immediately posted to tell us not to drop the protection.

Either way, I have continued it to keep Mrs Fox happy. I just hope she drops that idea to dig elephant traps in the garden to protect the vegetables, because I'm fairly sure there are no pachyderms in the area.

[spinner1001]

Recently met with Massey about Termite service, they were quite convincing about their
service, haven't done anything with them yet.
Would like to know if there are any actual statistics on Termite infections for homes in T.V. Not who is getting service, but actual infestations. From what I have heard there are
very few, but don't have any statistics. I do know that properties are treated prior to construction.
Thanks for any info.

This UF information about termites in Florida may be somewhat helpful.
Termite Distribution - Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS (https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/termites-in-florida/termite-distribution/)

I doubt that anyone has reliable statistics about the number of termites by location. (It’s hard enough counting humans by location for the US Census.) I believe the best anyone can do by location is the kinds of termites, rather than counts.

[MartinSE]

The numbers are low, the issue is what is your house worth and what is worth to you to have it protected. Termites do exist in Florida.

I hesitated to answer at all since this and another thread seem to be implying a doubt that termite insurance is necessary.

[retiredguy123]

Dean's also offers 1 year perimeter chemical injection system with termite insurance, (whatever that insurance is).
If termites did show up, I wonder if they could say termites were present before their treatment.
When I renewed my termite contract last year, I went with Massey. But, I also contacted Dean's. Massey provided a 10 year guaranteed renewable contract and locked in the annual renewal price for the first 5 years ($400 to treat and $79 per year for 5 years, with a possible increase after year 5). Dean's would not provide any guaranteed contract except for one year. They said that they will come out and retreat every year, but they would not provide an annual renewal price, and they would not even guarantee that they would renew the contract for an additional year. It was strictly on a year-to-year basis. That was totally unacceptable to me. Massey and Dean's are apples to oranges regarding termite treatment.

[MartinSE]

Most of the houses in TV are now over ten years old, and not everyone will have continued their termite protection, yet out of the tens of thousands on TOTV no-one came back to say that they have had termites here.

If even one person on TOTV who had not renewed the termite protection had subsequently had termites I suspect that they would have immediately posted to tell us not to drop the protection.

Either way, I have continued it to keep Mrs Fox happy. I just hope she drops that idea to dig elephant traps in the garden to protect the vegetables, because I'm fairly sure there are no pachyderms in the area.

Of the 100,000 in the villages, a couple dozen frequent here. Not a representative sample.

It almost sounds like you are saying that Termite protection is a scam. If so, by all means don't protect your house.

[sdeikenberry]

When we purchased here in 2013 Massey called on us because the previous owners used them. I was not impressed with their high prices and high sales pressure. I looked around, liked Florida Pest, and have been with them ever since. I have termite protection with them also. I live just south of Spanish Springs and am aware of at least three homes in our immidiate neighborhood that have had either flying or ground termites in the past five years. Most times you don't know you have them until significant damage has occurred. So yeah, I want the insurance.

[Dlbonivich]

Termites are extremely prevalent in Florida. TV has not experienced many out breaks because the homes are relatively new. Homes in the historic section have experienced problems. In the old days builders could use napalm chemicals to treat the ground before building. That has changed. Much weaker chemicals now. Read about termites and you will find that Florida is the perfect breeding ground for them. 2 kinds of termites. Dry wood treated with tenting. No preventative for the and Subterranean which is what they are trying to prevent. Do what makes you feel comfortable with. I have lived in Florida for about 24 years and I will take the treatment and insurance. I had termites in my block home before. I do not want the damage or hassle.

[Larchap49]

It's always been a mystery to me. When I lived in Georgia, it would be unthinkable to not treat for termites. If you laid a board on the grass in your back yard, within a month or so, you could turn it over and see thousands of termites. But, the risk seems to be lower in Florida. It is standard to treat the soil under new houses. The Massey new house treatment contract expires after 5 years and they need to retreat and renew it. Actual termite statistics would be unreliable because most houses have been treated. Also, the cost for termite treatment is a lot less than homeowners insurance, and I don't see a lot of homeowners insurance claims either. I paid $400 to retreat and renew my termite contract, and it can be renewed for less than $100 per year for 10 years. Some people pay that much for one year of homeowners insurance, and they don't treat or inspect anything.

If you are a DIY person,, You can purchase Termidor (it's what the professionals use). On Amazon, its rated for ten years but in testing lasted more than twenty years. Do some research, even if you pay a company to do it I think this is at the top of the best treatment list. I treated my foundation right after purchase and I do all points of access, door sills, window sills, eaves etc. yearly. Also used it on last house in a termite prone area for 15 years. By not paying a Massey type business I don't have the Insurance protection but am confident I don't need it.

[DALEPQ]

Thanks to "Artic Fox" there was a reference to a prior thread from "Babubhat" that the
U.Florida/IFAS provided a map of Termite infestations in FL.
Very informative and shows very few in T.V.
Suggest checking that map.
Thanks for that info.

[bilcon]

Better safe than sorry. I have seen the results of termite damage in a friend's home in Florida. I would not have liked to spent what he did for repairs. Massey redid my treatment and gave me a new contract for the same amount as my former 10 year agreement.

[Petersweeney]

Massy would try to sell snow to Eskimos….

[MartinSE]

One other consideration, I would never purchase a house that did not have a record of continuous termite protection. I expect I am not alone. So, there may be some issues with selling your house if you don't have termite protection and insurance.

[rogerk]

Well worth theoney for the insurance. Sure you can find less expensive alternatives, but few if any offer complete repair of any damages caused by termites. In MHO, it's a no-brainer.

[Toddy]

Recently met with Massey about Termite service, they were quite convincing about their
service, haven't done anything with them yet.
Would like to know if there are any actual statistics on Termite infections for homes in T.V. Not who is getting service, but actual infestations. From what I have heard there are
very few, but don't have any statistics. I do know that properties are treated prior to construction.
Thanks for any info.

Been here over 15 years and never had trouble with termites. I know I had a trained termite sniffing dog go over the house and outside years ago.

[JIMQ3100]

When I renewed my termite contract last year, I went with Massey. But, I also contacted Dean's. Massey provided a 10 year guaranteed renewable contract and locked in the annual renewal price for the first 5 years ($400 to treat and $79 per year for 5 years, with a possible increase after year 5). Dean's would not provide any guaranteed contract except for one year. They said that they will come out and retreat every year, but they would not provide an annual renewal price, and they would not even guarantee that they would renew the contract for an additional year. It was strictly on a year-to-year basis. That was totally unacceptable to me. Massey and Dean's are apples to oranges regarding termite treatment.

Do you mind giving the name/number of your sales rep, for some reason I am getting a much higher quote almost double

[retiredguy123]

Do you mind giving the name/number of your sales rep, for some reason I am getting a much higher quote almost double
The price is going to depend on the size of your house, and I think it also depends on whether or not you have other Massey services. My Massey contract was done by a guy named John about a year ago.

[Bonanza]

Recently met with Massey about Termite service, they were quite convincing about their
service, haven't done anything with them yet.
Would like to know if there are any actual statistics on Termite infections for homes in T.V. Not who is getting service, but actual infestations. From what I have heard there are
very few, but don't have any statistics. I do know that properties are treated prior to construction.
Thanks for any info.

Yeah, of course, their spiel is good and is quite convincing. They are well-indoctrinated and could probably sell you ice in the winter.
The termite statistics in this area do not warrant their service.

Put the cost of their monthly service in a piggy bank and you will come out way far ahead!
And regarding pest control . . . Don't do anything for a month (or even longer) and you will see you do not need a pest control service.

[Bonanza]

One other consideration, I would never purchase a house that did not have a record of continuous termite protection. I expect I am not alone. So, there may be some issues with selling your house if you don't have termite protection and insurance.

You would never buy a house that did NOT have continuous termite protection? Absurd and ridiculous!

That is NOT an issue with anyone selling their house.

How many people do you know who have had an issue with termites?
Yeah. That's what I thought!

[MartinSE]

You would never buy a house that did NOT have continuous termite protection? Absurd and ridiculous!

That is NOT an issue with anyone selling their house.

How many people do you know who have had an issue with termites?
Yeah. That's what I thought!

Thank you for the insult. I stated what I would do and not do and you insult me.

Mortgage companies will not approve a mortgage unless a proof the structure is termite free.

So, termites are a issue for selling your house. The mortgage company is willing to finance a house that has been inspected and said to be termite free. I simply take that another step, I won't buy a house that has not been continuously protected. I am sorry that causes you so much anger you must insult and ridicule me for having a different opinion than you.

* Termites are estimated to infect 1 in 10 houses in Florida, not all infected houses are damaged severely.

* Termites damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year.

* U.S. residents spend an estimated $5 billion annually to control termites and repair termite damage.

* According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. residents spend at least $1 billion on Formosan termite control and repairs each year. Some experts estimate the number is closer to $2 billion.

* Each year, termites and similar pests cause an estimated $30 billion in damage to crops and man-made structures in the U.S.

* A homeowner who discovers termite damage will spend an average of $3,000 to repair the damage.

[Babubhat]

Left Massey for Dean’s. Dissatisfied with there explanation of costs once the initial 5 years was up

[retiredguy123]

Left Massey for Dean’s. Dissatisfied with there explanation of costs once the initial 5 years was up
When I renewed after 5 years, Massey gave me a 10 year termite contract. Dean's would only provide a one year, year-to-year contract, with no guarantee of renewal or cost.

[Bonanza]

Thank you for the insult. I stated what I would do and not do and you insult me.

I did NOT insult you! I simply said that it was absurd and ridiculous for someone to NOT buy a house that didn't have a termite contract. The proof is in the pudding. Millions of houses did NOT have that kind of contract and were successfully sold and were termite-free!

Mortgage companies will not approve a mortgage unless a proof the structure is termite free.

Of course! That is why a lender requires that kind of inspection. But if the house did not have a termite contract as long as no evidence of termites was found, that is all that is necessary. Hence, my prior remark.

So, termites are a issue for selling your house. The mortgage company is willing to finance a house that has been inspected and said to be termite free. I simply take that another step, I won't buy a house that has not been continuously protected. I am sorry that causes you so much anger you must insult and ridicule me for having a different opinion than you.

Termites are only an issue for getting a mortgage. I simply said it was ridiculous for someone not to accept a termite-free inspection. What you do doesn't cause me any anger. I simply think you are foolish to have the mindset you have in regard to ONLY buying a property that has had a termite contract when the inspection will show you what you need to know. I doubt that there are many people who would disagree with what I have said.


Termites are estimated to infect 1 in 10 houses in Florida, not all infected houses are damaged severely.
Termites damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year.
U.S. residents spend an estimated $5 billion annually to control termites and repair termite damage.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. residents spend at least $1 billion on Formosan termite control and repairs each year. Some experts estimate the number is closer to $2 billion.
Each year, termites and similar pests cause an estimated $30 billion in damage to crops and man-made structures in the U.S.
A homeowner who discovers termite damage will spend an average of $3,000 to repair the damage.

You have cherry-picked much of the above information to satisfy your own termite obsession, and much of what you consider factual above, isn't! For example, I am willing to bet that more than 1 in 10 houses show some kind of termites. Conversely, most homeowners do not spend anything close to $3,000 to repair termite damage unless the damage is severe, which most of the time it isn't.

[jimjamuser]

Recently met with Massey about Termite service, they were quite convincing about their
service, haven't done anything with them yet.
Would like to know if there are any actual statistics on Termite infections for homes in T.V. Not who is getting service, but actual infestations. From what I have heard there are
very few, but don't have any statistics. I do know that properties are treated prior to construction.
Thanks for any info.
Somehow I think that infestation is what insects do and "infection" is more of a medical term?

[MartinSE]

You have cherry-picked much of the above information to satisfy your own termite obsession, and much of what you consider factual above, isn't! For example, I am willing to bet that more than 1 in 10 houses show some kind of termites. Conversely, most homeowners do not spend anything close to $3,000 to repair termite damage unless the damage is severe, which most of the time it isn't.


Good to know you don't cherry pick fact to suit your agenda or obsession. Thanks I will be looking forward to more of your unsubstantiated posts.

[Bonanza]

Good to know you don't cherry pick fact to suit your agenda or obsession. Thanks I will be looking forward to more of your unsubstantiated posts.

I have copied my entire comment (highlighted in color below) to which you made reference since you only copied one paragraph which did not cover much. I mentioned your obsession which is only buying a property that has an ongoing termite treatment. You mention my obsession. How about telling me what that is??? And while you're at it, you can mention what my unsubstantiated posts are? And also, what posts did I cherry-pick?

You made those comments. Back them up!

*************

Originally Posted by MartinSE View Post
Thank you for the insult. I stated what I would do and not do and you insult me.

I did NOT insult you! I simply said that it was absurd and ridiculous for someone to NOT buy a house that didn't have a termite contract. The proof is in the pudding. Millions of houses did NOT have that kind of contract and were successfully sold and were termite-free!

Mortgage companies will not approve a mortgage unless a proof the structure is termite free.

Of course! That is why a lender requires that kind of inspection. But if the house did not have a termite contract as long as no evidence of termites was found, that is all that is necessary. Hence, my prior remark.

So, termites are a issue for selling your house. The mortgage company is willing to finance a house that has been inspected and said to be termite free. I simply take that another step, I won't buy a house that has not been continuously protected. I am sorry that causes you so much anger you must insult and ridicule me for having a different opinion than you.

Termites are only an issue for getting a mortgage. I simply said it was ridiculous for someone not to accept a termite-free inspection. What you do doesn't cause me any anger. I simply think you are foolish to have the mindset you have in regard to ONLY buying a property that has had a termite contract when the inspection will show you what you need to know. I doubt that there are many people who would disagree with what I have said.


Termites are estimated to infect 1 in 10 houses in Florida, not all infected houses are damaged severely.
Termites damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year.
U.S. residents spend an estimated $5 billion annually to control termites and repair termite damage.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. residents spend at least $1 billion on Formosan termite control and repairs each year. Some experts estimate the number is closer to $2 billion.
Each year, termites and similar pests cause an estimated $30 billion in damage to crops and man-made structures in the U.S.
A homeowner who discovers termite damage will spend an average of $3,000 to repair the damage.

You have cherry-picked much of the above information to satisfy your own termite obsession, and much of what you consider factual above, isn't! For example, I am willing to bet that more than 1 in 10 houses show some kind of termites. Conversely, most homeowners do not spend anything close to $3,000 to repair termite damage unless the damage is severe, which most of the time it isn't.
__________________

[Sabella]

That system has currently changed over the last couple of years. I was under the same system with Massey and they now have the option to have "metal holders" with termite control, put around my home. This is Life Time Warrantee and can be transferred when you sell your home. They come once a year to check the property and add to the metal holders more termite control. Living in Floridia is a bug state just with the type of weather and with all the golf courses, I was told even more so for termites. It is a protection for your home. I had termites years ago up North and It cost me $$$$ to repair. You may not have termites but your neighbor may and they will travel to your house. I do have Massey for l2 years and have never been disappointed. PRofessional, in every way.. I have.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

When our neighbors went to sell their home termites were found in the wood that supports the AC unit in the garage. They had not idea.

[Bonanza]

Good to know you don't cherry pick fact to suit your agenda or obsession. Thanks I will be looking forward to more of your unsubstantiated posts.

[QUOTE=Bonanza;2072532]I have copied my entire comment (highlighted in color below) to which you made reference since you only copied one paragraph which did not cover much. I mentioned your obsession which is only buying a property that has an ongoing termite treatment. You mention my obsession. How about telling me what that is??? And while you're at it, you can mention what my unsubstantiated posts are? And also, what posts did I cherry-pick?

You made those comments. Back them up!

********

I note that you have not responded to my request for you to back up some accusatory comments you made to me.

I reiterate: You mention my obsession. How about telling me what that is???
And while you're at it, you can mention what my unsubstantiated posts are?
And also, what posts did I cherry-pick?

A non-response only means that you are blowing smoke and don't know what you're talking about. The ball is in your court.

[Michael G.]

Termites are extremely prevalent in Florida. TV has not experienced many out breaks because the homes are relatively new. Homes in the historic section have experienced problems. In the old days builders could use napalm chemicals to treat the ground before building. That has changed. Much weaker chemicals now. Read about termites and you will find that Florida is the perfect breeding ground for them. 2 kinds of termites. Dry wood treated with tenting. No preventative for the and Subterranean which is what they are trying to prevent. Do what makes you feel comfortable with. I have lived in Florida for about 24 years and I will take the treatment and insurance. I had termites in my block home before. I do not want the damage or hassle.

Good read.
And if you ever seen termite infestation in the exterior walls of a house,
that would be the best lesson to get protection.

[Bonanza]

Good read.
And if you ever seen termite infestation in the exterior walls of a house,
that would be the best lesson to get protection.

Michael -- there is almost no excuse for someone to have a termite infestation in the exterior walls of a house. A homeowner would have to be blind to not have noticed something like that before it got to that kind of extreme.

[Brack123]

Check with Deans, they actually treat with the quarterly insect treatment. Massey wanted me to buy a very high priced “Treatment Program” Very satisfied with Deans.

[Bonanza]

One other consideration, I would never purchase a house that did not have a record of continuous termite protection. I expect I am not alone. So, there may be some issues with selling your house if you don't have termite protection and insurance.

Here you go again, like a grumpy old man! I will refer again to your obsession that you will only buy a house that has ongoing termite protection. Buyers buying a resale will have a home inspection and a termite inspection is part of that. If getting a mortgage, lenders require a "clear" termite report.

Yes, you are probably mostly alone in your thinking. When an inspection company can provide a clean report regarding termites, there really are NO issues concerning the sale of a property.

Going a step further, if termites are found, it is an easy fix with treatment giving a buyer peace of mind because a guarantee is always given.

[thevillages2013]

This UF information about termites in Florida may be somewhat helpful.
Termite Distribution - Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS (https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/termites-in-florida/termite-distribution/)

I doubt that anyone has reliable statistics about the number of termites by location. (It’s hard enough counting humans by location for the US Census.) I believe the best anyone can do by location is the kinds of termites, rather than counts.
They probably released some genetically modified termites that bred with the normal termites and now they can’t reproduce. They are doing that with mosquitoes!

[clossonjunk]

You would never buy a house that did NOT have continuous termite protection? Absurd and ridiculous!

That is NOT an issue with anyone selling their house.

How many people do you know who have had an issue with termites?
Yeah. That's what I thought!



I agree with him. Been in FL for 50 years. Been in TV for 1.5 yrs. This is my 4th home that I have owned as an adult. So far, 2 of my 4 homes have had termites. Both homes were brand new when I bought and only several years old when termites swarmed in. We didn't have new furniture or cabinets to blame. They come up through the ground and into house under the siding, in window seals, etc. The third home was built in the 70's and was treated with chemicals that are now banned, but never had termites in the home....in the yard, it did tho. I expect this home will eventually have termites. Each house we sold and bought had major termite clauses in them. Mant people will not purchase a home in FL without a history of termite treatment because the repair of unseen damage is crazy expensive. The damage is usually not found until there is remodeling or future termites. A bond does not cover past damage. Many people I know have dealt with termites. It's more rare to see someone who hasn't.

Basically, termites in FL are like gators in FL. You can tell yourself that they aren't there because you don't see them, no one has seen one, yadda, yadda, but they are there. It's not if, it's when you get termites in FL....

[Bonanza]

I agree with him. Been in FL for 50 years. Been in TV for 1.5 yrs. This is my 4th home that I have owned as an adult. So far, 2 of my 4 homes have had termites. Both homes were brand new when I bought and only several years old when termites swarmed in. We didn't have new furniture or cabinets to blame. They come up through the ground and into house under the siding, in window seals, etc. The third home was built in the 70's and was treated with chemicals that are now banned, but never had termites in the home....in the yard, it did tho. I expect this home will eventually have termites. Each house we sold and bought had major termite clauses in them. Mant people will not purchase a home in FL without a history of termite treatment because the repair of unseen damage is crazy expensive. The damage is usually not found until there is remodeling or future termites. A bond does not cover past damage. Many people I know have dealt with termites. It's more rare to see someone who hasn't.

Basically, termites in FL are like gators in FL. You can tell yourself that they aren't there because you don't see them, no one has seen one, yadda, yadda, but they are there. It's not if, it's when you get termites in FL....

Some of the things you mention regarding termites seem unusual. The majority of Florida residents have not experienced termites in their houses. You had termites in two houses which you purchased brand new and after a couple of years, had termites -- a "swarm" of them? That is extremely rare! And you mentioned that you had "major termite clauses" in houses (in a contract, I assume) that you both sold and purchased? Other than what is pre-written into a standard contract for sale on a house, how did these clauses differ?

I can only tell you that in all my years as an active Realtor in Florida (30+ years) I have never had a customer not by a home because it didn't have an ongoing termite contract. Never! As I said previously, if the termite inspection was clear, that is all the buyer wanted to know. If the inspection showed some activity, the problem was treated and a warranty was issued. Either way, it did not present a problem. And no, it is not rare to find someone who has never had termites. I've never had them although I know at some point I probably will. Luckily, most people do not have the problem but yes -- termites in Florida are not uncommon.

[clossonjunk]

Some of the things you mention regarding termites seem unusual. The majority of Florida residents have not experienced termites in their houses. You had termites in two houses which you purchased brand new and after a couple of years, had termites -- a "swarm" of them? That is extremely rare! And you mentioned that you had "major termite clauses" in houses (in a contract, I assume) that you both sold and purchased? Other than what is pre-written into a standard contract for sale on a house, how did these clauses differ?

I can only tell you that in all my years as an active Realtor in Florida (30+ years) I have never had a customer not by a home because it didn't have an ongoing termite contract. Never! As I said previously, if the termite inspection was clear, that is all the buyer wanted to know. If the inspection showed some activity, the problem was treated and a warranty was issued. Either way, it did not present a problem. And no, it is not rare to find someone who has never had termites. I've never had them although I know at some point I probably will. Luckily, most people do not have the problem but yes -- termites in Florida are not uncommon.

Our last house we sold in Jax had a swarm in master bath in year 2. Yes, a swarm. Little tiny termites laying all over the bathroom, tub, shower, etc. We had a policy, so we had a retreat and clean up. When we sold the house 6 years later in 2020, the first contract backed out because he found that the house had experienced that episode of termites, even though the home had a continued policy the entire time and the termites were treated, taken care of immediately, and never had termites again. We even take extreme care of our yards to ensure we don't get termites. So, there is one example of someone who wouldn't buy a home that once experienced termites, though it may not be exactly the same as just having a continuous coverage.

I have 2 brothers and a sister (also in real estate) who all live on different sides of town, all had termites. 6 of my friends, ditto. I just checked with my sister and my last agent. Both told me that they sell houses all the time that had termites at one time. They both said they have had clients or others wig out and not buy a home because it had termites once before, or had gone without termite coverage, however, both said that the majority of time, most are like me and my husband, in that as long as there is a clear WDO and a current policy, we are fine with the purchase.

Maybe it's just a problem in Jacksonville. Don't know. Yes, contracts want WDO reports only with no active infestations, but some had a termite addendum. I can't remember the exact wording. My agent, not my sister, said she has seen that addendum many times before about the termites. So, either, me, my family, friends, and many in Jacksonville are the most unlucky people on the face of the earth when it comes to termites or you are the most luckiest real estate agent that has never had to deal with them. Cheers to you. May you never have to.

PS...our first house in the 90's was 3 years old and that house also had a swarm, too. Yep, a damn swarm. We saw small tiny holes by our living room window, could actually hear them in the wall. Called our pest control. We were told that it was termites and they were going to swarn. Per their advice, we taped over all the pin holes to try to get them to swarm outside, but nope, they swarmed into the living room. Me and my two year old son were vacuuming them as they were flying in. They can only fly a few feet and then drop. I swear, it makes me wonder if the builders are actually remembering/bothering to treat the ground or not.

Good times....count yourself lucky.

[retiredguy123]

Typically, subterranean termites live underground in the soil and invade a house eating wood, cardboard, or drywall. They cannot be exposed to the light, so you may not see them for years until you notice a wrinkle or weak spot on a door jamb, window sill, or baseboard. They will eat the wood right up to the surface and, when they see the light, they will go in another direction. Sometimes, the wood surface will be paper thin, but you don't notice it because the termites will not break through the surface. They will also build earth tunnels on an exterior wall to travel into the house and stay out of the light. Once a year, usually in the Spring, they will mate, swarm, and fly away. But, this usually occurs outside the house. The flying swarm will relocate to another house, but the original group will remain and continue eating your house. The way to treat the house is to inject a poison into the soil all the way around the perimeter of your house so they cannot live in the soil. There are other types of termites, but the subterranean type are the most difficult to detect. Once they move into your house, as long as they have enough moisture, they will never leave until you kill them.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Typically, subterranean termites live underground in the soil and invade a house eating wood, cardboard, or drywall. They cannot be exposed to the light, so you may not see them for years until you notice a wrinkle or weak spot on a door jamb, window sill, or baseboard. They will eat the wood right up to the surface and, when they see the light, they will go in another direction. Sometimes, the wood surface will be paper thin, but you don't notice it because the termites will not break through the surface. They will also build earth tunnels on an exterior wall to travel into the house and stay out of the light. Once a year, usually in the Spring, they will mate, swarm, and fly away. But, this usually occurs outside the house. The flying swarm will relocate to another house, but the original group will remain and continue eating your house. The way to treat the house is to inject a poison into the soil all the way around the perimeter of your house so they cannot live in the soil. There are other types of termites, but the subterranean type are the most difficult to detect. Once they move into your house, as long as they have enough moisture, they will never leave until you kill them.

That's a great argument for living in a manufactured home. Our homes don't have foundations, therefore there's no way for a subterranean termite to enter.

The OTHER types of termites might - but mfg. homes don't have all that much wood in their construction.

So whoever said the "historic section" had a lot of problems with termites is probably - not correct. The historic section is primarily manufactured homes and mobile homes. Yes there are sight-builts on foundations but they are in the minority.

[Bonanza]

Our last house we sold in Jax had a swarm in master bath in year 2. Yes, a swarm. Little tiny termites laying all over the bathroom, tub, shower, etc. We had a policy, so we had a retreat and clean up. When we sold the house 6 years later in 2020, the first contract backed out because he found that the house had experienced that episode of termites, even though the home had a continued policy the entire time and the termites were treated, taken care of immediately, and never had termites again. We even take extreme care of our yards to ensure we don't get termites. So, there is one example of someone who wouldn't buy a home that once experienced termites, though it may not be exactly the same as just having a continuous coverage.

I have 2 brothers and a sister (also in real estate) who all live on different sides of town, all had termites. 6 of my friends, ditto. I just checked with my sister and my last agent. Both told me that they sell houses all the time that had termites at one time. They both said they have had clients or others wig out and not buy a home because it had termites once before, or had gone without termite coverage, however, both said that the majority of time, most are like me and my husband, in that as long as there is a clear WDO and a current policy, we are fine with the purchase.

Maybe it's just a problem in Jacksonville. Don't know. Yes, contracts want WDO reports only with no active infestations, but some had a termite addendum. I can't remember the exact wording. My agent, not my sister, said she has seen that addendum many times before about the termites. So, either, me, my family, friends, and many in Jacksonville are the most unlucky people on the face of the earth when it comes to termites or you are the most luckiest real estate agent that has never had to deal with them. Cheers to you. May you never have to.

PS...our first house in the 90's was 3 years old and that house also had a swarm, too. Yep, a damn swarm. We saw small tiny holes by our living room window, could actually hear them in the wall. Called our pest control. We were told that it was termites and they were going to swarn. Per their advice, we taped over all the pin holes to try to get them to swarm outside, but nope, they swarmed into the living room. Me and my two year old son were vacuuming them as they were flying in. They can only fly a few feet and then drop. I swear, it makes me wonder if the builders are actually remembering/bothering to treat the ground or not.

Good times....count yourself lucky.

You have had some incredibly bad luck with termites that borders on unbelievable. Seriously, I have never known anyone with the repertoire of termite incidents as what you have seen and/or experienced! I'm not familiar with if Jacksonville has or had an abundance of termite issues. I can only speak of southeast Florida first handed, and of course, termites do exist there but not nearly to the extent of what you've described.

I don't believe my luck, as well as the good fortune I've had with my buyers and sellers, is untypical although compared to you, your friends, etc., it most certainly is. Treating the foundation of houses for termites is code as you probably know. I can't imagine that some builders can get away with not doing that.

Hopefully, you will find some satisfaction in knowing that every Florida house will experience termites at some point in time. I hope this makes you feel better!!! :icon_wink:

And yes -- I am lucky! :girlneener: