Termite Bond on New Builds
 

I just had my home inspection done on my house (it’s now been 10 months since I closed). Luckily, no major issues were found, but quite a few minor issues were noted that will need to be addressed with the warranty dept.

The inspector brought up the termite bond that comes with the new build (from Massey), as it expires in December unless I renew it. He advised that I let it lapse, and that there is really no need for termite bond for the new homes south of 44, as they are sufficiently treated to protect against termites for many, many years. He felt it was an unnecessary expense, that many homeowners get out of “fear”, rather than something that’s needed.

So, that got me thinking as to whether I will renew my termite bond or not. Would like to hear what others have done who have purchased new homes in the last year or two. Also, has anyone heard of termites being an issue south of 44? Thank you.

That doesn't sound correct. Typically, the builder treats the soil under the house, and provdes the owner with a 5-year termite contract, that must be renewed every year for about $100. Massey is one of the primary contractors for this work. I had a 5-year Massey contract, and when it expired, they retreated the entire house and provided a 10-year renewable contract. Note that the Massey contract is not a bond. They self insure for any termite damage.

For me it depends on who you used for the inspection. With 4 homes in TV since 2007, there are some inspectors that suggest some things, that others will not.

When we bought our 3rd home it was preowned. Wife died and spouse didn’t do any upkeep on the house for years.

Our mortgage company required active termite coverage. Daisy from Dean’s ($250) came to our home inspection, she didn’t detect any termites. However she did find a palm next door, not close to our property that had termites. We then proceeded with their service.

Once you see a fully tented home in TV, for termite’s make you ponder why they didn’t continue service.

We have Massey for first year, switching to Deans as soon as we are close to one year. Yes we will have termite coverage

My advice would be to ask your surrounding neighbors, in person.
There are a lot a people giving advice on this board who do nothing but worry about things that might happen while they clutch their pearls and wring their hands.
My parents got like that when they were older. They believed every horror story that a salesman gave them and spent a lot of money based on that.
There are people who always see the "what if" side, and there are others who weigh the options.
Ask yourself this, do you want to ask questions of strangers who spend most of their life on an internet message board (see post counts), or do you want to ask the people that you actually KNOW and surround yourself with?

I wouldn't let Massey touch my home. They will hound you with spam and home visits when you don't renew. Just keep saying NO. You don't have to worry about termites anyway. Waste of money.

My question would be............what is the credit worthiness of the Massey corporate shell if they are self funded.

Could be fine................but I would want to know.

We buy it mainly for the periodic termite treatments (Deans). I view Deans termite ‘insurance’ as an added benefit. Deans termite package = periodic termite treatments + termite insurance. At least with Deans, if you don’t buy their termite package, you don’t get their periodic termite treatments.

The topic of buying termite insurance has been discussed a lot on TOTV. Yes, there are termites in central Florida (see the link below from U Florida, for example). The challenge is we rarely see termites and, when present, they cause a lot of damage. Since we almost never see them, they are sort of a hidden risk. Like any decision to buy most forms of insurance, it comes down to one’s perception of _their_ risk, their tolerance of risk, and their level of discretionary income and wealth.

If you are going to talk with others about termites, talk with some who have lived in Florida at least 10 years. Like hurricane risk, termite risk in Florida is not the same as termite risk ‘up north’.

ENY-2079/IN1360: Termite Species Distribution in Florida and UF Termite Identification Services

A little to pay for piece of mind. Our development is sbout 7 1/2 years old and there have been 3 people I know of that have had termites so that will tell you how well they are “treated”.

Yes
There have been a few instances of termite infestation south of 44
Pay $100 you will sleep better

I did Massey's "bond" like plan for about a year in T V then one day actually took the time to read their invoice. They use Termidor SC for termite prevention. I used Termidor Sc at my house prior before moving to T V. I started ordering Termidor SC again (it can have other names on Amazon for about $70 a bottle which will last for a few years) and self-treat the foundation and eves twice a year (prevents more than just termites).

If its good enough for Massey in T V, having used it at prior homes, I knew it was good enough for me.

You might consider the "methodology" that Massey uses as compared to others....such as Deans. Massey uses a bait system, so it draws the termites to the bait. Deans treats around the home killing termites if they are there. For me, drawing termites doesn't sound like something I would want so we switched to Deans.

Agree, moisture (South of 44 has a lot of ponds and literally filled in swamp area). Wooden houses are optimal restaurants for termites. Three months was all it too to devour an exterior grade 2 x 4 frame I had once at at FL residence on the ground in the back yard.

Definitely a good idea to have a plan one way or another to prevent and protect from termites. They can penitrate through cement and can get through cracks of cement as well.

How much dose deans charge for termite. Do they also treat for common bugs in your house and lawn?

I agree. When you buy a new house, you are paying for a 5-year termite protection. The annual renewal cost is basically for reinspections. To me, it wouldn't make sense to just let the contract lapse after the first year.

Termite
 

I use Superior service and paid once when I first hired them
They do a termite inspection every year with no additional cost.
They are much better than Massey with their other services also