You could be facing a serious problem if your home is infested by termites. A termite infestation can make it difficult to sell your house and could even be dangerous to live in.It can be costly to remove termites and repair the damage. This is especially true if you need to replace support beams and walls.
One of the fastest ways is to get a cash offer from investors!
Learn more about termites in your home and your options for selling it if they are found.
Common Questions about Termites
Below is a list of questions that many homeowners have about termites and termite activity.
What are Termites
Termites can destroy your home’s structure by eating wood-eating insects called termites. The USDA estimates that termites cause around $40 billion of damage worldwide each year, and they destroy more than six hundred thousands homes annually in the United States alone.
The number of wood termites that can be destroyed depends on what type of termite is used, how big the colony is, and its condition. It also depends on whether there are other foods available and the temps in the area. Termites, for example, are not as active in lower temperatures but are active yearly in most states.
Formosan termites usually are larger than other types and can cause more destruction than drywood, subterranean, or dampwood termite species. In a climate with perfect conditions, Formosan termites could cause severe destruction to a house in six months. A home that is left untreated and neglected by Formosan termites can sustain significant damage within 2 to 3 years.
Fun Fact
Termites are found in every state except Alaska.
A Termite Swarm Defined
A collection of termites attempting to form their own colony. This occurs as the weather warms up and after a rainstorm.
When the colony grows, it produces alate nymphs. These swarmers have wings and can fly to new locations to find a suitable location for their mate. Each of these new colonies’ queens is the female, who can lay as many as a 1,000,000 eggs.
Call a pest control professional if you see winged insects in your home. They will be able to identify the problem and determine if it is termite season.
What is the Cause
All termites love wood but each one has its own preferences. According to their names, dampwood termites are attracted to moist woods while drywood termites prefer dry wood.
Termites that are subterranean, or under the ground, need to have soil that is moist nearby and infest any wood in close proximity to the ground.These particular termites have the ability to build mud tubes that they utilize to go from the soil to the wood.The termites use mud tubes as a “link”, which they can use to protect themselves from dehydration, and to get to any wood that might be not be underground.
Sellers may be unaware that termites can enter their homes through untreated lumber or firewood.
Moisture attracts termites. And this can cause them to get in the foundation of homes.
Infestations can also be affected by geographic location. Homeowners in the southern U.S. might be more susceptible to termites, due to high humidity and warm weather.
What are the Warning Signs
Termites can live for years on your property and inside your home before they are detected. Subterranean termites, on the other hand, are usually found underground. Drywood termites burrow deeply within wooden structures.
It is important to be alert for signs that could indicate damage.
- After swarms, there were many puddles of wings left behind
- Wood that sounds hollow when it is tapped
- The added moisture termites can cause floor tiles to become loose.
- Drywall that is discolored or falling apart
- Small, pin-size holes in drywall
- Peeling paint that looks like it has suffered water damage
- Plastering laminate or wooden floorboards
- Floorboards that are too squeaky
- Wood that is cracked or damaged
- Stuck windows or doors
- Furniture, floorboards and walls can be arranged in a maze-like pattern
- Mounds of drywood termite powders that look a lot like small piles salt or pepper.
- Mud tubes that climb the foundation of your house
- Flying termite swarms can be found anywhere on your property
What is the Cost of an Inspection Today
The cost of termites can quickly run into the thousands, as well as any repair costs. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have a termite inspection done as soon as possible. This will prevent more damage from occurring over time.
A termite inspection in Texas costs about $100-$150 on average, but this can vary depending on the size of your home.
What Kind of Damage Can Termites Do
Termites can quickly eat through large amounts of wood. To help their colonies grow and thrive, they also create tunnels in the wood. Each colony contains approximately 60,000 termites. It creates an unsafe environment by eating the wood that supports your home’s structure.
Water can enter the termite tunnels and cause additional damage to your home if the structure is compromised. Termites can cause structural damage as well as odor due to their fecal pellets. This can lead to discoloration of your walls and blisters. Your ceiling and laminate flooring can also be damaged by termites.
Can These Insects Demolish a House
The time it takes for termites to damage a house depends on its construction and the type of termites.
Experts believe that termite infestations can cause significant damage to a home within three years. Untreated termites can decimate wood components in their entirety within eight years. The more time a termite colony is left untreated, the more damage it will do and the more costly the treatment and repair.
What are the Treatment Methods
There are three main methods to treat termite problems.
- Subterranean termites are found in soil so the soil surrounding them is treated to prevent them from getting into their soil. The foundation is dug into the ground, and the soil is then treated with termiticide. Finally, the trench is filled again. This prevents future termite infestations, and also kills termites that have returned to the soil to nest.
- Wood Treatment: There are many wood treatments that can be used to kill termites colonies and prevent new ones from growing. There are a variety of treatments available, including surface sprays, foams and injected sprays. Borate-treated wood is also used to prevent termite infestations in homes. Preventative treatments for wood include wood injections and foams following the construction of a home.
- Bait Treatment Systems: These systems are very effective in eliminating termite colonies. To protect the house from future and current infestations, bait stations are placed around the perimeter of the home. They are monitored at a specific frequency.
What is the Cost of Treatment?
Texas’s limited application termite treatments can cost between $221 and $868 or $3 to $16 per square foot. The cost of treatment depends on the size and footprint of the infestation. This calculation is based only on chemical treatments and bait systems, which may not be required for the entire house.
According to the National Pest Management Association, the average cost of termite damage repair is $3,000.
Sometimes tenting is necessary. Prices can be fixed either flat or by size and range from $5 to $20 per square foot. It is possible that tenting will not work against underground termite infestations because it only targets the home structure.
The cost of repairing termite damage after treatment is complete can increase if the infestation has stopped. The cost of repairs will depend on the extent, location and accessibility of the infestation as well as the construction of a home.
Some damage is so minor that homeowners decide not to repair it after controlling the infestation. Termite damage can sometimes cost thousands of dollars. Rarely, termite damage can cause homes to be demolished.
The following are estimates of repair costs for termite damage in the mid-range:
- Framing carpentry: $1,050
- Attic insulation installation: $1,900
- Clean up and repair crawl spaces: $6,000
- Repair drywall: $500
How Many Homes do These Pests Damage
According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause an estimated $2 billion in damage to homes each year. In southern states , termite infestations are most common.
Does homeowner’s insurance Cover Damage
No. Homeowners insurance does not usually cover termite damage or removal. Termite infestations can be avoided by homeowners taking responsibility for routine home maintenance.
Is Disclosure Necessary
Texas Property Code governs seller disclosures. It is clear about what information home sellers must share with potential home buyers. This includes any history of termite infestations. Although it is legal to sell a house that has termites, you must disclose this information.
Even if you have treated termites before, the buyer may sue you for fraud or breach of contract if the termites come back after the house has been sold.
You may also lose the buyer’s confidence if you fail to disclose termite infestation history prior to signing the contract. If the buyer hires an inspector to find the termites, they could try and cancel the contract.
It is not only required that you disclose any history of termite infestation but it is in the best interests of the seller to do so.
Its always a good idea to check with your real estate agent on what you have to disclose.
What is the difference between a history of and active termites?
Active termites are termites that are active on the property. An infestation history is one that has been treated. Qualified termite inspectors are qualified to recognize the differences between active and past termite activity and can provide written guarantees or statements of such.
If you are selling a house that has been treated for termites, it is important to show documentation.
Is it possible to sell a house that these active Pests
You can sell your house, even if there is a termite problem. It comes at a price. Explicitly disclose your termite situation to potential buyers. This will reduce your buyer pool.
It’s best to get rid of termites as soon as possible before you put your house up for sale. Keep a log of all treatments. You should ensure that you work with a licensed pest controller who can transfer the warranty of your treatment plan to the new owner.
If you decide not to invest in termite treatments, your home will be up for sale for a while with very few buyers. The more termites cause damage to your house, the longer it sits without a buyer.
Potential buyers will submit offers that are lower than the listing price if your home has termite damage or termite problems.
Is it possible to sell a House that has Damage?
You can sell a house with termite damage. However, depending on the extent of the damage, it may affect the value of your home and whether it sells. Termite damage is a serious problem that buyers should be aware of.
A seller can always list their home on the market to see what they can get for their home.
Is it Difficult to Sell a House
The answer to this question will depend on many factors. The factors that can impact the answer include how long ago termites were present, the extent of the damage, and whether the damage was repaired.
If termites were present in the house ten years ago and you have not seen them again since then, it is unlikely that their history will impact the sale. It could affect the number of potential buyers if the termites were present six months ago but you have not repaired the damage. The potential for a lower number of buyers to be interested in your house and a devaluation of the property could impact your ability to sell it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you need to notify when selling a house with termites?
When selling a house with termites, you should notify the buyer of the termite issue. You should also contact your local pest control professional to assess the extent of the infestation and to determine the best course of action for treating the termite damage. You should also contact your real estate agent to ensure they are aware of the issue and to discuss any potential consequences of selling a house with termites.
What is the life cycle of a termite?
The life cycle of a termite consists of four stages: egg, nymph, adult, and reproductive. The egg stage lasts about three weeks and the nymph stage lasts about six weeks. During this time, the nymph will shed its skin several times. After the nymph stage, the termite enters the adult stage, which can last from several months to several years. During the adult stage, the termite will feed, reproduce, and create a colony. The reproductive stage of the termite’s life cycle is the final stage, and it can last up to several years.
How do you know if there are termites in your house?
If you suspect that there are termites in your house, look for signs of termite infestation such as mud tubes, wood damage, and discarded wings. You may also hear a clicking noise coming from the walls, which is often a sign of termite infestation. If you find any of these signs of infestation, contact a pest control professional to inspect your home and determine the extent of the infestation.
