Termites in Tucson Not Terminal
May 27, 2008
Post Tags: seller-property-disclosure-statement , Termite-Treatment , Tucson-Termites
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Everyone says about Tucson and termites: “If you don’t have them you will get them.” They are that prevalent in our environment. They are subterranean and as the saying about vampires goes “They can’t stand the light of day” neither can these termites so they build themselves little tunnels to stay out of the sunlight.
However, this post isn’t about termites, it is about assumptions about termites when out viewing homes. Common treatment for termites involves the entire perimeter of the home being treated to create a barrier against the little critters. This involves drilling a series of holes in any concrete patio or driveways that abut to the home. Those holes are used to infuse the chemicals into the soil. Once treated the holes are filled with mortar and look like the picture above.
Many buyers when they visit a home assume the home has had termites if they see these tell tale markers of treatment. Assuming is never a good thing.
Most new homes are treated with a termite barrier treatment when they are built that lasts for 5 years. Because termites are everywhere many home owners will have the home treated which will extend that barrier and warranty for another 5 years.
Recently our home passed that 5 year mark and we had the home treated to keep the warranty going and prevent termites from invading our home.
Seeing termite treatment holes is not an indicator the home has had termites. To the contrary it might be the indicator this home has been well taken care of and a preventative barrier maintained.
If you want to know for sure check the Seller Property Disclosure Statement. If the home has had termites it is to be disclosed on that form. It is usually available at the home for sale.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:22 am
We don’t have termites in Minnesota, and there is no requirement for a termite inspection. Imagine my surprise when I sold a home that was infested with termites. It took awhile to come up with a solution and to prove that the termites existed . . since we don’t have them here in the Twin Cities.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:52 am
As we say out here in Maryland, termites are legal tax exempt residents of the state. Remediation is common as a preventative measure, seeing the treatment is a good thing!
May 28th, 2008 at 9:24 am
You would think that the heat would be enough to keep away the termites. We’re starting to see them more here in Las Vegas as well in the older neighborhoods. Most of the companies here use the ground stakes to protect the property.
May 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am
In what year did homes start to automatically have termite barrier treatment?