Is a Termite Bond Necessary in the Southeast?

[Paul Anglin]

I have a few rentals and we found evidence of past termite activity in one of them. We've had it treated and bonded, but now I'm wondering if we should consider having all of our properties treated and bonded. It's a large expense, but not as large as having to repair termite damage.

I'm new to this, and had not considered how to handle termite prevention in my rentals. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer!

[Patricia Steiner]

Termites are a problem in Florida and tenting is very expensive.  It's important to know that a Bond is not a guarantee - it's a maintenance contract.  Tenting kills the termites that are present but does nothing on those "arriving" the second the tent is lifted.  I would not incur the expense of termite treatment until you have evidence of an infestation.  If one neighbor has termites, everyone does.  What you can do is take preventative measures (listed online) and have the usual exterminating services done on a regular basis.  Also, one huge thing you can do for termite prevention/mitigation is buy a block house/building. There's still wood in it (roof,etc) but a wood house is a feeding grown for termites and wood fungus.  

(Wish I didn't know anything about this topic but unfortunately...).