All Forum Posts by: Sara Hodge

I wouldn't worry about it.

The only way to "prevent" termites is during original construction, use metal studs, apply a layer of termite barrier before the slab pour etc...

If he is recommending an annual treatment, then it must be subterranean termites he is referring to.  This is typically done by creating a shallow trench around the perimeter of your structure and apply a liquid termicide (like Termidor).  This assumes the termites' nest is somewhere in the exterior, and it must be crossing the perimeter to get inside for the wood.

You could also have drywood termites which is a totally different animal.  Drywood termites eat the wood much slower and it's either spot treated (if the spot can be identified) or tented.

I would wait until there is evidence of termites before acting.

If you don't mind whats the address? I have properties in one neighborhood in SE Memphis and every house has had termites at one point or another. The house is not near water and every house has one or two small trees.

Termite treatment is not necessary in Memphis. We do have them but they are not so commonplace that it would justify the expense. I think you should bank the cash flow.

Sara,

Personally, I do not get termite treatments on my rental properties nor do the majority of the investors we manage for.

That said, if I owned only one house, I would be much more inclined to do everything I could to protect that specific asset.

Across a diverse portfolio of properties, the law of large numbers kicks in and you don't have to worry so much about one off events.  And, termite troubles in Memphis seem to be a rare occurrence, from everything I can tell.

Hope that helps.

Great to see you guys active in BP . Keep it up!