Itโs probably not the first thing that you think of when buying a home, but if you get a termite infestation, itโs the only thing youโll be able to think about. The cost to repair termite damage could be $10,000, $50,000, or more.
When you consider that kind of financial impact, itโs easier to understand the value of termite coverage. Before we dive into the details, however, letโs learn more about these little buggers that can cause so much damage.
Types of Termites
There are three types of termites in the United States that feed on building structures:
Native Subterranean โ Need contact with soil to survive and are most active in the spring
Drywood โ Need no connection to the ground so typically found in attics
Formosan Subterranean โ Largest colonies and consume wood fastest
Native Subterranean termites are the most common and widespread in the United States, so statically speaking, they cause the most damage.
Where They Dwell
The biggest factor when evaluating if you need termite coverage is your climate. Since most termites live in the ground, they canโt survive when the ground freezes, so naturally the farther south you go, the more likely it is that youโll find termites. In fact, Florida is one of the most termite-prone states in the country.
Each type of termite is partial to a particular region. Native Subterranean termites can survive the broadest range of temperatures, which is why theyโre the most common type in the United States.
Native Subterranean โ Can survive in every state but Alaska
Drywood โ Primarily along the east coast, the Mid-Atlantic, and along the Gulf Coast
Formosan Subterranean โ Most common in New Orleans, but also found in some areas of the Southeast, Hawaii, and southern California
If you live in one of these areas, it makes sense to protect your biggest investment.
