Is Your Home Really Covered Against Termites?
A termite bond in Charleston, South Carolina is a service contract that protects your home from costly termite infestations with inspections, treatments, and in some cases, repair coverage.
Living in Charleston means enjoying rich history, coastal charm and unfortunately, a high risk of termite infestations. From Downtown’s 19th-century homes to new builds in Daniel Island and West Ashley, every homeowner faces one pressing question: Do you have a termite bond, and is it enough?
A termite bond is one of the most important investments you can make to protect your home, given Charlestons proclivity for pervasive termite populations. In this post, we’ll break down what a termite bond is, how it works, and what Charleston homeowners need to look for to ensure complete peace of mind.
What Is a Termite Bond in South Carolina?
A termite bond is a legal agreement between a homeowner and a licensed pest control company for termite inspections, treatment, and ongoing protection. In South Carolina, bonds are particularly common due to year-round termite activity.
Although not technically an insurance policy, you can think of it as termite insurance, especially crucial in Charleston, where both native subterranean termites and Formosan termites are active and destructive due to the warm and humid coastal climate.
What Does a Termite Bond Cover?
Whether you purchase a termite bond for retreatment only or to include repairs, different pest control companies provide different coverage, most consisting of a combination of:
Inspection and monitoring
Treatment for current or future infestations
Repair coverage (in some cases)
Annual renewal and protection terms
Does a Termite Bond Cover Damage?
Yes, only retreatment & repair termite bonds include repair costs for structural termite damage.
Your coverage typically includes structural damage caused by termites to support beams, floors, wall frames, floor joists, etc., up to a specified dollar amount stated in the contract. However, damage to personal property, such as furniture, is usually excluded.
Not all termite repair warranties are the same, so it’s important you read and understand your contract, including coverage limitations and conditions that may void your warranty.
Charleston’s coastal environment creates ideal conditions for termite colonies to thrive. Clemson University has identified Charleston County as one of the most active Formosan termite zones in the state, where aggressive colonies can number in the millions and cause serious damage within months.
Homes in Mt. Pleasant, James Island, North Charleston, and Summerville are especially vulnerable due to:
High humidity levels
Wood-heavy construction
Proximity to marshlands or wooded lots
Without a termite bond, you’re not just vulnerable, you’re unprotected. According to PestWorld.org, homes without termite protection are far more likely to experience structural damage, leading to repair costs that can exceed $3,000 per infestation, which is why most Charleston homeowners opt for the retreat and repair termite bond.
Termite Bond Transfer: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know
Buying and selling a home are big and costly decisions, so both parties want to ensure they’re covered financially. One thing you don’t want coming back to bite you, pardon the pun, are termites. That’s why, in states like South Carolina, where termites are a serious problem, it’s required that sellers provide a CL-100 (Wood Infestation Report) dated within 30 days of closing.
The CL-100 or WDO letter, as it’s also known, is a certified report provided by a professional pest control expert after performing an inspection of a property to document any evidence of pests like termites, beetles, and carpenter ants, as well as wood-decay fungi, in a home’s accessible areas. Should anything be found, all is not lost; the buyers and sellers have a few routes they can take to proceed with negotiations.
Now, let’s say everything goes swimmingly and you’re ready to get the keys to your new home, congratulations! You want to keep your charming Charleston home safe from hungry termites and are asking the seller to transfer over the protection of the termite bond they had on the home – smart move. Here’s what you’ll do before you close on the home:
Seller termite bond transfer actions:
- Inform your agent: Discuss the termite bond with your real estate agent so they can include it in the sales process.
- Notify the pest control company: Contact the company that holds the bond and inform them you are selling the property.
- Confirm transferability: Ask the company if the bond is transferable and what the process, costs, and requirements are.
- Provide contact information: Give the pest control company the new owner’s contact information once available
Homebuyer termite bond transfer actions:
- Request a copy of the bond: Ask the seller for a copy of the current termite bond.
- Contact the pest control company: Reach out to the company to confirm the transfer process and any requirements.
- Budget for potential costs: Be prepared for a transfer fee and/or the cost of a reinspection.
- Consider renewal: If the bond is nearing its expiration, factor in the cost of renewal to keep the protection in place.
Types of Termite Bonds
Termite bonds break down into two categories:
- Retreatment-Only Bond: Covers the cost of re-treating the property if termites are found.
Covers periodic inspections and re-treatment if termites return
Does not include repair costs
Typically more affordable, but offers limited financial protection
- Retreatment & Repair Bond: A more comprehensive and expensive option that includes both re-treatment and structural repairs if damage occurs (usually at a fixed capped dollar amount).
Includes re-treatment and covers the cost of structural repairs
Ideal for historic homes and high-risk areas like downtown Charleston
Higher upfront cost, but potentially thousands in savings
The features of a retreat-only termite bond typically include annual inspections and, if a new infestation is discovered, the cost of retreating the home. If termites cause any damage, you’ll be on the hook for any costs of repairs, so this type of bond is best for homes with a lower risk of termite exposure, or if you are willing to handle any necessary repairs yourself.
A repair termite bond, on the other hand, is much more comprehensive in covering both the prevention, treatment, elimination and potential subsequent structural repairs (often up to a coverage cap). If you already have pre-existing termite damage, a repair bond won’t retroactively apply to fix any structural issues. These are usually more expensive termite warranties, but they grant homeowners peace of mind that both termites and the damage they cause will be handled by the pest control company.
Choosing the Right Termite Bond
When you’re searching through the many companies that offer termite bonds, it’s tough to sort out what you actually need and what’s just ‘fluff.’ Not to mention, regional differences dramatically impact the type of coverage you need. Here’s a checklist to make it easy to select what you should look for in a termite bond for your South Carolina home:
Formosan Coverage
Many providers exclude Formosan termites; you need this coverage as a South Carolina homeowner – Lookout includes this for our SC bonds precisely because of this.
Annual Inspections
Ensure your plan includes at least one thorough yearly inspection.
Transferability
Great for real estate transactions! Bonds that transfer with ownership boost home value.
Clear Terms & Guarantees
Look for “make it right” policies, clear cancellation clauses, and guaranteed re-treatment.
How Much Does a Termite Bond Cost in Charleston?
The initial setup cost of a termite bond will generally cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000, depending on the size of the property and whether there are signs of termite activity already present and in need of treatment.
After that, you’re only looking at an annual expense, which, depending on the type of termite bond you have, will range from $150 to $400 per year.
A repair bond will cost more within these ranges than a retreat-only bond, but it offers superior protection.
Why Choose Lookout Pest Control for Your Termite Bond?
For over 40 years, homeowners have trusted Lookout Pest Control because we go beyond the bond:
- Formosan-inclusive coverage for the Lowcountry’s most aggressive termite
- Repair & retreatment bonds available
- Advanced detection tools, including infrared and moisture meters
- Annual inspections for all homes
- Our Make It Right™ Guarantee—we work until it’s fixed
Whether you’re restoring a historic downtown cottage or protecting a family home in Park Circle, we tailor your termite bond to your property’s unique risks.
Secure Your Home Before the Swarm Season Ends
Swarming season peaks from April through July in Charleston. If you don’t have a bond or aren’t sure what yours covers, now’s the time to act.
Schedule your termite bond consultation today with Lookout Pest Control. We’re Always on the Lookout™ so you don’t have to be.
