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Termites?
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 12:01 pm
by Klimser
Hello!
I live in Atlanta, and I think about moving to Los Angeles. I was made an offer, it's a house built in 1959. When I requested a preliminary termite inspection the inspector found evidence of fungus infection, dry wood termites and subterranean termites. The seller said that most houses in California have termites anyway, and as long as the problem is properly attended, it'll stop being a problem.
Is that true? Is it so hard to find termite-free homes in California? I am not fond of the idea of regularly having to use chemicals to keep them away. Besides, I think termites can cause structural damage.
Thank you.
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 1:46 pm
by salmoncottage
Klimser, with a specific problem like that you need to seek the advice of a bona fide neutral specialist in that field, who would be able to give you accurate and experienced advice prior to any commitment. Googling is ok but it doesnt compare with talking to a real expert in the field. I personally wouldnt take the word of the seller regarding any kind of infestation, after all, if it was that simple why are they still a problem? Best of luck with your possible move.
Re: Termites?
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 2:14 pm
by AndrewH
Klimser wrote:Hello!
I live in Atlanta, and I think about moving to Los Angeles. I was made an offer, it's a house built in 1959. When I requested a preliminary termite inspection the inspector found evidence of fungus infection, dry wood termites and subterranean termites. The seller said that most houses in California have termites anyway, and as long as the problem is properly attended, it'll stop being a problem.
Is that true? Is it so hard to find termite-free homes in California? I am not fond of the idea of regularly having to use chemicals to keep them away. Besides, I think termites can cause structural damage.
Thank you.
Welcome to this site Klimser. We don't get termite problems where I live (Greece), but reinforced concrete and not wood is the only structural material used these days in buildings below, on or near the ground. This is for seismic reasons, but the material doesn't attract termites either. I am surprised this is not the case in California, which is also an earthquake zone, I think.
You may find this website useful:
http://www.termites.com/local/california/ . There it says:
According to Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones), 90 percent of California is located in TIP Zone #1 (heavy to moderate) ... In states like California where termites are very active and widespread, it is essential to maintain an effective termite prevention and control program.
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 2:20 pm
by PW in Polemi
Klimser, even a very quick Google search brings up several sites about termites in California.
http://www.termite.com/termites/california.html
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7415.html
You say
The seller said that most houses in California have termites anyway, and as long as the problem is properly attended, it'll stop being a problem.
It may be that what you have been told is correct, and with proper treatment it will stop being a problem (except to your bank balance) but it appears that the current owner has not carried out the proper treatment, otherwise it would have stopped being a problem. Surely there are other properties on the market with fewer problems?
Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2016 1:42 pm
by Klimser
PW in Polemi wrote:It may be that what you have been told is correct, and with proper treatment it will stop being a problem (except to your bank balance) but it appears that the current owner has not carried out the proper treatment, otherwise it would have stopped being a problem. Surely there are other properties on the market with fewer problems?
You know... You're probably right. Thank you for the reply. I'll probably look for something else after all.
Re: Termites?
Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2016 4:35 pm
by linda que linda
Klimser wrote:
Is that true? Is it so hard to find termite-free homes in California? I am not fond of the idea of regularly having to use chemicals to keep them away. Besides, I think termites can cause structural damage.
Thank you.
Sorry for the late response. FWIW at this point, I live in California and termite reports are the norm, i.e., part of the disclosure package. When I was a more active real estate salesperson, it was very rare to see a termite/dry rot report less than $1000 USD. Often they would be in the upper thousands, though the actual repair could be much less than the report figure. IMHO, I would not reject a property solely on the pest report unless it was in the tens of thousands.
Just my 2 cents worth.