Termites are every homeowner's nightmare—silent, destructive, and relentless. That’s why many homeowners invest in a termite bond, believing it will protect them from costly damage. But what if that bond isn’t as airtight as you think? That’s exactly what happened to Jodi Grace, who discovered the harsh reality of her so-called protection when she found termite damage in her home.
A False Sense of Security: Jodi’s Story
Jodi and her family thought they were covered. Their home had been under a termite bond since 1983, so when they found extensive termite damage, they assumed the bond would take care of it.
Speaking to TrustDALE, she explained that discovering the termite damage didn’t immediately feel like a big problem. She knew the house was protected by this termite bond, and that would be enough to have it taken care of. But when she contacted the company holding the bond, their response left her stunned.
The company confirmed the damage was indeed caused by termites, but since there was no live termite activity at the time of inspection, they denied responsibility for any repairs.
That’s right—despite decades of coverage, Jodi was left to handle the damage on her own.
Not All Termite Bonds Are Created Equal
Jodi’s situation isn’t unique. Many homeowners assume that a termite bond is an insurance policy against damage, but that’s not always the case. Here’s what you need to know:
- Some termite bonds only cover treatment, not repairs. They’ll eliminate termites but won’t pay for the damage they cause.
- Many policies require live termites to be present for coverage to apply. If the infestation has already run its course, you could be out of luck.
- Exclusions and loopholes exist. Some contracts limit liability, exclude certain types of termite species, or shift the burden of proof onto homeowners.
If Jodi’s termite bond had clear exclusions, how many other homeowners are unknowingly at risk?
Jodi’s bond details stipulated a full repair guarantee for areas infested with live termites
How to Protect Your Home from Termite Bond Loopholes
Jodi’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, but you can take steps to ensure you’re truly protected:
- Read the Fine Print – Don’t assume your bond covers damage. Look for key terms such as damage repair guarantee and check if live activity is a requirement for coverage.
- Ask About Exclusions – Does the bond cover all types of termites? Are there conditions that might void your coverage?
- Ensure Proper Maintenance – Some companies require periodic inspections or specific baiting systems to keep the bond valid. Make sure they’re keeping up with their end of the agreement.
- Get a Second Opinion – If you suspect damage, don’t rely solely on the company that issued your bond. A third-party pest inspector can provide an unbiased assessment.
What Happened Next for Jodi?
After our investigative team at TrustDALE contacted the termite company, they agreed to take another look. The inspector admitted that the damage had likely occurred while the bond was in place and agreed to submit a claim. But this outcome only happened because we stepped in—most homeowners don’t have that kind of support.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
A termite bond can be a valuable safeguard, but only if it truly protects your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out whether your bond is worth the paper it’s written on.
Want to avoid the hassle and heartbreak of a denied termite claim? Find a thoroughly investigated, TrustDALE Certified termite control company backed by the Make It Right Guarantee at TrustDALE.com.
Don’t let termites—or fine print—destroy your home. Be proactive, stay informed, and make sure your investment is protected.
