Termite Myths Burbank Realtors Should Stop Repeating
- SEO Next Mile
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
Question | Quick Answer |
Do brick houses need termite inspections? | Yes—termites still invade through wood framing inside. |
Can a “clear” report guarantee no termites? | No—it only means no visible activity on inspection day. |
Will DIY orange‑oil kill a whole colony? | Rarely—it works locally but leaves hidden galleries alive. |
Why This Matters for Burbank Realtors
Misunderstanding termites can derail escrows and expose clients to surprise repair bills. Accurate advice builds trust—and faster closings. Let’s bust the seven biggest termite myths Burbank realtors still hear.
Myth 1: “Brick Homes Are Termite‑Proof”
Even homes with masonry exteriors sit on wooden sill plates. Subterranean termites need a gap only ¹⁄₃₂‑inch wide to enter — USDA Forest Service .Takeaway: Always recommend a professional termite inspection before listing.
Myth 2: “Fumigation Lasts 10 Years”
Fumigation kills current colonies but offers zero residual protection. Without soil or localized follow‑up, re‑infestation can start in months.Better practice: pair fumigation with a soil barrier or annual general pest control plan.
Myth 3: “Orange Oil Treats the Entire House”
Spot treatments (orange oil, heat, microwave) work only where applied. Hidden galleries stay active and buyers inherit risk.Pro tip for realtors: request a graph marking all treatment zones and verify warranty coverage.
Myth 4: “A ‘Clear’ NOPA Means No Termites at All”
California’s Notice of Completion report shows no visible evidence the day of inspection. Inaccessible areas (e.g., wall voids) remain excluded.Action step: provide clients the inspection diagram plus a 12‑month free re‑inspection voucher from Termike.
Myth 5: “New Construction Doesn’t Need Termite Bonds”
Burbank ADUs and remodels often use untreated douglas‑fir framing that’s vulnerable within 3–5 years — UC IPM .Realtors should advise pre‑slab soil treatment or borate framing for lasting protection.
Myth 6: “Termites Can’t Cross Concrete Slabs”
They tunnel up expansion joints or plumbing penetrations and build hidden mud tubes behind drywall.Credentialed method: Termike technicians use FLIR thermal imaging to detect moisture patterns before they become visible damage.
Myth 7: “Home Insurance Covers Termite Damage”
Standard policies list termites under “gradual damage” exclusions (NAIC Consumer Guide). Buyers who skip a protection plan may face $8 k+ repair bills.Solution: enroll sellers or buyers in Termike’s warranty‑backed termite treatment program at closing.
Q1. How often should a listing get inspected for termites in Burbank?
Every 12 months or before escrow, whichever comes first—especially for hillside homes.
Q2. Are eco‑friendly treatments effective for drywood termites?
Yes. Borate foams and heat interventions kill galleries without pesticides; Termike offers both under our eco‑friendly line.
Q3. Can buyers transfer a seller’s termite warranty?
With Termike, warranties transfer at no charge if the buyer schedules a follow‑up within 90 days.
Why Trust Termike Pest Control?
25 years serving Glendale & Burbank
Thermal imaging, borescope, and moisture‑meter methodology documented in every digital report
Hundreds of 5‑star Yelp reviews
99 % customer‑satisfaction score audited quarterly
Next Step for Realtors
Stop relying on termite myths Burbank realtors often repeat. Partner with Termike for data‑backed inspections, same‑day WDO reports, and transferable warranties.
Call (888) 683‑3592 or book a free inspection to streamline your next closing.
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