Take a look at this scenario. It’s been two years since your termite treatment, and you spot a fresh pile of pellets under the windowsill. The termites are back. So, who pays?

The answer sits in one document most homeowners sign without reading: the termite warranty. And not all warranties are built the same.

Why Your Warranty Matters More Than You Think

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage in the U.S. every year. Most of that is not covered by homeowners’ insurance.

Why? Insurers see termite damage as a preventable maintenance issue, not a sudden accident like a fire or a burst pipe. So, when termites return, your warranty is often the only thing standing between you and the repair bill.

The Three Common Warranty Tiers

Across the industry, termite warranties usually fall into three levels:

• Retreatment-Only: The company comes back and treats again at no charge. Any new damage is yours to fix. This is the most common type.
• Limited Repair: Retreatment plus some repair costs. Coverage is usually capped, often somewhere between $25,000 and $250,000, and applies only to damage that happens after treatment.
• Comprehensive Repair: Retreatment plus higher repair limits and fewer exclusions. It costs more each year, but it shifts most of the risk off your shoulders.

Here is how they compare at a glance:

Warranty Tier	Free Retreatment	Pays for New Damage	Typical Limits	Best For
Retreatment-only	Yes	No	No repair coverage at all	Lower-risk homes, tight budgets
Limited repair	Yes	Partly	Capped, new damage only	Most homeowners
Comprehensive repair	Yes	Yes	Higher caps, fewer exclusions	High-value or high-risk homes

What Warranties Usually Don't Cover

This is where homeowners get caught off guard. Watch for these common exclusions:

• Pre-Existing Damage: Wood that was damaged before treatment is not covered. A warranty looks forward, not back.
• Species Not Listed: Some contracts cover only subterranean termites. Drywood termites may need separate coverage.
• Moisture and Rot: Wood decay from leaks or damp crawl spaces is typically excluded.
• Missed Inspections: Skip a required inspection, and your coverage can lapse.
• Changes to the Home: New additions, soil piled against siding, or ignored moisture problems can void coverage.

Also Read: How to Deal with Termites in Historic Bay Area Homes

How HiTech Termite Control's Warranty Works

In the Bay Area, where both drywood and subterranean termites are active, broad coverage matters. HiTech offers a three-year full-structure warranty with microwave treatment or tent fumigation. Here is what that means for you:

• Whole-Home Coverage: The whole house is covered, not just the wall that was treated.
• Pest Coverage: Termites and wood-boring beetles found during the original inspection are included.
• Free Service Calls: Service calls are free for the full warranty period.
• Same Warranty Coverage: Whether you choose fumigation or microwave, the warranty is identical.
• Renewable: Extended warranties are available after the first three years.
• Escrow-Friendly: While under warranty, Hi-Tech can certify your home for escrow without retreating it. An escrow service fee may apply.
• Transferable: The annual maintenance warranty can pass to the buyer if you sell.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Sign

• Does it cover retreatment, repairs, or both?
• Which termite species are covered?
• Does it cover the full structure or only the treated areas?
• What do I need to do to keep it valid?
• Can it be renewed or transferred if I sell?

The Takeaway

A warranty is only as good as what it actually says. Read it before you sign. Keep up with your inspections. And ask questions until every answer is clear.

Want coverage that protects your whole home, not just one spot?

Call Hi-Tech Termite Control at (888) 322-8889 today for a free estimate. We will inspect your property and walk you through exactly what your warranty covers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a retreatment-only and a repair termite warranty?

A retreatment-only warranty covers eligible repeat termite treatment, while a repair warranty may also pay for certain new termite damage. Repair coverage depends on the contract's limits, conditions, and exclusions.

2. Does a termite warranty cover damage that existed before treatment?

Usually, termite warranties do not cover pre-existing damage. Before treatment, ask for an inspection report that documents existing damage and clarifies which repairs are excluded from future coverage.

3. Are drywood and subterranean termites covered under the same warranty?

Not always. Some warranties cover only specified termite species, so homeowners should confirm whether both drywood and subterranean termites are included. This is particularly important in the Bay Area, where both types are active.

4. Can missing a termite inspection void the warranty?

Yes, missing a required inspection may cause coverage to lapse or become invalid, depending on the contract. Check the inspection schedule and any maintenance obligations before signing.

5. Does a termite warranty transfer to a new homeowner when a property is sold?

Some warranties are transferable, while others require approval, fees, or a new agreement. Confirm the transfer conditions with the termite control company before listing or selling the property.

6. What should homeowners check before choosing a termite warranty?

Compare retreatment and repair benefits, covered termite species, repair limits, exclusions, inspection requirements, renewal terms, and transferability. Review the written contract rather than relying only on a salesperson's summary.

7. How can Bay Area homeowners compare termite warranty coverage?

Homeowners comparing termite control in the Bay Area should ask whether the warranty covers the full structure, which termite species are included, and whether repeat service and repairs are covered. Hi-Tech Termite Control provides details about its termite warranty and available treatment options.