What's Eating You? Maybe it's Termites...

Don't let termites prevent the sale of your home.

There are a few signs that may indicate there might be an infestation. Termites tend to be most active in states with warmer climates, but can be found nearly anywhere and the varieties of the insects differ depending on the area and climate.

Many homeowners don't think about the possibility of having termites until they're getting ready to sell their home. Unfortunately, a history of termite issues can eat away at the sales price. Being prepared and understanding what to expect from an inspection is not only helpful but could help ensure a better price and smoother home sale.

Here's what you should know about termites.

If my neighbor's home is infested; will mine be attacked next? TermiteInstitute.com says not necessarily. However, the risk is, of course, high. Preventive treatment is recommended.

How are homes treated for termites? The methods vary depending on the severity and the professional company that you choose but a couple different methods include, termite bait systems (requires termites to eat poisonous food) and, liquid termite treatment (poisonous liquid applied throughout the structure and surrounding soil).

Will my homeowners' insurance pay for treatment? It's not likely. Although, in some areas of Louisiana some insurance companies have covered termite treatments for those structures that suffered hurricane damage.

While termites are annoying and can certainly eat away at your sale price. They can cause severe structural damage, but they are not harmful to humans. It's best to know right away whether you have an infestation and what your options are to resolve the problem. It could save you money and frustration when it comes time to close the sale on your house.