U.S homeowners spend billions of dollars every year trying to keep termites from destroying their property and repairing the damage they cause. Termites are wood destroying insects that can live in the ground, in wood or walls of homes (source). While termites do not have a certain season where they are most active, they may be most visible from March to November. From March to November, you and your tenants are more likely to see termites swarm and have discarded wings or droppings (source).
As a property manager or landlord, you need to take the threat of termites very seriously for several reasons, including that they can lay thousands of eggs at a time, eat structural supports causing serious structural damage and they can eat everything from carpet to books. Because of the implied warranty of habitability, a landlord must react to signs of termites. If the landlord does not take care of a termite infestation, the tenants may be able to act against the landlord.
Signs of Termites
Hardwood floors slats pop up
Loose ties
Jammed doors or windows
Wood that sounds hollow
Laminate floors that are bubbled up
Termite swarms or droppings are visible
It usually takes up to five years for termites to grow large enough to damage a home. However, if left untreated, termites can cause extensive damage.
Steps to take to avoid, mitigate or treat termite damage
Get a yearly termite inspection from a professional
Fumigate
Use Heat to kill the termites
Create and Implement a Termite Prevention Plan
Make sure to educate tenants on the signs of termites so they can notify you right away
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual legal counsel or consulting your local, state, federal or provincial tenancy laws.