In Texas the terms are used almost interchangeably: both generally mean an ongoing agreement where a licensed pest control company inspects, treats and stands behind a home's termite protection. What matters is what the specific contract covers — retreatment only, or retreatment plus damage repair.
What is a termite bond?
A termite bond (often just called a termite warranty) is an ongoing service agreement with a licensed pest control company. In exchange for an annual renewal, the company keeps your home under termite protection — periodic inspections, treatment as needed, and a written promise about what happens if termites return.
When do you need one?
Three common moments: when buying a home (lenders and buyers often want proof of coverage alongside the WDI inspection), when your builder's initial treatment nears expiration on a newer home, and when an inspection finds activity and the home is treated. Subterranean termite pressure across the Piney Woods is real and year-round — termites do roughly $5 billion of damage a year nationwide, and homeowners insurance generally excludes it because insurers classify it as preventable.
What's the difference between retreatment and repair coverage?
This is the question that matters more than the label:
- Retreatment-only coverage promises the company will re-treat at no charge if termites return. Your home gets fixed at your expense.
- Repair (damage) coverage promises retreatment plus repair of new termite damage, up to the limit written in the agreement.
Always read which one you're buying, what the damage cap is, which termite species are covered (subterranean vs. drywood), and what inspection schedule keeps the coverage valid.
What are the common failure modes?
- Letting the coverage lapse. Coverage usually ends the day you stop renewing — and re-qualifying an older home may require a new treatment.
- Assuming “bond” means damage repair. Many are retreatment-only. The word tells you nothing; the contract does.
- Losing coverage in an acquisition. When a local company is bought by a national consolidator, service terms and renewal pricing can change. Re-read your agreement at renewal time.
- Species gaps. A subterranean-only agreement does nothing for a drywood infestation in your attic framing.
How does Spot On approach termite protection?
Our termite treatment program pairs a full-home inspection with a colony elimination system that targets the colony itself, plus pre-construction treatments for new builds. For ongoing protection, our SPOTGuard + Termite plan adds year-round termite monitoring to your regular pest service. Ask us about the coverage terms for your home — we'll explain exactly what's included, in plain English, before you sign anything.
What should you do next?
Get a quote and we'll inspect your home and explain your coverage options in plain English. Buying a home? Read our WDI inspection guide first.
Quick questions
Is a termite bond required to sell a house in Texas?
No law requires one, but real-estate transactions in Texas commonly involve a WDI (wood-destroying insect) report, and an active, transferable termite agreement is a genuine asset at the closing table.
Can a termite bond transfer to a new homeowner?
Many can, sometimes with a transfer fee — but it depends on the company and contract. If you're buying a home with an existing agreement, confirm transferability and terms before closing.
What voids a termite warranty?
Typical triggers: missed renewals or inspections, structural changes or additions that disturb the treated zone, new wood-to-soil contact, and unresolved moisture problems. Ask for the list in writing when you enroll.
Reviewed by the Spot On Pest Control team
Written and reviewed by the licensed, TDA-regulated technicians who treat homes across Lufkin, Nacogdoches and Deep East Texas every day — applied responsibly, and backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
