Why Are You Still Paying for Pest Control When You Haven’t Seen Any Bugs? The Truth Behind Termite Warranties and Ongoing Fees

The Problem: “Why Am I Being Charged for Pest Control If the Bugs Are Gone?”

Homeowners across New York frequently ask a version of the same question: “My house was sprayed for termites last year, and the label said it protects for 10 years—so why am I still getting charged every month?” Or, “I haven’t seen a single bug in months. Do I really still need pest control?”

On the surface, these questions make sense. After all, if the bugs are gone, shouldn’t the payments be too?

But the reality is, pest control isn’t a one-and-done situation—especially when it comes to termites. Most homeowners assume the initial treatment is the whole battle. In truth, it’s just the start of a much longer defense strategy.

The Agitation: The Hidden Risks of a “Clean” Home

Here’s the catch: just because you don’t see any termites doesn’t mean they’re gone—or that they won’t come back. Termites operate silently, often inside walls, crawl spaces, or deep in the foundation. By the time visible damage shows up, repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

This is where termite warranties come in. They seem like an extra charge for nothing—but they’re actually more like an insurance policy.

Take the case of a homeowner in Queens who canceled his pest warranty after not seeing bugs for a year. Three years later, he discovered serious termite damage in the floor joists of his basement apartment. The treatment had worn thin in a few key areas—something he never would’ve noticed without professional monitoring. With no active warranty, he paid nearly $18,000 out of pocket for structural repairs and re-treatment.

The monthly charge he skipped? $39.

That’s the gamble. Skipping ongoing monitoring and warranty coverage might save you a few hundred a year—but it could cost you thousands later on.

Conquering Pests in Brooklyn: Your Ultimate Guide to a Pest-Free Home

Why Termite Treatments Need Ongoing Support

Termiticides like Termidor or Altriset do have long-lasting effects—sometimes up to a decade. But here’s what most brochures don’t emphasize:

• Soil shifts, flooding, renovations, and landscaping can disturb the chemical barrier.
• Some termites may survive initial treatment and start re-colonizing.
• New termite colonies can arrive from neighboring properties.

Think of it like a flu shot—it gives you strong protection, but you still need follow-up doses, annual checkups, and real-time responses when outbreaks happen. Termite protection works the same way: the initial spray sets the defense, but it’s the ongoing inspections and warranty coverage that ensure the treatment is still holding.

Case Study: Brooklyn Brownstone’s Silent Infestation

Last summer, a family living in a 4-story brownstone in Park Slope, Brooklyn, canceled their termite monitoring contract after two years of no activity. The building had been treated when they moved in, and the owners figured they were in the clear.

What they didn’t realize was that a leaky pipe in the basement caused the soil under the foundation to shift. This disrupted the chemical barrier that had been keeping termites out.

By the time the family noticed sagging in the dining room floor, the colony had been feeding unnoticed for nearly 18 months. The damage was extensive: interior studs, floorboards, and joists had to be replaced. Insurance didn’t cover it because termite damage is considered preventable.

If they had kept the monitoring in place, the technician would’ve flagged the soil disturbance months earlier, reinforced the barrier, and prevented the colony from moving in.

Instead, they paid over $25,000 in repairs—and still had to pay for a new treatment plan.

The Real Value of a Termite Warranty

Termite warranties usually include:

• Annual or semi-annual inspections by trained professionals
• Free re-treatment if termite activity is found
• Damage coverage, depending on the warranty terms
• Peace of mind, knowing someone is watching for changes that you can’t see

So yes, even if the treatment was “10-year guaranteed,” the pest control company still needs to check and maintain the integrity of that barrier. A 10-year label doesn’t mean you’re invincible—it means the product can last that long under ideal conditions.

But ideal conditions don’t exist in the real world. Soil shifts. Neighbors get infestations. Pipes leak. Foundations settle. All these factors chip away at your termite defenses.

Why You May Not See Bugs—Until It’s Too Late

One of the toughest things about termite infestations is that you often don’t see any bugs at all. These pests don’t roam your kitchen like roaches or ants. They work deep inside walls, in beams, or under flooring—anywhere dark, damp, and undisturbed.

In fact, many infestations are only discovered during renovations or after serious damage appears. And by then, the termites may have been active for years.

That’s why proactive monitoring is more important than ever—especially in older homes, garden-level apartments, or brownstones common in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Buildings with shared walls are also more at risk since termites can migrate between units.

What You’re Really Paying For Each Month

So what does that $35–$50 monthly charge actually cover?

• A trained technician checking for vulnerabilities and signs of activity
• Records and data tracking treatment history and site changes
• Immediate response if any termites are found
• Free touch-ups or reapplication of product when needed
• Coverage for new colonies and external threats
• Protection against thousands in out-of-pocket damage repair

It’s not just about bugs—it’s about protecting your home’s structure and resale value.

And if you’re working with a reputable company, you’re not just paying for someone to walk around your house. You’re paying for professional expertise, up-to-date equipment, and the kind of vigilance that prevents future disasters.

When It Might Be Okay to Pause Coverage

Not every home needs lifelong monitoring. If you’ve sold the property, torn down the infested structure, or moved to a high-rise with no soil contact, your risk may be low.

But for most New York homeowners—especially those in detached homes, older row houses, or multi-unit dwellings—ongoing coverage is still the smart choice.

If you’re unsure, schedule a fresh inspection and have a tech walk the property with you. Ask about your risk level based on surrounding buildings, prior infestations, and current treatment status.

Final Thoughts: Pay Now, Save Later

Monthly pest control charges aren’t about charging you for bugs that aren’t there. They’re about keeping it that way. In termite prevention, silence isn’t a sign of success—it’s a sign of uncertainty unless you’ve got eyes on it.

So before you cancel that warranty or stop those monthly charges, ask yourself: is saving $40 a month worth risking $20,000 in hidden repairs?

If you’re still unsure, talk to a licensed expert who understands local termite behavior and building types. Not just someone reading a checklist—but someone who knows what termites are up to across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

Need real protection from silent pests? Our team is standing by to help. Call us today for expert advice, inspections, and ongoing support that keeps your home safe.
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