Torrance home with termite issue (first time home buyer, buyer, inspector)

[ChairmanMeow]

Hi, I'm a first time home buyer and my wife and I are in the process of purchasing this home (1954) in Torrance, CA.

The issue is we were told by the seller that pest inspector has found drywood termites in the attic of the house and side wall of the garage.

The inspector inspected 11 areas through out the house and "evidence of drywood termites was found in the attic area "in or near framing" and "evidence of drywood termites on the side wall of the garage "in or near framing above headers."

The report states that spot treatment is recommended and the estimated cost would be $534.

My question is:

1. Based on these information, is this a serious termite infestation or a minor issue?

2. Should I purchase the house knowing the above information?

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by ChairmanMeow

1. Based on these information, is this a serious termite infestation or a minor issue?

All homes have termites

Originally Posted by ChairmanMeow

2. Should I purchase the house knowing the above information?

What did your realtor say?

[bhcompy]

Unless laws have changed in the few years I've been out of the industry, spot treatments cannot be used to issue a termite clearance on a house. Only a fumigation or heat treatment can be used for drywood termite clearance, and a fumigation isn't that much more than what they're charging you to spot treat.

Also, in California, you can assume there is always more than meets the eye, since they live in the interior of the wood members. It's not anything to be highly concerned about given the little amount of obvious infestation, but if you're seriously concerned you can always get a second opinion from another termite company(escrow inspections typically cost ~$75)