Termites found in shed next to home. Will if affect house value? Will the termites migrate over to main house?

Question

We are currently in the process of purchasing a home. However, after having a thorough termite inspection, we found that the shed, which is about 15-20feet away from the main structure, has termites and carpenter ants. The home, which is made of brick, didn’t seem to have any problems. However, as the termite inspector noted, in Maryland they only inspect up to 3feet away from the structure and so they couldn’t see if there was any termites around further than that.

My question is, since termites and carpenter ants were found in the storage shed next to the home, would they migrate over to the main structure? Would they cause depreciation in the value of the home?

We are already in the process of signing the final contract and this was a last-minute thing that we did, a fast response would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

First I am not an expert but I do have experience with carpenter ants and they travel all over and are a b*tch to get rid of. . .if ever and they will eat your wood just like a termite. They will climb right up your brick wall and find any wood available. I had them come up by the drain under the bathtub where they were treated. Then they came up behind the tub surround over the block wall to the wood attic. There are different types of termites in different parts of the country but I understand the ones in La. are terrible. Call a different person, go online, get lots of opinions and don't be forced into signing anything until you are comfortable with your choice. The only other thing I know is youcan only treat for termites once or twice. Be very careful. Oh and the answer above is correct, they both swarm and fly to the next place.

Answer 2

II assume the termite inspector did not find any termite damage in your home, even though it is brick, there is a lot of eatable wood in it.. attic, room walls, etc.. and yes, the termites will swarm and go everywhere they can.. so you should insure you get termite protection that is guaranteed, where they come out and inspect yearly, for a fee. To sell your home later, you would need this to protect yourself.