Robert and Betty Bivins have lived in their Los Angeles townhouse since 1987. Now in their 80s, they’re being hit with a $52,000 bill and the possibility of losing their home. The culprit? Termites.
They’re not alone.
There are 74 townhomes in their association, also dealing with significant termite damage. Balconies are collapsing. Wood beams are rotted through. Repairs are urgent and expensive. The total damage across the complex exceeds $3.8 million.
This isn’t just about pests. It’s about how fast unseen structural damage can upend people’s lives.
The Real Cost of Termites
Termites eat wood from the inside out. By the time you notice the damage, it’s already deep. In this case, the infestation was hidden until structural elements began to fail: balconies drooping, supports crumbling, and entire units compromised.
And termites don’t just affect wood. Water damage, mold, and even wiring issues can follow. Fixing all that means full-scale reconstruction, not just pest control.
For the Bivins, the financial hit is devastating. On fixed incomes, they simply don’t have $52,000 sitting around. The emotional toll is just as heavy.
Betty says the stress is affecting her health. Robert fears the HOA will own the house. “I don’t want to work until I die,” Betty said. “We had it planned that we would retire and enjoy life.”
Adding to their frustration, the HOA had already raised dues years ago for balcony repairs that were never completed. Now residents are stuck with the consequences of the delay.Termites can gut a home from the inside out and ruin lives in the process. What happened to Robert and Betty could happen anywhere. Prevention is cheaper than recovery.
