Elin Nordegren, better known as ex-Mrs. Tiger Woods, recently bought a $12M mansion in North Palm Beach, Florida—only to have it razed to the ground, soon afterwards. While people speculated quite freely for a while on her motives, with some even arguing that is was just another example of the wealthy displaying that they are, indeed, truly wealthy (or wealthy enough to weather the squandering of a $12M home, at any rate), the true reason for the demolition was recently revealed to have been a major termite infestation that could no longer be solved by termite extermination treatments.

The mansion that was razed was a huge building sprawling over approximately 17,000 square feet and holding no fewer than six bedrooms in its two-story, two-lift bulk. It was built in 1932, but apparently had not undergone the proper termite extermination and prevention treatments to ensure its preservation, with the result that when Nordegren inspected it soon after her purchase, she discovered it to be riddled with termites. The infestation was apparently so bad that some accounts have people being able to press through the wood due to it having been thinned out so badly by the insects.

Compounding the problem for Nordegren was that the mansion was apparently not made to conform to building codes in the state that provided against the possibility of hurricanes. Upon assessment of the situation, Nordegren decided it would be more economically sound to demolish instead of attempt to repair the place, although she reportedly has plans already underway for a new mansion to be built in the same location (following all necessary termite prevention treatments, of course). The mansion is going to be designed to look much the same as the original, with 9 bedrooms instead of the former’s 6, 2 kitchens, and a guest house.

Nordegren also opened up the home to Habitat for Humanity for a month after it was decided that she would demolish: representatives of the charity were allowed to collect any items that were still usable (and preferably not made of wood, to be safe), from fridges to chandeliers. The charity apparently intends to sell the collected items for funds.

Nordegren’s experience should demonstrate the importance of getting either a paid or free termite inspection for any property before you buy it, as the possibility of termites being present is always a distasteful one to the investor or prospective homeowner. While termite extermination measures may help to alleviate the problem later on, they may not always be applicable, as seen in this case, where a 12 million dollar home had to be leveled to the very ground.

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