Do we need termite and pest control services?

[Luv2travel]

I was getting ready to pay my annual bill for termite and pest control services and asked myself do I really need this service. I have never heard of a termite infestation in The Villages and the only bugs they seem to control are fire ants, which should really cost much less than they charge. Plus our house interior is all metal framing, with non-wood siding, but we do have wood framing in the exterior walls. What are the risks of not having this done. I lived in the woods of Virginia for 20 years and only had termite control out when we built the house. Any thoughts and reasons to have this service would be appreciated.

[Golfingnut]

yes

[samhass]

Do not be without this coverage!!!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

What golfingnut said!

Bill :)

[HMLRHT1]

It's not if it will happen but when it will happen. Learned that the hard way!

[HMLRHT1]

Florida is number 1 in the country for termites.....big risk without coverage.

[mulligan]

Saw a house in Naples-concrete block-with an infestation in the roof trusses.

[billybye]

me Depot or Lowes has do it yourself products that may be better than what the professional use and areas they spray it on.
I used to sell chemicals to companies that sold termite and bug protection - they were always lookng for a watered down product to save money.
Also most termite companies only guarantee is that they will respray if termites are found.
The better the salesman usually the worst protection applied. They will tell you their products are stronger because they are commercial grade. Baloney.

[jimbo2012]

The only time it isn't needed is on a new build for 5years.

[mulligan]

Actually, that's a stretch. Without an annual inspection and treatment, the termite bond is void.

[sjdjmd]

Do not take any chances with this, and hire a good company. We use Dean's, and they are outstanding.

[jimbo2012]

Actually, that's a stretch. Without an annual inspection and treatment, the termite bond is void.

I called Massy and that's from the horses mouth on new builds??????

[mrsanborn]

If you read your warranty closely, it only provides protection against subterranean termites. Not the kind that will swarm, in other words, dry wood termites. The homes I have seen treated by Massey have had BoraCare applied from the slab to approximately four feet up. A color additive is mixed with the BoraCare since the original chemical is clear.
Of the six homes I have watched being built in my hood, not a single homesite has been treated with a ground injectable pesticide.

Think about this. You are paying $138 to $150 per year for $1 million in coverage to a company who doesn't even fake to re-apply a chemical to further protect their own warranty against a threat that is so devastating.

"BORACARE provides prevention and control of Termites, Carpenter Ants, Powderpost Beetles and Decay Fungi. Boracare can be used on all cellulosic materials including wood, plywood, particle board, paper, oriented strand board (OSB), cardboard, and wood composite structural components. Since Boracare is applied directly to the wood, it can be used in areas where environmental contamination is of concern. The active ingredient in Boracare is an inorganic salt and once in place will not decompose or volatilize out of the wood. Treatment is long lasting as long as the treated material is not exposed to rain, continuous water or ground contact"

My answer is to the original poster is no to the termite warranty unless the company is going to retreat the outside perimeter of the home since if the BoraCare was properly applied, nothing is getting in through the walls.

As far as other bug control, use Home Defense for the inside and spray Bifin I/T or the Talstar One (brand name). Both Bifin I/T and Talstar contain 7.9% bifenthrin (sp) and will kill/prevent most everything (including subterranean termites) except the bad boy spiders (Black Widow and Brown Recluse).

Just a heads up, my neighbor has a company do his bug spray at $45 per application. The chemical listed on the bill is, yup, Bifin I/T. Bifin costs approximately $35 for 32 applications (exterior) at max application rate.

[Barefoot]

I was getting ready to pay my annual bill for termite and pest control services and asked myself do I really need this service.

Yes, you definitely need this service. Your home is one of the largest investments you will ever make.

[Susan G]

Think about this. You are paying $138 to $150 per year for $1 million in coverage to a company who doesn't even fake to re-apply a chemical to further protect their own warranty against a threat that is so devastating.

"BORACARE provides prevention and control of Termites, Carpenter Ants, Powderpost Beetles and Decay Fungi. Boracare can be used on all cellulosic materials including wood, plywood, particle board, paper, oriented strand board (OSB), cardboard, and wood composite structural components. Since Boracare is applied directly to the wood, it can be used in areas where environmental contamination is of concern. The active ingredient in Boracare is an inorganic salt and once in place will not decompose or volatilize out of the wood. Treatment is long lasting as long as the treated material is not exposed to rain, continuous water or ground contact"

My answer is to the original poster is no to the termite warranty unless the company is going to retreat the outside perimeter of the home since if the BoraCare was properly applied, nothing is getting in through the walls.

As far as other bug control, use Home Defense for the inside and spray Bifin I/T or the Talstar One (brand name). Both Bifin I/T and Talstar contain 7.9% bifenthrin (sp) and will kill/prevent most everything (including subterranean termites) except the bad boy spiders (Black Widow and Brown Recluse).

Just a heads up, my neighbor has a company do his bug spray at $45 per application. The chemical listed on the bill is, yup, Bifin I/T. Bifin costs approximately $35 for 32 applications (exterior) at max application rate.

Hello all...Actually I am moving from the 'termite capitol" for both subterranean and Formosan -- Louisiana.

No way I would be with out termite protection, that being said, I EXPECT my property to be trenched around the perimeter and the correct pesticide to be re-applied each year. (That's what we pay for, right?) Just moving in a pre-owned CYV in Tamarind Grove and property is already under contract with Massey I believe. I will be looking for company that uses Termidor or Talstar to re-treat when contract expires. Termidor is the best...don't know if pest control co's use it here. Anyone know if there are Formosan termites here? Those are the big, bad boys that swarm in the spring and do not require ground contact to survive. They have destroyed much property in the New Orleans area and are very resilient even after Hurricane Katrina flooded the area.

My vote is "YES" for a contract, but to the pest control companies, as Coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints says: "DO YOUR JOB"!!

[mrfixit]

Yes, you definitely need this service. Your home is one of the largest investments you will ever make.

YES.....Termite treatments are necessary.

.........as an added bit of insurance........you could plant "Catnip" around your home..... Termites hate catnip.

...if you can buy some "essential catnip oil" the termites will be GONE.

[jblum315]

Termites in Florida have learned to tunnel their way through concrete to get to wood. Folks in Bermuda learned the hard way that concrete is no deterrent. Fire ants only sting you. Termites can reduce your home to dust and you will never know they are there.

[logdog]

Nobody NEEDS insurance... until they need insurance. Termite damage can easily cost 5 figures out of your pocket. Termites are rare in TV but we are still in Florida.

I've used Home Defense and a sprayer for many years for pest control and it'is a great product and will save money. But now I just pay the man for a total lawn, shrub, pest and termite plan.

[hmaster]

I was getting ready to pay my annual bill for termite and pest control services and asked myself do I really need this service. I have never heard of a termite infestation in The Villages and the only bugs they seem to control are fire ants, which should really cost much less than they charge. Plus our house interior is all metal framing, with non-wood siding, but we do have wood framing in the exterior walls. What are the risks of not having this done. I lived in the woods of Virginia for 20 years and only had termite control out when we built the house. Any thoughts and reasons to have this service would be appreciated.

Yes, you should always maintain some type of termite protection. The rule of thumb in Florida is that termites are in the ground and can service anywhere. And yes there are plenty of reported cases of termites in The Villages. I have seen them while doing home inspections there.You probably can do you own pest control but not for termites.

[faithfulfrank]

Hello all...Actually I am moving from the 'termite capitol" for both subterranean and Formosan -- Louisiana.

No way I would be with out termite protection, that being said, I EXPECT my property to be trenched around the perimeter and the correct pesticide to be re-applied each year. (That's what we pay for, right?) Just moving in a pre-owned CYV in Tamarind Grove and property is already under contract with Massey I believe. I will be looking for company that uses Termidor or Talstar to re-treat when contract expires. Termidor is the best...don't know if pest control co's use it here. Anyone know if there are Formosan termites here? Those are the big, bad boys that swarm in the spring and do not require ground contact to survive. They have destroyed much property in the New Orleans area and are very resilient even after Hurricane Katrina flooded the area.

My vote is "YES" for a contract, but to the pest control companies, as Coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints says: "DO YOUR JOB"!!

I just had Heron trench all around my house and apply 8% Termidor. They told me many companies apply 6% Termidor or some generic equivalent. Their contract clearly stated I was getting actual 8% Termidor, not something "like" Termidor.
I watched them do it. It was not a small amount. It was easily a few hundred gallons. I was told and have confirmed that this has to be done only once every ten years or so.....studies done on this product years ago until now show no degradation over the years. Of course, they come back every year and do a thorough inspection to keep the bond in effect.

Since we are on the subject, just a few words of advice. Keep your hedges trimmed at least 12 inches from your home. Keep mulch at least 12" away from your home. Do not leave wood scraps, etc around your home, and never pile wood against your home.

Frank

[tommy steam]

If you read your warranty closely, it only provides protection against subterranean termites. Not the kind that will swarm, in other words, dry wood termites. The homes I have seen treated by Massey have had BoraCare applied from the slab to approximately four feet up. A color additive is mixed with the BoraCare since the original chemical is clear.
Of the six homes I have watched being built in my hood, not a single homesite has been treated with a ground injectable pesticide.

Think about this. You are paying $138 to $150 per year for $1 million in coverage to a company who doesn't even fake to re-apply a chemical to further protect their own warranty against a threat that is so devastating.

"BORACARE provides prevention and control of Termites, Carpenter Ants, Powderpost Beetles and Decay Fungi. Boracare can be used on all cellulosic materials including wood, plywood, particle board, paper, oriented strand board (OSB), cardboard, and wood composite structural components. Since Boracare is applied directly to the wood, it can be used in areas where environmental contamination is of concern. The active ingredient in Boracare is an inorganic salt and once in place will not decompose or volatilize out of the wood. Treatment is long lasting as long as the treated material is not exposed to rain, continuous water or ground contact"

My answer is to the original poster is no to the termite warranty unless the company is going to retreat the outside perimeter of the home since if the BoraCare was properly applied, nothing is getting in through the walls.

As far as other bug control, use Home Defense for the inside and spray Bifin I/T or the Talstar One (brand name). Both Bifin I/T and Talstar contain 7.9% bifenthrin (sp) and will kill/prevent most everything (including subterranean termites) except the bad boy spiders (Black Widow and Brown Recluse).

Just a heads up, my neighbor has a company do his bug spray at $45 per application. The chemical listed on the bill is, yup, Bifin I/T. Bifin costs approximately $35 for 32 applications (exterior) at max application rate.
bump

[Benitacathcarb]

The only time it isn't needed is on a new build for 5years.

Jimbo 2012, what did you mean that it isn't needed on new builds for 5 years? We just bought a new house in fernandino and I was wondering when I needed to call for spraying services to begin. Want to be safe ... Not sorry.

[jimbo2012]

I called Massy who did the work on all the builds, that green stuff U see on all the about 3' down.

They said good for 5 years, I think it's also in you're warrantee, after that I would worry about it.

But if you're the nervous type they would love to sell an Eskimo snow.

[quirky3]

If you don't keep up the termite bond and don't have your coverage status in writing, many potential buyers won't even consider looking at the house. I have kept up the annual termite bond and I will only consider houses that have done the same when I am ready to sell and buy again.

[jimbo2012]

Sure but not needed until the 5th year.

Ask Massey

[gingersnap]

We had a rep from one of the landscaping companies here at our place this past week. He was telling us about some bark that was placed around a client's home that was infested with termites...yikes!

[jimbo2012]

And was he selling something to use that story?

[mulligan]

Even with the 5 year warranty, you have to pay for the annual inspection...$125 + or-

[jimbo2012]

That's not in the contract therefore not required.

[KathieI]

I called Massy who did the work on all the builds, that green stuff U see on all the about 3' down.

They said good for 5 years, I think it's also in you're warrantee, after that I would worry about it.

But if you're the nervous type they would love to sell an Eskimo snow.

Sorry, Jimbo... I don't believe Massey... Fired them after the first year I got here. Lied through their teeth.. I had a severe mouse problem (probably because of the pond) the first year. They told me they solved it and then I found a whole family dead under my stove. 7 babies... UGH!!!! Immediately replaced Massey with a reliable company.

[jimbo2012]

Well if U put it that way I don't trust any contractor!!!!

[Frangyomory]

I was getting ready to pay my annual bill for termite and pest control services and asked myself do I really need this service. I have never heard of a termite infestation in The Villages and the only bugs they seem to control are fire ants, which should really cost much less than they charge. Plus our house interior is all metal framing, with non-wood siding, but we do have wood framing in the exterior walls. What are the risks of not having this done. I lived in the woods of Virginia for 20 years and only had termite control out when we built the house. Any thoughts and reasons to have this service would be appreciated.

We came from Virginia 8 years ago where we had worries about termites. When we moved here, I looked into the various type of insects that could damage our home. One major issue was termite damage and at that time, there was an influx of a new variety of termite. We have for 7 years had a contract to keep our home as free of termites and other infestations. We have never been sorry to have this coverage. Living in a somewhat tropical area, we are subject to various infestations and I would rather be safe than sorry.:laugh:

[obxgal]

There is no way I would live in any southern state WITHOUT termite protection. Especially with a lot of people using shredder bark in their land scaping. Termites like humidity, and warmth. Perfect breeding grounds in my opinion.

My neighbors in North Carolina had them and we lived on a sand bar. We treated our home there and had no problems. It's not like up north where you have prolonged periods of freezing temps. Better be save then sorry.

[graciegirl]

I called Massy and that's from the horses mouth on new builds??????

You are right. They treat the wood that is used in building your home and that should deter termites for five years, actually I had heard longer. Of course there will be contractors that tell you differently. Contact the one that the builder used to treat your wood against termite damage and don't believe any other one.They are trying to sell you something.

[Garden guru]

We moved into Fernandina two months ago, and there's been an endless barrage of salesmen at our door, trying to sell us pest control. Previously I've lived in both southern California and Ohio and only sprayed when a problem began. Unfortunately, it's been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get objective information about the subject of preventive pest control in Florida. The people providing it are either the same people selling the service, or they're Villages residents just like me, who moved here from someplace else, and are just doing what someone told them to do, not admitting that they don't really have a clue. Finally, when I contacted the county extension service, they said most Floridians overuse pesticides. They do not recommend indiscriminate preventive spraying. It seems to me that too many Villagers just jump in line with the pied piper without thinking for themselves.

[gomoho]

Let me know if you change you mind the first time you step on a Palmetto bug, barefoot, in the middle of the night. You will probably change your mind.

[jimbo2012]

Haven't seen any bugs of note, since moving here in Jan, U can buy bug spray by the gallon for under $10 same stuff they use.

It will last months, but if U want to spend money......I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn???????

[KeepingItReal]

We moved into Fernandina two months ago, and there's been an endless barrage of salesmen at our door, trying to sell us pest control.

If you are truly a garden guru then you should easily be able to handle any pest problems here yourself. Not really much different than other states but I would definitely keep at least a termite bond coverage to prevent problems down the road. Ants and mole crickets in the lawn have been the major insects so far. You can see what works for pests on this link and also read the product label if desired for proper application rates. Natural and organic products are also available here. Many of these products are not available in stores.

I am not certain of this but I don't think a complete annual re-treatment is allowed by law.

Do It Yourself Pest Control Products & Supplies | Do My Own Pest Control (http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/)

How to perform a Subterranean Termite treatment.

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/how-to-perform-termite-treatment-a-87.html

Treating for Drywood termites require a different treatment method using a product like Bora-care.

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/how-to-get-rid-of-drywood-termites-a-234.html

[graciegirl]

We moved into Fernandina two months ago, and there's been an endless barrage of salesmen at our door, trying to sell us pest control. Previously I've lived in both southern California and Ohio and only sprayed when a problem began. Unfortunately, it's been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get objective information about the subject of preventive pest control in Florida. The people providing it are either the same people selling the service, or they're Villages residents just like me, who moved here from someplace else, and are just doing what someone told them to do, not admitting that they don't really have a clue. Finally, when I contacted the county extension service, they said most Floridians overuse pesticides. They do not recommend indiscriminate preventive spraying. It seems to me that too many Villagers just jump in line with the pied piper without thinking for themselves.

AH HA....this is why you didn't respond to my Columbus, Ohio post.

You are originally from California.

[Bill32]

I talked to the Massy salesman at length about Termite protection. After my asking several times on what they do to prevent termites he told me they do nothing. For the guarantee they will come out once a year and check the house. If they then see termites they will treat " the area" not the whole house. They gave me the free inspection, something a reasonable person could do himself. I have a hand spreader that I use to treat the perimeter of our home twice a year with a general broad spectrum insecticide. Sticky traps in out of the way places around the inside of the house takes care of any that get in.
We have owned our home ( new ) for 8 years now and talk to many people and have never heard of anyone having or knowing someone who had termites with a new home here in TV. So........................how many homes have had problems in TV ??. If Massy and other companies are waiting for termites to arrive before treating there should be many instances of termite sightings, no? Maybe I'm wrong but I've not heard of one........My choice is to treat my own home for insects others are free to buy a warranty if that makes them more comfortable......

[jblum315]

yes

Repeat Yes