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View Full Version : Termite Protection/Re-Treatment after 5-7 years


villages07
07-20-2013, 05:59 PM
Background: My house is 7 years old and was originally treated for termite protection during construction by Massey. That was supposed to last for 5 years, but, they found very few problems until the 7 year mark. I have paid the $99 annual termite protection fee that gets me an inspection and coverage/treatment should there be an infestation.

Ok, fast forward to today.... Massey says at 7 years I have to re-treat or risk not being renewed next year. I could just renew this year without re-treating and see if they hold true to their threat to dump me next year.

They have two treatment options... one is drill around the perimeter and inject liquid; other is to drill holes and install bait traps. Both options cost $499 (but this years 99 renewal is waived).

The liquid option is guaranteed for 10 years then has to be redone, but, I still have to do $99 annual renewal/inspection starting next year.

The bait option costs a $149 each year but is guaranteed 'forever'. So, the two options net out to about the same cost.

The rep cited a handful of termite infestation cases working their way down through Lynnhaven area to Sunset Pointe as these houses age. Still, not a huge problem.

So, for some of you that live say, in Glenbrook, Hacienda or other places 10 years or older...what is Massey telling you now? What did they offer/threaten you with 2-3 years ago?

Part of me thinks they are using scare tactics to force you to spend on re-treatment.

On the other hand, do many of you opt for a re-treatment after xx years for peace of mind?

Massey, overall, has been responsive, effective, and efficient in my lawn weed/feed, pest control, etc needs so I have no real issues with the company's performance.

gomoho
07-20-2013, 06:35 PM
Our home in Hadley hit the 5 year mark and we were told we needed to retreat. You could forgo the retreat and pay the $99 which would only get you an annual inspection - if problems arose you are on your own. Having had a $25000. termite hit at another newer home in Jacksonville Florida I paid the $499 for retreat and can now sleep at night knowing if those pesky little rascals start eating my house I am insured and have coverage for the damage. It all depends on your personal comfort zone. I will pay $99 for the next 4 years for an inspection and to keep the policy in place.

tommy steam
07-20-2013, 08:33 PM
Massey is a large company in several southern states , they have been around for more than 50 years. I would think they wouldn't use scare tactics to get you to renew. I had a bating system put in in ny and it cost me 2800 dollars and a yearly fee of over 300 to keep it in effect. Peace of mind is a good thing.

e-flyer
07-20-2013, 09:31 PM
Just curious, does Massey perform a decent inspection, or a cursory look around for their $99 fee?i

villages07
07-21-2013, 04:48 AM
Just curious, does Massey perform a decent inspection, or a cursory look around for their $99 fee?i

E flyer.... The inspection seems to be reasonably thorough...they do the full exterior perimeter, all interior walls and peek into the attic. Takes a half hour. The 99 fee is for the inspection and "insurance" to cover the cost of any treatment/repairs resulting from a termite infestation at any time of the year.

gomoho
07-21-2013, 05:17 AM
E flyer.... The inspection seems to be reasonably thorough...they do the full exterior perimeter, all interior walls and peek into the attic. Takes a half hour. The 99 fee is for the inspection and "insurance" to cover the cost of any treatment/repairs resulting from a termite infestation at any time of the year.

However the $99 fee only gets you an inspection if you have not retreated according to their recommendations.

PaPaLarry
07-21-2013, 05:28 AM
I'm on my 7nth year also, and was told the same thing. For peace of mind, I am going to do it. Since living here (2006), I haven't heard of any neighbors having termites? Does anyone know if any of their neighbors had termites, and what area?

villages07
07-21-2013, 06:03 AM
However the $99 fee only gets you an inspection if you have not retreated according to their recommendations.

Gomo... Up to year 7 when they 'require' a retreat, the $99 fee gets you the inspection plus treatment/repair for an infestation.

After year 7, sounds like they are saying they won't even offer the $99 annual inspection/protection unless you do a re-treat. That's why I'm asking folks in 10+ year old villages what Massey is telling them. Do they still offer $99 annual protection?

From an economics standpoint, I can't imagine Massey will cancel all these $99/year customers who don't re-treat in order to avoid paying treatment/repair claims from the small handful that experience an infestation.

I am leaning to getting it done just for the peace of mind. But, it is enlightening to hear what others think and what they've been told.

Uptown Girl
07-21-2013, 06:14 AM
Massey is a large company in several southern states , they have been around for more than 50 years. I would think they wouldn't use scare tactics to get you to renew.

I agree!
It's simple. If they continue to treat the home, they stand behind the service.

As young newlyweds, we bought our first home (up North, pre-owned), not knowing there was a large termite colony in the home's addition (a large den and art studio). The day we moved in, my (then) husband plunked down his easy chair and plopped himself in it with gusto. A three foot chunk of ceiling tiles fell on his head and around his shoulders- LOADED with wriggling termite larvae.
I don't think he has recovered- yet.
(We won't even talk about my having to gather them up into a garbage can until we could get someone out to the house the NEXT day.) OR the cost for removal of the addition- and the glorious 90 year old pear tree outside. Neither could be salvaged.

Yep. Peace of mind is a beautiful thing.

Parker
07-21-2013, 06:15 AM
Villages07, I am in exactly the same situation. Our house is 8 yrs old, and Massey's been telling us we need to retreat for a few years now. We've been having the same debate in our house, so I'll be watching this thread with interest.

Irishmen
07-21-2013, 07:29 AM
Last Wed we had our 5 yr treatment done and this one will last for 7 yrs using Florida Pest Control applying Premise. They dug a trench all the way around base of home including screened lanai with pool and applied the Premise. Took around 3hrs as well as inspection including attic. Cost us $259.

gomoho
07-21-2013, 10:46 AM
Once your "treatment period" is over and they tell you it is time to renew you can keep paying the $99 annual fee, but all it will get you is an inspection - not protection. If you get an infestation once the "treatment period" is over you are on your own - your insurance policy is up. Read the fine print.

THE NEWCOMER
07-21-2013, 12:22 PM
It boils down to 0.41 cents a day.........................................
Termite Infestation Probability Map For The USA, Australia & The World (http://www.ultimatetermitecontrol.com/termite-infestation-probability-map/)

villagerjack
02-22-2014, 10:34 PM
Any new comments? We just received a letter from Massey and I am wondering if there are alternatives.

rayschic
02-22-2014, 11:28 PM
Any new comments? We just received a letter from Massey and I am wondering if there are alternatives.

We switched from Massey to Deans. It costs more for the annual inspection but they retreat every year and you never pay for the full retreatment again.
It's $125 every year because we have them for Pest Control also. Their usual charge is $150 per year.


Convert to Save with Deans Services (http://deansservices.com/converttosave.html)

Bonanza
02-23-2014, 04:14 AM
Massey is a large company in several southern states , they have been around for more than 50 years. I would think they wouldn't use scare tactics to get you to renew. I had a bating system put in in ny and it cost me 2800 dollars and a yearly fee of over 300 to keep it in effect. Peace of mind is a good thing.

Yes, Massey is a large company and there is no doubt in my mind that they are using scare tactics to put the fear of God in the residents of The Villages.

Let's not lose sight of the fact that the person with whom you are dealing is on a commission. They don't deviate; they say the same thing to everyone. However, if you read each comment you can tell that they have created a monster. Everyone's comment is a cliff hanger. No one seems to know what to do and is scared to death of not renewing their contract because of what the potential results could be, according to the salesman.

I will tell you that the possibility of all these terrible things happening are pretty much non-existent if your house is relatively new. Could you have termites? Possibly, but probably not. At some point, just about every house in Florida will get termites but we talking about years down the road. Termites are easily treated and if you need treatment, it is far less expensive to treat the problem when it happens than to have and pay for a monthly/annual treatment ongoing for all those years.

I have never lived in an area where just about every household is sprayed and/or treated with pesticides of one form or another on a monthly basis and if one bug is spotted, then more often. I fear that one day (when we are all history), the entire Villages could become a contaminated site because of these indiscriminate treatments.

It would appear that the spraying of houses and lawns is a cancer which is spread by companies such as Massey, Stellar, Dean, etc. and the cancer has a trickle down effect from one neighbor to another.

I originally moved to Florida in 1983. I have never had any kind of insect contract. Over all those years, I may have had two or three problems where I called a company to get a situation under control. Yes -- two or three times since 1983. Yes, I would see an occasional bug here or there but it was no big deal. A couple of bugs doesn't warrant an annual contract with any company!

So what am I saying? Forget the annual contract, forget the expensive renewal because THAT is the only way they will do business, and find a reputable privately owned pest control person who is in business for himself when and if you have a problem. Go to Angie's List and read the reviews if you are unsure, but there are more fish in the ocean than these big guys. Those salesmen and big kahuna companies don't care about you; they care about their pocketbook. Period! Don't fall victum to their scare tactics.
__________________

gomoho
02-23-2014, 07:18 AM
So what am I saying? Forget the annual contract, forget the expensive renewal because THAT is the only way they will do business, and find a reputable privately owned pest control person who is in business for himself when and if you have a problem. Go to Angie's List and read the reviews if you are unsure, but there are more fish in the ocean than these big guys. Those salesmen and big kahuna companies don't care about you; they care about their pocketbook. Period! Don't fall victum to their scare tactics.
__________________

The only problem with your argument is when you realize you have termites it's too late - the damage has been done. Believe me I was in a newer home and ended up with a $25k repair bill. Termites are a reality and the small cost these companies charge for annual inspection and treatment every 5 years helps me sleep at night.

jimbo2012
02-23-2014, 08:06 AM
Yes, Massey is a large company and there is no doubt in my mind that they are using scare tactics to put the fear of God in the residents of The Villages.
__________________

Is there a reason you super size your text?

Just wondering.

jimbo2012
02-23-2014, 08:16 AM
I think it's just marketing, I spoke to guy working for Massy spaying a new build, he said the stuff they use lasts at least 5 years, likely 7.

He went on to say it's not rocket science to check on your own for tell tale signs at the foundation. Google it and you can get photos of what to look for.

He said the biggest thing home owners & landscapers do is put mulch or bedding right up to the foundation, it should be pulled back 6-8 inches.

That un-invites them

I had my inspection done at the 11 month mark, I said your too early come back next month, he said it wouldn't happen in a month to change any signs of their presence.

He walked around the house never came in or checked the attic. Kinda a joke.

I'll check my foundation a few times a year while gardening, save $500-700 dollars of the years, then maybe treat it.

You can buy the same stuff they use online for under $75.

Parker
02-23-2014, 08:43 AM
We switched from Massey to Deans. It costs more for the annual inspection but they retreat every year and you never pay for the full retreatment again.
It's $125 every year because we have them for Pest Control also. Their usual charge is $150 per year.


Convert to Save with Deans Services (http://deansservices.com/converttosave.html)


Yes, we switched to Dean's from Massey. Massey wanted us to pay not only for the perimeter retreat, but another $350 for preventative attic treatment. I called Dean's, based on recommendations here, and they quoted me the same cost Rayschic mentions above. They also stated attic treatments weren't necessary here in central Florida away from coastal areas. And lastly, they have specially trained termite seeking dogs to inspect your home. The dogs sniff around the whole house, and because the dogs aren't in it for the money, I trust them!

Glad we switched.

Madelaine Amee
02-23-2014, 08:45 AM
Is there a reason you super size your text?

Just wondering.

.............. and use the BOLD application?

Bogie Shooter
02-23-2014, 09:38 AM
To be seen and heard.......................................

gomoho
02-23-2014, 12:51 PM
I think it's just marketing, I spoke to guy working for Massy spaying a new build, he said the stuff they use lasts at least 5 years, likely 7.

He went on to say it's not rocket science to check on your own for tell tale signs at the foundation. Google it and you can get photos of what to look for.

He said the biggest thing home owners & landscapers do is put mulch or bedding right up to the foundation, it should be pulled back 6-8 inches.

That un-invites them

I had my inspection done at the 11 month mark, I said your too early come back next month, he said it wouldn't happen in a month to change any signs of their presence.

He walked around the house never came in or checked the attic. Kinda a joke.

I'll check my foundation a few times a year while gardening, save $500-700 dollars of the years, then maybe treat it.

You can buy the same stuff they use online for under $75.

You left out the most important part of the retreat and annual inspection - the insurance policy that comes with that. So if the little buggers have eaten up your house before you notice the damage the insurance will pay for the repairs. By the time our swarmers showed up to indicate a problem an entire wall and balcony were in the process of being destroyed

jimbo2012
02-23-2014, 01:08 PM
By the time our swarmers showed up to indicate a problem an entire wall and balcony were in the process of being destroyed

Well A normal colony eats about 1 pound of wood a year.

That's about 6 inches of a 2x4

So It sounds like is your case it was undetected for years.

It is also important to keep moisture away from the foundation rain gutters for instance help that condition tremendously.

You can see mud tubes leading to and up the foundation no training required

http://info.spencerpest.com/Portals/214070/images/Termites-Mud-Tube-3757450-resized-600.jpg

http://www.amcoranger.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/termite-tunnel-600w-300x224.jpg

here you can see grass upto the foundation leading up under the siding

http://www.thrasherpestcontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/mud_shelter_tube-300x225.jpg

So just take a walk around your house if they are there, they are visible.

gomoho
02-23-2014, 05:21 PM
When we had our issue in 99 there was a big deal about the stucco on a house going to the ground - so we paid a bunch of money to have the stucco cut from the bottom of the house. The termite issue was discovered after that and not revealed by this procedure. Interestingly the bulk of the damage was done on the 2nd floor of the home. In our last home we had swarmers on the 2nd floor of our condo - they were coming from the neighbor's attic - this is way bigger than the common man should handle. I don't even think most termite control people would find this stuff, but I for one am grateful to have in insurance policy in place to cover the damage if and when it is found.

twinklesweep
02-23-2014, 05:51 PM
We switched from Massey to Deans. It costs more for the annual inspection but they retreat every year and you never pay for the full retreatment again.
It's $125 every year because we have them for Pest Control also. Their usual charge is $150 per year.


Convert to Save with Deans Services (http://deansservices.com/converttosave.html)

Yes, we switched to Dean's from Massey. Massey wanted us to pay not only for the perimeter retreat, but another $350 for preventative attic treatment. I called Dean's, based on recommendations here, and they quoted me the same cost Rayschic mentions above. They also stated attic treatments weren't necessary here in central Florida away from coastal areas. And lastly, they have specially trained termite seeking dogs to inspect your home. The dogs sniff around the whole house, and because the dogs aren't in it for the money, I trust them!

Glad we switched.

When I came here, my house was with Massey. Until the year expired, I looked over the offerings and immediately switched to Dean's. (At one time they advertised on TOTV, and Dean or a company rep would take the time to make himself available through the website to answer questions. I pay the $150 because I don't have pest control (or pests, by and large), in contrast to Massey who wanted $125. I guess I came after they changed their rates.

The OP might want to consider a switch to Dean's. If the pup finds the house clean, Dean's immediately begins annual treatment, not just inspection, and there is never a huge re-treatment bill somewhere down the pike. And the pups are cute as heck, for what that's worth!

gomoho
02-23-2014, 06:12 PM
FYI - the way dogs are able to detect termites is by smelling their flatulence!!! No kidding - termites fart and dogs can smell it - pretty strange.

Bonanza
02-24-2014, 02:24 AM
The only problem with your argument is when you realize you have termites it's too late - the damage has been done. Believe me I was in a newer home and ended up with a $25k repair bill. Termites are a reality and the small cost these companies charge for annual inspection and treatment every 5 years helps me sleep at night.

I have been a Realtor/agent since 1984. Every house that I ever sold HAD to have a termite inspection if a mortgage was involved and that was the majority of them. Most of the houses that had a termite issue could be spot treated. If the infestation was too large, the house would be tented. Whomever it was that charged you $25,000 took you to the cleaners. In all those years, even with tenting the entire house, the fee was never more than about $5,000.

If someone is that concerned that they might have a termite issue, have an inspection every couple of years. It is never too late to treat the problem and years would have to go by for the problem to be grandiose.

Pest control companies are not stupid. In this area they bundle their service with other things so that you think you are getting a deal. They also realize that older people are gullible and suseptible to what they suggest. Just like you said, having the service helps you sleep at night. Trust me -- these companies prey on the elderly and that is exactly what they love to hear.

Bonanza
02-24-2014, 02:30 AM
.............. and use the BOLD application?

Is bold a problem for you???

Bonanza
02-24-2014, 02:41 AM
Is there a reason you super size your text?

Just wondering.

Even if all fonts are the same size, different style fonts vary in size. In response to your question -- I didn't super-size it and no, there is no reason.

villagerjack
02-24-2014, 04:09 AM
I have been a Realtor/agent since 1984. Every house that I ever sold HAD to have a termite inspection if a mortgage was involved and that was the majority of them. Most of the houses that had a termite issue could be spot treated. If the infestation was too large, the house would be tented. Whomever it was that charged you $25,000 took you to the cleaners. In all those years, even with tenting the entire house, the fee was never more than about $5,000.

If someone is that concerned that they might have a termite issue, have an inspection every couple of years. It is never too late to treat the problem and years would have to go by for the problem to be grandiose.

Pest control companies are not stupid. In this area they bundle their service with other things so that you think you are getting a deal. They also realize that older people are gullible and suseptible to what they suggest. Just like you said, having the service helps you sleep at night. Trust me -- these companies prey on the elderly and that is exactly what they love to hear.


Thank you for your information. I tend to agree with you. The letter I received from Massey is confusing and IMO intended to scare homeowners I do not like that company anyway. It is the only service I have with them after I bought a package shortly after I bought 7 years ago. Ca n I ask you what you personally do about termite protection?

jimbo2012
02-24-2014, 05:11 AM
Even if all fonts are the same size, different style fonts vary in size. In response to your question -- I didn't super-size it and no, there is no reason.

you are using Georgia style, the above is super-sized to 4

this is Georgia default size

this is Georgia default size in bold

this is Georgia size 4 in bold

Just pointing it out its harder to read and it appears you don't realize you're selecting those fonts sizes.

Just trying help

gomoho
02-24-2014, 07:18 AM
[QUOTE=Bonanza;834386][B][FONT="Century Gothic"][SIZE="4"]I Whomever it was that charged you $25,000 took you to the cleaners. In all those years, even with tenting the entire house, the fee was never more than about $5,000.

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear - the $25k was the amount of damage done before the termites were detected. We had only been in the house
for a year when the problem was detected. Yes we had a termite inspection, but it was not detected. That is why I so strongly believe in having coverage to protect yourself against the unknown.

villagerjack
02-24-2014, 07:25 AM
[QUOTE=Bonanza;834386][B][FONT="Century Gothic"][SIZE="4"]I Whomever it was that charged you $25,000 took you to the cleaners. In all those years, even with tenting the entire house, the fee was never more than about $5,000.

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear - the $25k was the amount of damage done before the termites were detected. We had only been in the house
for a year when the problem was detected. Yes we had a termite inspection, but it was not detected. That is why I so strongly believe in having coverage to protect yourself against the unknown.

I think folks are pointing out that perhaps you may have a case against the company that did the inspection because that amount of damage could not have been done within one year.

e-flyer
02-24-2014, 05:47 PM
Does Massey automatically show up and do the follow up annual $99 inspection, or do they call and see if you want it done?

BobnBev
02-24-2014, 06:19 PM
Does Home Depot or Lowes sell termite killer, liquid or powder?

gomoho
02-24-2014, 06:27 PM
[quote=gomoho;834434]

I think folks are pointing out that perhaps you may have a case against the company that did the inspection because that amount of damage could not have been done within one year.

Thank you, but the reference I referred to was about tenting the house - not the damage I was referring to.

yabbadu
02-24-2014, 07:16 PM
Does Massey automatically show up and do the follow up annual $99 inspection, or do they call and see if you want it done?

You indicate only $99/ per year. They want $141.00 from me!

jimbo2012
02-24-2014, 07:22 PM
They wanted $110 from us.

Guess they charge everybody different, because we all stupid and like to pay more than our neighbor

gomoho
02-24-2014, 07:42 PM
It's $99 if you also have other services provided by them - bundling - we all know about that.

obxgal
02-24-2014, 10:38 PM
Does Home Depot or Lowes sell termite killer, liquid or powder?

Lowes carries "Spectracide Terminate Termite and Carpenter Ant Killer Concentrate". It's around $18- $19 for a 32 oz bottle. I believe Home Depot carries it also. And occasionally we see it at Walmart.

Works well... We used it liquid form for our log home up north and use it down here too between our Deans applications. Mainly because of our neighbors mulch next to our CYV.

Spectracide TerminateŽ Termite & Carpenter Ant Killer Concentrate (http://www.spectracide.com/Products-and-Solutions/Wood-Destroying-Insect-Killers/Spectracide-Terminate-Termite-and-Carpenter-Ant-Killer-Concentrate3.aspx)

Bonanza
02-25-2014, 03:52 AM
Does Home Depot or Lowes sell termite killer, liquid or powder?

Termite treatment is not so cut and dry as killing cockroaches would be. There are a few different types of termites -and they are not all treated in the same way. I am sure Lowes or Home Depot doesn't have the correct presticide for treatment and very often, many pesticides are not sold to the general public.

Bonanza
02-25-2014, 04:04 AM
[/B][/B][/B]Thank you for your information. I tend to agree with you. The letter I received from Massey is confusing and IMO intended to scare homeowners I do not like that company anyway. It is the only service I have with them after I bought a package shortly after I bought 7 years ago. Ca n I ask you what you personally do about termite protection?

Truthfully, since our house is almost new, there is nothing for me to do at the present time. However, in a previous house that I lived in for over ten years (and it was at least 20 years old when I bought it) I never had termites. I did not have an annual inspection but was very aware of keeping my eyes open for signs of termites.

As you may have guessed from my comments, I am not an advocate of indiscriminate treatments or spraying. Unfortunately, those services are rampant within the Villages. For the life of me I don't know why everyone has gotten on this bandwagon as opposed to treating a problem when and if it occurs. They would be saving themselves some money and would not be contaminating the environment.

Bonanza
02-25-2014, 04:05 AM
you are using Georgia style, the above is super-sized to 4

this is Georgia default size

this is Georgia default size in bold

this is Georgia size 4 in bold

Just pointing it out its harder to read and it appears you don't realize you're selecting those fonts sizes.

Just trying help

Thanks for pointing it out to me. Now, I get understand!

PaPaLarry
02-25-2014, 05:51 AM
Do they still "Tent a house" when there is termite infestation?

mickey100
02-25-2014, 06:29 AM
[/B][/B][/B]

Truthfully, since our house is almost new, there is nothing for me to do at the present time. However, in a previous house that I lived in for over ten years (and it was at least 20 years old when I bought it) I never had termites. I did not have an annual inspection but was very aware of keeping my eyes open for signs of termites.

As you may have guessed from my comments, I am not an advocate of indiscriminate treatments or spraying. Unfortunately, those services are rampant within the Villages. For the life of me I don't know why everyone has gotten on this bandwagon as opposed to treating a problem when and if it occurs. They would be saving themselves some money and would not be contaminating the environment.


I am no expert on termites, so don't know if the treatments we do are indiscriminate or not. But I do notice a lot of people do things that are not what I would call environmentally friendly. Every time I go to the post office, for example, probably about 2/3 of the people throw their junk mail into the trash cans instead of taking it home and recycling. But that's an observation for another thread.

jimbo2012
02-25-2014, 07:04 AM
online sources

Termite Pest Control Products & Treatment - How To Get Rid Of Termites | Do My Own Pest Control (http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/termites-c-3.html)
Shop ePestSolutions for Professional Termite Control Products (http://www.epestsolutions.com/termite-control.html)
Termite Control | Do It Yourself Termite Control Products | Termite Treatments (http://www.doityourselftermitecontrol.com)

It's not all that hard to do your self for example $30
Adonis 75 WSP contains Imidacloprid, the same active ingredient used in premise and merit.

Adonis 75 WSP termiticide/insecticide products provide professional-grade, long-lasting and effective termite control. Adonis 75 can be used to do an in-ground perimeter treatment around a home's foundation to prevent termite infestation or for treating localized areas of known subterranean termite activity. It is also excellent for controlling drywood and dampwood termites, borers and other wood-infesting insects in and around basements, attics, crawl spaces, voids, and damaged wood piles. Adonis 75 works differently from other termiticide products that are designed to simply repel or keep termites away from the treated soil area without killing them. Adonis is a non-repellent termiticide, meaning that termites do not detect that Adonis is present. Unsuspecting termites contact Adonis 75 termiticide and then transfer it to other termites, eventually killing the entire colony.

NEW: Adonis 75 WSP now has a powerful turf and ornamental label. The same active ingredient in Merit, Adonis 75 WSP can be used as a very effective systemic as well as direct turf and ornamental applications for a variety of pests.

gomoho
02-25-2014, 07:52 AM
[/B][/B][/B]

Truthfully, since our house is almost new, there is nothing for me to do at the present time. However, in a previous house that I lived in for over ten years (and it was at least 20 years old when I bought it) I never had termites. I did not have an annual inspection but was very aware of keeping my eyes open for signs of termites.

As you may have guessed from my comments, I am not an advocate of indiscriminate treatments or spraying. Unfortunately, those services are rampant within the Villages. For the life of me I don't know why everyone has gotten on this bandwagon as opposed to treating a problem when and if it occurs. They would be saving themselves some money and would not be contaminating the environment.

The house you bought that was 20 years old was probably treated with the chemical that lasted a lifetime and didn't need to be redone. Government outlawed that chemical which is the reason you now need to retreat.

CFrance
02-25-2014, 08:58 AM
Thanks for pointing it out to me. Now, I get understand!

And that is a beautiful font you changed to. What is it called, do you know?

CFrance
02-25-2014, 09:02 AM
online sources

Termite Pest Control Products & Treatment - How To Get Rid Of Termites | Do My Own Pest Control (http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/termites-c-3.html)
Shop ePestSolutions for Professional Termite Control Products (http://www.epestsolutions.com/termite-control.html)
Termite Control | Do It Yourself Termite Control Products | Termite Treatments (http://www.doityourselftermitecontrol.com)

It's not all that hard to do your self for example $30
Adonis 75 WSP contains Imidacloprid, the same active ingredient used in premise and merit.

Adonis 75 WSP termiticide/insecticide products provide professional-grade, long-lasting and effective termite control. Adonis 75 can be used to do an in-ground perimeter treatment around a home's foundation to prevent termite infestation or for treating localized areas of known subterranean termite activity. It is also excellent for controlling drywood and dampwood termites, borers and other wood-infesting insects in and around basements, attics, crawl spaces, voids, and damaged wood piles. Adonis 75 works differently from other termiticide products that are designed to simply repel or keep termites away from the treated soil area without killing them. Adonis is a non-repellent termiticide, meaning that termites do not detect that Adonis is present. Unsuspecting termites contact Adonis 75 termiticide and then transfer it to other termites, eventually killing the entire colony.

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How, exactly, do you apply this? Spray, dig a trench...? And how often?

jimbo2012
02-25-2014, 12:16 PM
I didn't look into it yet, but think it's a spray.

Contact one of those links for more info

Bonanza
02-27-2014, 12:24 AM
The house you bought that was 20 years old was probably treated with the chemical that lasted a lifetime and didn't need to be redone. Government outlawed that chemical which is the reason you now need to retreat.

The chemical to which you are referring is Chlordane, which was banned in 1988. No, Chlordane does not last a lifetime.

When we sold that house in 2012 and the current owners had their inspection, they did not find any sign of termites in the house but did find a sign of them in pergola we built that was away from the house. In that case, they did a spot treatment.

Bonanza
02-27-2014, 12:30 AM
Do they still "Tent a house" when there is termite infestation?

Yes, they still do tent houses. Sometimes, it's the only (correct) solution. I haven't been in this area long enough to know if they have done any of this within the general Villages area. Not all pest control companies are capable of doing this either.

Bonanza
02-27-2014, 12:51 AM
Works well... We used it liquid form for our log home up north and use it down here too between our Deans applications. Mainly because of our neighbors mulch next to our CYV.

Spectracide TerminateŽ Termite & Carpenter Ant Killer Concentrate (http://www.spectracide.com/Products-and-Solutions/Wood-Destroying-Insect-Killers/Spectracide-Terminate-Termite-and-Carpenter-Ant-Killer-Concentrate3.aspx)

If you have a pesticide service contract and are spraying in between their service dates, you are spraying entirely too much.

If your neighbors have cypress mulch, you probably have nothing to worry about. Critters don't like cypress.

Bonanza
02-27-2014, 01:06 AM
And that is a beautiful font you changed to. What is it called, do you know?

Yes. It's called "Comic Sans." I use it often because it's so easy to read.

jflynn1
02-28-2014, 01:32 PM
Background: My house is 7 years old and was originally treated for termite protection during construction by Massey. That was supposed to last for 5 years, but, they found very few problems until the 7 year mark. I have paid the $99 annual termite protection fee that gets me an inspection and coverage/treatment should there be an infestation.

Ok, fast forward to today.... Massey says at 7 years I have to re-treat or risk not being renewed next year. I could just renew this year without re-treating and see if they hold true to their threat to dump me next year.

They have two treatment options... one is drill around the perimeter and inject liquid; other is to drill holes and install bait traps. Both options cost $499 (but this years 99 renewal is waived).

The liquid option is guaranteed for 10 years then has to be redone, but, I still have to do $99 annual renewal/inspection starting next year.

The bait option costs a $149 each year but is guaranteed 'forever'. So, the two options net out to about the same cost.

The rep cited a handful of termite infestation cases working their way down through Lynnhaven area to Sunset Pointe as these houses age. Still, not a huge problem.

So, for some of you that live say, in Glenbrook, Hacienda or other places 10 years or older...what is Massey telling you now? What did they offer/threaten you with 2-3 years ago?

Part of me thinks they are using scare tactics to force you to spend on re-treatment.

On the other hand, do many of you opt for a re-treatment after xx years for peace of mind?

Massey, overall, has been responsive, effective, and efficient in my lawn weed/feed, pest control, etc needs so I have no real issues with the company's performance.
We contracted with Massey when we purchased our home in 2005 for all their services.
This year the sales person came to our home and said we HAD to retreat for termites, cost was $500.00 + The invoice we had recievd was for $99.00 and stated Payment of this renewal extends the Subterrannean Termite Protection for one year from the expiration date shown below , which was December 19th. The Sales person said this was not correct and that the only way we could extend the service was to purchase and retreat for $500.00 + . Naturally I became concerned , we were very pleaed with the other services Massey had been providing since 2005. Not very pleased with this sales tactic. I began looking around for another service provider. Found one that was less expensive, with a good reputation from their customers. We switched. For us to switch we had to retreat whcih we did. When I notified Massey. the manager called and said that it was not necessary to retreat and that their sales person was incorrect. How could I trust them in the future. My balance with them was 35.00. They sent someone to the house to collect the money, which we had paid, in fact had paid $50.00 which meant they owed us a refund. They only way they will refund the money is if you chase them for it. What I learned was loyalty means nothing when dealng with a company like this. Still waiting for the refund.

jimbo2012
02-28-2014, 01:40 PM
the manager called and said that it was not necessary to retreat and that their sales person was incorrect. .

So retreatment is not needed after 5 years, very interesting are we all being scammed?

batman911
02-28-2014, 01:41 PM
Yes, they still do tent houses. Sometimes, it's the only (correct) solution. I haven't been in this area long enough to know if they have done any of this within the general Villages area. Not all pest control companies are capable of doing this either.

Tenting is usually only done for flying termites. Ground termites must be treated in the soil.

gomoho
02-28-2014, 04:17 PM
So retreatment is not needed after 5 years, very interesting are we all being scammed?

I for one am reassured by my retreatment and for $.27 a day won't quibble.
Pest control companies can no longer use the chemical that prevented termite infestation for a very long time thanks to government regulations - based on that retreatment is needed to protect the property.

PaPaLarry
03-06-2014, 06:04 AM
Just had my inspection yesterday from Massey's. Everything was ok, but in order to have continued coverage for termites, I can either choose the "Bait Plan" or the "Spraying" Plan. Either way, it's 499.00 (less 15%), plus deduct 123.00 I payed this year for inspection. So total is 297.00. Not sure which way to go. If I go Bait Box way, they put bait in every year, and inspection price goes up 145.00 per year. If they spray, it's good for ten years, and my inspection price will still be 123.00. Inspection person, recommended Bait Boxes. Not sure which way to go?

calgone
03-06-2014, 10:39 PM
Been in Florida 17 years. Go to Lowes, $49.00 buys in ground termite stakes for subterranean termites. Works great.

djl8412
03-18-2014, 09:56 PM
Has anyone had success with "Superior Pest and Termite" Co.? I know they are around The Villages quite a bit. I'm skeptical of Massey even though they were the original treatment company for this house in '07.