[Villagerjjm]

I bought my vinyl sided courtyard villa back in 2005. It came with a sticker on the breaker box that said Massey services applied the termite treatment to the under foundation and structure. While I was out riding around, I saw a Massey truck with a crew in one of the new neighborhoods being built. So, I decided to be nosey and stopped near the Massey truck. I watched as one of the Massey workers was spraying a green liquid on the particle board that the house that was being built. When he was done and came walking up to the truck, I greeted him and asked what he was spraying on the side of the house. He said it was termite control. I asked him how long it would last, and he said that once it was covered it would last for about 40 years. I asked if it was the same thing that was used under the foundation and he said yes and that it was good under there for 40 years too.
I said "40 years? It has to be really strong stuff! What is it?" His reply: BORAX and WATER! I said "20 Mule Team Borax? No way!" He confirmed it again... he said you mix it with water and it becomes part Orthoboric Acid, and humidity will keep the remainder active gradually over the years. I asked him why there was an inspection every year for termites. He said the roof eaves are not treated and any ground termites will build a mud tunnel up the wall to reach them. That is all they are looking for. Mud tunnels.
He said that alterations to the foundation, untreated additions, changes in landscaping that alter the foundation barrier or plant roots growing under the foundation are what causes the problems. Some of those alterations can actually void the contract.
So, there is one big secret out of the way!
I do my own pest control. I never spray inside the house. Never had cockroaches or bed bugs. Cardboard and suit cases stay in the garage. No Pest Strips take care of everything out there (including Bed Bugs on suitcases!) I use glue strips inside the house only as a monitor to see what does get in. Not much!!! I make it a point to spray the foundation, soffits and eaves when I spray once a year (cost: $20.00 / time: 1hour). I always spray the insect control AFTER doing a power wash with bleach. Why? The bleach may neutralize the insect control product. What do I use? Ortho Home Defense concentrate (Bifenthrin). Why? I can dilute it and use it on the plants too!