[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by gomsiepop

It is important to get an exterminator in The Villages. I have a contract with Dean's for all of my home services. They provide termite, insect spraying, mowing, weeding, fertilizer and whatever other lawn services I need. This is the second home that I've been with them and I am extremely satisfied.

Please . . . It is NOT important to exterminate! I cannot believe how the residents here put the fear of God in everyone and tell them that they must treat their house, their lawn etc., etc., etc. You do not need to treat anything unless you have or develop a problem. Save your money!

I have lived in Florida since 1983 and have never had a service because I have never had a problem. Seeing a bug here or there is not a reason to exterminate. This is Florida and bugs were here before us. Many years ago we had an issue with fleas (from our dog). We treated that problem and everything was fine after that.

Hiring a lawn service is another story if you choose not to take care of your yard yourself. But Please -- hold off from doing indiscriminate spraying unless you really have a problem.

As far as termites go, at one time or another every house in Florida will have termites somewhere. Once again, I do not believe you need a termite treatment every year. Our old house was built in the early 80s and five years ago we had termites in one isolated area. It cost $350.00 for the treatment. The pest control people will make you think these bugs will pick your house up and carry it away. They sound very convincing but don't let them scare you or convince you.

My suggestion is play the wait and see game. If you are not plagued with bugs, you don't need a service. If you have a problem, treat the problem and not your entire house on an ongoing basis. Make sense?