Termite Inspections/Retreatment

[RC Rosenfeld]

A gentleman from Massey just left after inspecting my home for termite activities. Like the annual inspections for the last 7 years, there was none. He informed me that I am no longer covered by Massey for termite damage. He told me that I can again be covered if I have them perform a new termite prevention treatment on the property. The cost is approximately $800 (based on the size of the home) and would be good for 10 years. There is also an annual inspection fee of $229 (was $207 annually for the past 7 years).

The home is Stucco and was built in 2013. The home is primarily steel and concrete, although there is obviously some wood used in the construction. At the time of construction, Massey performed certain termite prevention procedures on both the inside and outside of the home. The liquid spray on the inside of the home and the injected solution around the slab perimeter breaks down over about 7 years.

Has anyone had any experience with this issue or had the retreatment done? Since I have never had any termite issues or known anyone in the neighborhood with termite issues, I am reluctant to put out $800 for the retreatment.

Any comments or suggestions?

[mixsonci]

I just had Massey do my 7 year termite treatment last month. I have the "bait" system, it cost me $600 and is guaranteed for life. Also, it will be $128/year after this. My house is also Stucco and built in 2013, it is a designer style

[retiredguy123]

It depends on the size of the house, but the bait system is usually more expensive than the perimeter soil chemical treatment. Also, the bait system requires more monitoring and possible retreatment. I prefer the chemical treatment over the bait system. Massey may also try to sell you an additional treatment and coverage for flying termites. But, I think the only type of protection you need is the standard subterranean termite contract. I would suggest that you call Dean's to get a second pricing option. Both are good companies. I would get the contract regardless of the type of house construction. Your house can be invaded by subterranean termites and cause damage for years before you even know they are there. It is also a good thing to have a termite contract in place when you sell your house. Just my opinion.

[Stu from NYC]

We have been wondering about this ourselves.

Hoping more folks weigh in on this.

[vintageogauge]

I treat the perimeter of my stucco designer myself every spring at a cost of $49.00. Can anyone state that there has been a home south of 466 documented that had a subterranean termite infestation? The answer is no. This is a scam, $200+ per year on 140,000 homes comes to $28,000,000.00 divided mostly between Massey and Dean's. And by the way it would be impossible to completely re-treat the interior wood that is behind your walls. Did they also try to talk you into a dry wood termite contract?

[Toymeister]

First let's cover the cost of this process for its life 7years.

It is 2,403 for the treatment and inspections.

So what do you get? One treatment of Taurus SC. The smallest quantity you can buy is 57.95 from Amazon.

That one bottle will treat your home, your neighbors, your neighbor's neighbors.

I treat mine every three months, not specify for termites but for ants. It is sprayed on the surface and penetrates the soil. I do not know why ants require more frequent treatment.

I have posted this before and someone always wants to argue this. Believe me that is what the manufacturer instructions clearly state.

Termite treatment is like oil changes, every has an opinion but no one bothers to see what the manufacturer actually says.

[Stu from NYC]

First let's cover the cost of this process for its life 7years.

It is 2,403 for the treatment and inspections.

So what do you get? One treatment of Taurus SC. The smallest quantity you can buy is 57.95 from Amazon.

That one bottle will treat your home, your neighbors, your neighbor's neighbors.

I treat mine every three months, not specify for termites but for ants. It is sprayed on the surface and penetrates the soil. I do not know why ants require more frequent treatment.

I have posted this before and someone always wants to argue this. Believe me that is what the manufacturer instructions clearly state.

Termite treatment is like oil changes, every has an opinion but no one bothers to see what the manufacturer actually says.

Interesting, guess can buy at Lowes or Home Depot?

Any special precautions that must be taken in spraying?

[CWGUY]

:) Years ago when Massey came by invitation to one of our neighborhood monthly meeting , they tried to scare the hell out of us and wanted to retreat all the homes for big bucks. A lot of my neighbors went for it and some didn't. I was in the group that didn't. I called DEANS and had no problem switching my coverage over to them. The first time I'm not happy with them I will call someone else. The thing to remember if changing service providers is to do it while you still have coverage in case their inspection detects anything. At the same time I started doing my own pest control, and I believe I do a better job than Massey did.

[NormaKW]

My neighbors had termites, did not pay a contract. Had to pay cost of repairs, treatments and now have a contract. I paid Superior services initially the cost of treatment and now they retreat free every 5 years. A good deal. Also inspect free whenever you want, as I did when neighbors had them. In the south it is not will you have termites but when. Keep it treated!

[vinricci]

Massey tried the same thing with me but the clincher when I asked to talk in person was, if I’m in a good mood that day maybe I can give you a better price. Bye bye. Called two other termite places and Dean’s sounded the best. They send out a sniffer dog first then one treatment and $165 a year for follow up.

[vintageogauge]

My neighbors had termites, did not pay a contract. Had to pay cost of repairs, treatments and now have a contract. I paid Superior services initially the cost of treatment and now they retreat free every 5 years. A good deal. Also inspect free whenever you want, as I did when neighbors had them. In the south it is not will you have termites but when. Keep it treated!

What village did your neighbor live in and what type of termites did they have, was the house stucco or vinyl?

[doodles]

I do my own termite treatment . Buy Ortho house defense and spray house once a year along ground and eaves, cost less than $20. Have used this for years on my homes here and up north keeps all bugs including termites out .

[Pommom91]

Switch to Deans.

[John41]

A gentleman from Massey just left after inspecting my home for termite activities. Like the annual inspections for the last 7 years, there was none. He informed me that I am no longer covered by Massey for termite damage. He told me that I can again be covered if I have them perform a new termite prevention treatment on the property. The cost is approximately $800 (based on the size of the home) and would be good for 10 years. There is also an annual inspection fee of $229 (was $207 annually for the past 7 years).

The home is Stucco and was built in 2013. The home is primarily steel and concrete, although there is obviously some wood used in the construction. At the time of construction, Massey performed certain termite prevention procedures on both the inside and outside of the home. The liquid spray on the inside of the home and the injected solution around the slab perimeter breaks down over about 7 years.

Has anyone had any experience with this issue or had the retreatment done? Since I have never had any termite issues or known anyone in the neighborhood with termite issues, I am reluctant to put out $800 for the retreatment.

Any comments or suggestions?

We have lived here 14 years. Massey did the original termite treatment and has not said it needs to be redone. We did get the dry termite treatment by them a few years ago. But the fees you are being quoted seem outrageous compared to what we pay. We have a poured concrete house. I would call another termite inspector and see if you have termites now.

[EviesGP]

First let's cover the cost of this process for its life 7years.

It is 2,403 for the treatment and inspections.

So what do you get? One treatment of Taurus SC. The smallest quantity you can buy is 57.95 from Amazon.

That one bottle will treat your home, your neighbors, your neighbor's neighbors.

I treat mine every three months, not specify for termites but for ants. It is sprayed on the surface and penetrates the soil. I do not know why ants require more frequent treatment.

I have posted this before and someone always wants to argue this. Believe me that is what the manufacturer instructions clearly state.

Termite treatment is like oil changes, every has an opinion but no one bothers to see what the manufacturer actually says.

I, too, experienced the same as what OP stated, when I purchased my pre-owned home almost 2yrs ago. And, thanks to Toymeister(and some Google research), I also purchased a bottle of Taurus SC on Amazon. I was in the process of treating(digging), when I tore my rotator. I then opted to wait for rainy season to end, so I'm about to complete this now.
Toymeister, you said you're doing this quarterly? Are you actually trenching around your home(like recommended) every time? TIA.

[JohnN]

We dumped Massey and went to Dean's who does a much better and lower cost job.
Drop Massey and don't back.
1) Dean's has a trained dog to sniff termintes on your initial policy change to them. More than likely, you have none. Massey's doesn't do this, they just want a total retreat.
2) Each year, Dean's treats the property, not just inspects it like Massey did.

Massey's is the "Tire Choice" of pest control. They just want the $$$$$$$

[Toymeister]

I, too, experienced the same as what OP stated, when I purchased my pre-owned home almost 2yrs ago. And, thanks to Toymeister(and some Google research), I also purchased a bottle of Taurus SC on Amazon. I was in the process of treating(digging), when I tore my rotator. I then opted to wait for rainy season to end, so I'm about to complete this now.
Toymeister, you said you're doing this quarterly? Are you actually trenching around your home(like recommended) every time? TIA.

I just use a soil auger for my cordless drill and drill some holes close to each other. I think they are 37.00 on Amazon. Ant treatment quarterly is on the surface.

On another home which I resold the buyer had the inspection done. I had been doing treatments as I described. I learned two things, having a regime of professional treatments were not required by any organization (lender) and the buyers had no problem paying for the inspection.

All told in four years I saved over 1,250 in warranty transfer and annual inspections. Self insuring relatively low risk items (the chance of termite infestation) is my song.

[Marshaw]

No one is saying what deans charge?

[jammendolia]

Massey charges us $124 for a Termite inspections. It may be based on how many services you have with them. We also have landscape applications, pest control, aeration and irrigation inspections

[BostonRich]

Does anyone else here find Massey's billing way too complicated to understand?

[pauld315]

First let's cover the cost of this process for its life 7years.

It is 2,403 for the treatment and inspections.

So what do you get? One treatment of Taurus SC. The smallest quantity you can buy is 57.95 from Amazon.

That one bottle will treat your home, your neighbors, your neighbor's neighbors.

I treat mine every three months, not specify for termites but for ants. It is sprayed on the surface and penetrates the soil. I do not know why ants require more frequent treatment.

I have posted this before and someone always wants to argue this. Believe me that is what the manufacturer instructions clearly state.

Termite treatment is like oil changes, every has an opinion but no one bothers to see what the manufacturer actually says.

You can't buy the chemicals that licensed pest professionals can. That is why you can spray every 3 months. What you can get is very weak. Massey uses Termidor which is not available to you. Also, the yearly cost is to pay for the insurance policy that will pay for termite damage if found.

Massey's termite treatment is good for 10 years. After that you have to have it reapplied.

[kens613]

If you have a stucco home about the only area you have to worry about is the furring strips behind the drywall and the ceiling joist, the rest is block n stucco which termites won’t damage.. The part you have to worry about is the inside petitions which usually are wood unless you have metal studs... Spraying the outside walls won’t stop termites on the inside walls and I believe the only way to protect the inside is by having Bait pods installed around your home... As far as spraying around the home you have to use a chemical that is designed for termites and I don’t believe that Home Defense will effect termites.. Probably good for ants etc but for termites I would go online and a product called Termidor is good for about 4-5 years... My opinion..

[Barborv]

I had the bait stations put in . Just have to pay the yearly fee for the "insurance policy" We also have the bait stations in our house in NY. I'm not a big fan of pesticides.

[Toymeister]

You can't buy the chemicals that licensed pest professionals can. That is why you can spray every 3 months. What you can get is very weak. Massey uses Termidor which is not available to you. Also, the yearly cost is to pay for the insurance policy that will pay for termite damage if found.

Massey's termite treatment is good for 10 years. After that you have to have it reapplied.
Taurus SC is Termidor and yes you can buy it.

I am getting out of the playing fetch game and providing a link to prove that I am correct. Look up termidor or Taurus SC for yourself on Amazon. Or anywhere on Google or Bing. It is the same strength and the same formulation. The US EPA approves strengths and formulations, they do not approve homeowners and professional strengths.

You are entitled to your own opinions but not your own facts.

I would appreciate some basic research before you say that I have it wrong,. More importantly spreading misinformation, thank you.

[CWGUY]

Taurus SC is Termidor and yes you can buy it.

I am getting out of the playing fetch game and providing a link to prove that I am correct. Look up termidor or Taurus SC for yourself on Amazon. Or anywhere on Google or Bing. It is the same strength and the same formulation. The US EPA approves strengths and formulations, they do not approve homeowners and professional strengths.

You are entitled to your own opinions but not your own facts.

I would appreciate some basic research before you say that I have it wrong,. More importantly spreading misinformation, thank you.

:mademyday:
"You are entitled to your own opinions but not your own facts." I'm stealing that..... hope you don't mind. Thank you for your informative posts. You have to remember some won't let facts get in the way of a good argument. :highfive:

[retiredguy123]

You can't buy the chemicals that licensed pest professionals can. That is why you can spray every 3 months. What you can get is very weak. Massey uses Termidor which is not available to you. Also, the yearly cost is to pay for the insurance policy that will pay for termite damage if found.

Massey's termite treatment is good for 10 years. After that you have to have it reapplied.
I don't think that Massey buys an insurance policy for termite damage. Their contract only refers to Massey as being responsible to repair damage. So, they probably depend on their own assets to fund any damage that occurs.

[vintageogauge]

You can't buy the chemicals that licensed pest professionals can. That is why you can spray every 3 months. What you can get is very weak. Massey uses Termidor which is not available to you. Also, the yearly cost is to pay for the insurance policy that will pay for termite damage if found.

Massey's termite treatment is good for 10 years. After that you have to have it reapplied.

You can buy Termidor and get the same protection, it is readily available. Massey came to our home and told me the protection was only 5 years. I don't pay the annual fee and do my own applications.

[vintageogauge]

I don't think that Massey buys an insurance policy for termite damage. Their contract only refers to Massey as being responsible to repair damage. So, they probably depend on their own assets to fund any damage that occurs.

Agree, with all the millions they get for this scam they can afford to be self insured.

[Jcreason]

Was just typing the same question. Our home is smaller; price lower; but still a significant outlay of $$. Figure we do want the treatment, but should we get other quotes?

[retiredguy123]

Was just typing the same question. Our home is smaller; price lower; but still a significant outlay of $$. Figure we do want the treatment, but should we get other quotes?
The two main companies in The Villages are Massey and Dean's. Both are good, reliable companies. There may be other smaller companies who will do a termite treatment, but I would stick with Massey or Dean's.

[BruceMi]

Can you please describe what you use as as a termite preventative and how is it applied

[Pairadocs]

I treat the perimeter of my stucco designer myself every spring at a cost of $49.00. Can anyone state that there has been a home south of 466 documented that had a subterranean termite infestation? The answer is no. This is a scam, $200+ per year on 140,000 homes comes to $28,000,000.00 divided mostly between Massey and Dean's. And by the way it would be impossible to completely re-treat the interior wood that is behind your walls. Did they also try to talk you into a dry wood termite contract?

Yep, agree. $49 a year us also to treat once a year, very clean, simple, easy. We do also add the in ground steaks (another $49 to do perimeter of our large designer) as a "just in case... but truthfully, it's probably not at all necessary). Yes, many pest control companies and all sell quite a line of services and add on "contracts". But, don't try to tell that to some folks, they buy it all and that's the great thing about a free country:coolsmiley: We've been very happy with $49 to $100 a year, seems to work great. People say, oh you WILL be sorry, but hey, it's worked fine for 17 years. Must add we did have all the ground prep and treatment done when we built.

[Pairadocs]

First let's cover the cost of this process for its life 7years.

It is 2,403 for the treatment and inspections.

So what do you get? One treatment of Taurus SC. The smallest quantity you can buy is 57.95 from Amazon.

That one bottle will treat your home, your neighbors, your neighbor's neighbors.

I treat mine every three months, not specify for termites but for ants. It is sprayed on the surface and penetrates the soil. I do not know why ants require more frequent treatment.

I have posted this before and someone always wants to argue this. Believe me that is what the manufacturer instructions clearly state.

Termite treatment is like oil changes, every has an opinion but no one bothers to see what the manufacturer actually says.

Right on, like changing oil, everyone does have an opinion.... save your effort on here, those who feel much safer by signing these contracts will not forgo them due to anything you say or have experienced. Gives people jobs I guess, others think this may be a huge or dangerous job, though we find it rather quick and easy, and not at all messy.

[tklloop]

Not true, I just got off the phone with Massey, they told me that their treatment is good for only 5 years. Coming out to inspect next week,,,we’ll see.

[retiredguy123]

Not true, I just got off the phone with Massey, they told me that their treatment is good for only 5 years. Coming out to inspect next week,,,we’ll see.
Massey's initial treatment and contract for new houses is only covered for 5 years. But, according to Massey, they will retreat the house after the initial 5 years, and extend the termite coverage for an additional 10 years. I got this information from Massey this morning.

[vintageogauge]

Massey's initial treatment and contract for new houses is only covered for 5 years. But, according to Massey, they will retreat the house after the initial 5 years, and extend the termite coverage for an additional 10 years. I got this information from Massey this morning.

You will pay dearly for a re-treatment and it will not be as good as the initial treatment as it is done before the walls are up. What you will get now is an exterior treatment that you can do yourself for $50.00 per year.

[swooner]

Biggest rip off in Florida.

[Garywt]

Deans did our house during building so we called them when we bought. The big thing you get is insurance. If you get damage from termites they cover the cost. We signed up for the termites and ended up adding total pest control for the house and have since added pest and fertilizer for the lawn and bushes. Basically everything is covered including weed control. Costs us $122 every other month but since we are only there 4-5 times a year we need to know things are being done.

[Laurawilcox]

What is the prework for termites that you mentioned you did upon building the home?

[Altavia]

What is the prework for termites that you mentioned you did upon building the home?

Interior wood is treated with copper sulfate before drywall and insulation.

[ndf888]

My neighbors had termites, did not pay a contract. Had to pay cost of repairs, treatments and now have a contract. I paid Superior services initially the cost of treatment and now they retreat free every 5 years. A good deal. Also inspect free whenever you want, as I did when neighbors had them. In the south it is not will you have termites but when. Keep it treated!

I’m not convinced one needs a termite contract in TV. Perhaps spraying once a year plus an inspection every few years is enough. We had termites in our Maryland house but the damage was only $300 to fix. We did not have a termite contract. We found out that there was a termite nest under the porch from the home inspector hired by the buyer. The inspector offered to fix for it was $800 but we got a much better offer elsewhere.

[stebooo]

2403 what. $$ breakdown please

[JCMSr]

I too have just been informed by Massey that it is time to have my property retreated in order to continue my termite protection. The property was initially treated in 2014 when it was being built. That treatment is said to be good for 5 to 7 years. Massey claims that after 5 years if it is not retreated your renewal covers only the cost of the retreatment and will not cover the cost of any damage to your structure or furnishings. This statement is in direct conflict with their written brochures and guarantee which states that "so long as yuour protection is in force*, your property is protected for both retreatment and repair of new damages against subterranean termites." Furthermore, they define "in force" to be when your home is inspected inside and outside and your renewal is current. Effective April 2021 my agreement is set to renew automatically and the property has already been inspected. Despite this, if I let it renew without retreatment they claim I will not be covered for any damage. Rather than setting myself for an extended court battle in the event I should have an infestation in the future I am now scheduling quotes from other firms in the area. It has been an eye opening experience as to the differences in pricing, coverage and just their attitudes on whether it makes sense to pay extra for what they term full coverage including drywood termites, powder post beetles and old house borers. Some will flat out tell you you only need coverage for subterranean. Some recommend liquid treatments and others will tell you the baiting stations are the way to go. Either of these options mean more $$$$ upfront and an annual fee to continue coverage. Hopefully next week I should have everyone's quotes and be able to decide which approach makes sense to me. To me, even though I have owned numerous homes over the past 50 years with no problems with termites on any of them, it is piece of mind, insurance if you will, to have someone else responsible in the event there is ever an issue. Everyone needs to decide for themselves where they are comfortable and make your decision accordingly but I highly recommend shopping around and making sure exactly what you are purchasing or perhaps giving up in the event you decide to go the DIY route. I will keep you posted once my decision is made.

[retiredguy123]

I too have just been informed by Massey that it is time to have my property retreated in order to continue my termite protection. The property was initially treated in 2014 when it was being built. That treatment is said to be good for 5 to 7 years. Massey claims that after 5 years if it is not retreated your renewal covers only the cost of the retreatment and will not cover the cost of any damage to your structure or furnishings. This statement is in direct conflict with their written brochures and guarantee which states that "so long as yuour protection is in force*, your property is protected for both retreatment and repair of new damages against subterranean termites." Furthermore, they define "in force" to be when your home is inspected inside and outside and your renewal is current. Effective April 2021 my agreement is set to renew automatically and the property has already been inspected. Despite this, if I let it renew without retreatment they claim I will not be covered for any damage. Rather than setting myself for an extended court battle in the event I should have an infestation in the future I am now scheduling quotes from other firms in the area. It has been an eye opening experience as to the differences in pricing, coverage and just their attitudes on whether it makes sense to pay extra for what they term full coverage including drywood termites, powder post beetles and old house borers. Some will flat out tell you you only need coverage for subterranean. Some recommend liquid treatments and others will tell you the baiting stations are the way to go. Either of these options mean more $$$$ upfront and an annual fee to continue coverage. Hopefully next week I should have everyone's quotes and be able to decide which approach makes sense to me. To me, even though I have owned numerous homes over the past 50 years with no problems with termites on any of them, it is piece of mind, insurance if you will, to have someone else responsible in the event there is ever an issue. Everyone needs to decide for themselves where they are comfortable and make your decision accordingly but I highly recommend shopping around and making sure exactly what you are purchasing or perhaps giving up in the event you decide to go the DIY route. I will keep you posted once my decision is made.
The Massey termite warranty contract for new houses expires after 5 years. Then, you no longer have a contract or warranty with Massey. I don't see where there is a conflict with the guarantee?

In my opinion, it is worthwhile to treat for subterranean termites, but not for other types of termites.