[jimbo2012]

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

[Frangyomory]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[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]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

How to perform a Subterranean Termite treatment.

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/ho...ment-a-87.html

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

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/ho...tes-a-234.html

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

yes

Repeat Yes