[graciegirl]

Our neighbor just came over and asked us what we thought about the yearly coverage from Massey, $270, for termite protection.

I have heard that termites are bad in the south. They can eat your house even if you have block and stucco. Somehow I thought it was for spraying or prevention of some kind. But this is insurance in case your house is harmed by termites.

What do you think? Is there someone from whom we can get a competitive bid? Should we not be protected? How likely is it for someone to get termites in their home?

That price seems high to me.

[Army Guy]

Gracie, we have it also on our Villa in TV with Massey. We also have it on our House in Alabama with the Company here (Rice Pest). We have always felt it was worthwhile since they have to pay for the repair if you do get them. And Termite damage is not covered by your Home Insurance. My wife's Sister had some in their old home and for what they had to pay to get rid of them and repair it, they wished they spent that money every year.

Army Guy

[bogart]

We just had Massey come out today for our termite inspection. Our annual fee is $120.00 for a 3 BR villa. I don't know the details of our contract (hubby's task). The inspection was quick -- 20 minutes or so -- so it seems like $120.00 was plenty.

But then, what do I know??????

[villages07]

I've been paying $100/year for annual termite inspection/insurance. I use Massey for weed & feed and inside pest protection too so the termite coverage is less than if that were the only service you had with them.

If they are quoting her $270 it must also include some extra services. I recall them trying to sell me coverage for a type of termite that is not common in this area.

So, yes, that figure does seem high.

She should get a competing bid from Dean's or one of the other licensed companies.

[CTgolfer]

Most likely the $270/year is for pesticides on the lawn, plant beds and around the house. I believe this service is done quarterly... not sure though. The annual termite inspection is around $125.

[Halle]

We also have Massey for our Termite Contract,it is $100 a year for the inspection which keeps the contract current. We were told there is a different type of termite that is not covered and we could add that coverage to our current contract for an additional cost, I don't remember the amount.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Is there someone from whom we can get a competitive bid? Should we not be protected? How likely is it for someone to get termites in their home?

Every pest company offers termite protection, Bates, Massey, Bay Area, etc. Just look in the yellow pages. They are all anxious to give you a no-obligation estimate.

I don't think anyone in the newer areas of TV has had a termite problem. I've been told that when TV builds a home, they "termite proof" it which lasts a few years. I personally think it is prudent to get termite protection if your home is over three years old.

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Our neighbor just came over and asked us what we thought about the yearly coverage from Massey, $270, for termite protection.

I have heard that termites are bad in the south. They can eat your house even if you have block and stucco. Somehow I thought it was for spraying or prevention of some kind. But this is insurance in case your house is harmed by termites.

What do you think? Is there someone from whom we can get a competitive bid? Should we not be protected? How likely is it for someone to get termites in their home?

That price seems high to me.

There are levels of termite protection. Lowest level is annual inspection and treatment if any problems are found.
Top level is above with a further provision that would pay for repair of any termite damage up to an agreed amount.
Buying termite protection is not to be taken lightly. Make sure you know what you want and then make sure they deliver.
Competitive bids are essential.
You should get protection.
Difficult to say how likely it is for someone to get termites in their home. Most of The Villages has been built on farm/pasture land. Not much wood underground to attract them, yet. As we mature there will be more for them to feed on. Mature trees, mulch, etc.
My previous home was built on cleared pine lands. Termites were a way of life.

[Rag Bagger]

Barefoot I read the same thing, that is new homes are termite proofed. I believe that it is suppose to last ten years. I think they spray a solution about three feet up the framing.

I don't know all the details but I feel these pest control people are somewhat of a scam. They never tell you about the built in protection.

My house is only 18 months old but in a couple of years I will do some research to see what it takes to protect our house. It ain't rocket science. The average home owner should be able to do the work. Many years ago I had a problem in our old home in Kentucky and used a process that treated the earth around the house no more termites. These treatment last for years.

I think the best is a barrier around the foundation. Termites must be able to migrate from your wood structure to the dirt arounf the house. Interupt that path and they will find something else to munch on.

The airborn termites are a different story but they are rare ones here. I don't know if any have been reported in TV. But the pest services will sure try to scare you.

We do our own bug control too for spiders ants and roaches. Spray the perimeter of the house with spectracide three times a year around the foundation and sofit. Also have roach and ant traps that we renew twice a year. No bugs of any type.

As John Matarese says in our old home town Cincinnati. "Dont wast your money"

In TV that's really easy to do so may services needed and not needed. It's hard to figure it out.

Don't mis understand houses here can and do get termites but learn to recognize the signs, it's easy, and deal with them for a fraction of the cost of those contracts.

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by Rag ******

Barefoot I read the same thing, that is new homes are termite proofed. I believe that it is suppose to last ten years. I think they spray a solution about three feet up the framing.

I don't know all the details but I feel these pest control people are somewhat of a scam. They never tell you about the built in protection.

My house is only 18 months old but in a couple of years I will do some research to see what it takes to protect our house. It ain't rocket science. The average home owner should be able to do the work. Many years ago I had a problem in our old home in Kentucky and used a process that treated the earth around the house no more termites. These treatment last for years.

I think the best is a barrier around the foundation. Termites must be able to migrate from your wood structure to the dirt arounf the house. Interupt that path and they will find something else to munch on.

The airborn termites are a different story but they are rare ones here. I don't know if any have been reported in TV. But the pest services will sure try to scare you.

We do our own bug control too for spiders ants and roaches. Spray the perimeter of the house with spectracide three times a year around the foundation and sofit. Also have roach and ant traps that we renew twice a year. No bugs of any type.

As John Matarese says in our old home town Cincinnati. "Dont wast your money"

In TV that's really easy to do so may services needed and not needed. It's hard to figure it out.

Don't mis understand houses here can and do get termites but learn to recognize the signs, it's easy, and deal with them for a fraction of the cost of those contracts.

I don't believe any house is termite proof. The initial barrier required by code is supposed to be good for five years. I have witnessed what termites can do in a very short time and it isn't pretty nor cheap to fix. Not only did I experience them in my own home, as a real estate broker I had to oversee repair on many homes before they would close.

Google "termites" and read on. Or, go to University of Florida's site and look for termites.

I am not going to address the question of pest control business being a scam but I have complete confidence in the company that looks after my needs.

A homeowner cannot obtain the same chemicals a licensed person uses. Misuse of those chemicals sold to the public can be dangerous.

A lot of people have "not wasted the money" only to find correcting the resulting problem cost them thousands more.

BTW, I have no connection whatever with the pest control industry.

[Niels]

When I closed on my house, Deans stopped by and gave me a certificate for termite coverage for free - They said The Villages had prepaid the termite bond for the first year. I believe they quoted me $125.00 to renew the bond next year for my vinyl sided house.

Like Villages07 stated, because I have a lawn pesticide service through Massey they told me they would give me a termite bond for $100.00 next year (which they said was a small discount from their normal price).

$270.00 sounds expensive and may include other services than just the termite bond.

In any case, it sounds like a good idea to me and I plan on renewing it next year.

[l2ridehd]

I am not happy with Massey and will fire them as soon as I find an acceptable replacement. They always try to blame something else for a problem. Cinch bugs did significant damage to my lawn. They blamed freeze damage. Even though they found cinch bugs, they said the lawn was already damaged because of the weather. Bugs where they are supposed to have sprayed, and supposedly they had to have just come in. A few other issues to difficult to explain. And yes I have had their management out 3 times and they do not want to accept responsibility that they are at fault for anything. So I would hate to find termites and expect them to solve the problem. I will fire them as soon as I find an all inclusive company that will do lawn, shrubs, termite, both pest control and fertilizing, inside and out. And I have had several claim they do until I start asking questions, and so far no one does it all. I want "one throat to choke" for any lawn, shrub, pest, termite, bug problem and also have a lawn that is well taken care of and looks good.

[BlueHeronFan]

Be very careful if you bring antique furniture into a home. I know of an instance not in TV where someone inherited a piece of antique furniture that was infested, and the entire home had to be tented and treated.

[GeoGeo]

I know this thread is older, but I was wondering about something. Some of the people said they paid $100 and $125 for their termite contract with Massey. I was just curious as to what size home and what type home they have? I just got a contract for $145 with them. They originally wanted to give me 5% off my current contract. I told them I wasn't sure if that was a good deal or not. So I got another quote and they beat that quote by $5. A big difference than just 5% off my current quote. So it seems like there isn't a set price. I'm wondering if I could have got it for $100 like some of you other folk were able to get it for?

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by GeoGeo

I know this thread is older, but I was wondering about something. Some of the people said they paid $100 and $125 for their termite contract with Massey. I was just curious as to what size home and what type home they have? I just got a contract for $145 with them. They originally wanted to give me 5% off my current contract. I told them I wasn't sure if that was a good deal or not. So I got another quote and they beat that quote by $5. A big difference than just 5% off my current quote. So it seems like there isn't a set price. I'm wondering if I could have got it for $100 like some of you other folk were able to get it for?

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