Termite Inspection/Protection
 

Massey was here today to let me know I had to either renew or be cancelled for termite protection. My home is 20 years old, we have had massey termite for 20 years. Now they want $449 plus $149 to treat and renew our policy.
Has anyone had any problems with termites? We live in Piedmont and have not heard of anybody with termite issues.
I said I did not want to spend that much money and he picked up his papers and left.

Massey did that to us, too, a couple years back. We went with Deans and we're happy about it.

Superior Services
1-800-PestControl
Ask for Mitch Bolton
They have been in The Villages for over 25 years.

I recently renewed my termite contract with Massey. I went with Massey because they gave me a 10-year renewable contract. I considered Dean's, but they would only offer a one year contract with no guaranteed renewal.

I don't know of anyone around here who has had termite problems, so I didn't think the 10 year contract was worth the extra cost. Plus, Dean's treats the property annually, Massey only inspected. To each their own.

a real joke. we just say no to all

I thought the ground at every build site was treated and guaranteed termite free for 50 years …. Metal studs, concrete stucco and vinyl siding along with multiple gallons on insect killer sprayed on everyone’s lawns should deter subterranean termites… I figure a flying swarm of termites would seek some nice cool wooded area rather than one of our homes

Typically, the initial new house treatment is supposed to last about 10 years, but it is only guaranteed for 5 years. Then, you need to retreat and renew the contract or you are on your own.

There is a house just off Morse (north of 466) that is having a lot of termite-infested wood replaced.

I was planning to drop coverage this year as it is time to renew Massey, but I'll get quotes from Massey and Deans before making a decision.

As it was explained to me when we bought our house, it is more like an insurance policy. If we get damage, they will pay for all the repairs.

This is a house just south of 466a. Termite damage is a real thing. The damage below the surface was much more extensive.

keep in mind that your termite policies are only for subterranean termite
 

Saw three houses in my area North of 466, that were tented to eradicate termites. Costs thousands $$$

Weird that it would be an inside door frame area….

They did a number on the ladies bathroom cabinets as well

Are you affiliated with a termite control company? I never saw a tented house in the Villages…. I may need to get out more

If a house is tented, they do not have subterranean termites. They are treating the house for another type of termite, such as woodboring termites. Subterranean termites are treated for by pumping poison into the soil under the house. Many termite contracts only cover subterranean termites, which are more common and difficult to detect.

Subterranean termites can take up residence in the soil under any part of the house. But, they need a source of water to survive. Sometimes, a bathroom will have a drain leak that drips water under the slab. So, that is where the termites are living. They move up and down from under the house and eat mostly soft wood like door frames and window sills. Termites cannot stand the light, so they eat the wood under the surface, and when they get near the surface, they move in the other direction. So, the door frame can look normal, but the surface is paper thin. The problem with termites is that once they move in, they never leave. Once per year, they mate and a swarm of them will fly away to find another house, but others will remain in the house.

According to the posters here, there have been a few houses with termites. Some repeat anecdotal observations which could be posted by those selling termite protection plans.

I am interested in hearing about actual termite infestations.

I have never seen a house tented house in The Villages (unlike South Florida). I know lots pay for termite protection but, is it really needed if there are no infestations. Instead of an expensive subterranean plan sold by Massey or Dean, can one use the stakes sold at HD or Lowes instead?

joke

True enough, but that goes for just about everything on TOTV.

I could say I had a fabulous meal at a certain restaurant, but I might have a financial interest in it.

Just because the name in my passport is Termite B. Gone...

I have my quote from Deans - initial inspection/treatment $786 (or $1,310 if they find anything) then $175 annual.

Have asked Massey to quote, but could be some time getting a reply as the website warns: "Please note, due to Hurricane Ian, our response time may be delayed." I've read some flimsy excuses in my time!

Note that Dean's treats only part of the house every year. And, their annual fee is not guaranteed because they don't sell a long term contract. Massey will treat the entire house perimeter and provide a 10-year renewable contract with a guaranteed price for the first 5 years. My annual fee with Massey is $79 for the first 5 years. The initial treatment cost was about $400, and they injected chemicals into the soil every 16 inches around the entire perimeter of the house. I don't understand Dean's plan to treat only part of the house every year, and to only guarantee that the house is termite free for one year.

The photos I posted of the termite damage was from last year at a home on Baisley Trail.

Fortunately the owner had termite coverage, and the damage and follow-up treatment cost her nothing out of pocket.

I canceled Massey too. I’m going to treat the house myself

I have no problem spending $500 to protect my $500,000-$700,000 investment. It’s a no-brainer. And, yes, I have seen tented house a few blocks over (bedbugs). Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.

There has never, in recorded history, been a termite found anywhere near the villages. Termite Distribution - Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS

DEANS are SCAMMERS - they lie about what they will do - I know because I caught them saying they were performing a job when I was a snow bird - neighbor sent pics and caught them lieing to me- they were CAUGHT —— get an independent company like MID FLORIDA PEST CONTROL- you have been warned!!

Florida Termite Map
 

This map was last updated in 2021. Its accuracy is unknown.

Termite distribution in Florida (updated 8-4-2021) - Google My Maps

Wow! Thanks for that. Looks like there may have actually been five in The Villages (two of those in the Historic Villages) and another just north of 42. Two of the three types of Native Subterranean Termites. You may have neglected to click on each of the species. Still, that does make all these inspections and all this pumping of poisons seem like a scam, doesn’t it?

If you get termites it will cost way more than that. Yes I’ve seen many houses rented for termites in the villages. Your choice of course

The external studs to a vinyl sided home are wood . The internal non weight bearing studs are metal .

What about all of the wood plywood sheeting used on the entire external sides of the home ? Wood sheeting for the roof ? Wood trusses , etc , etc, etc…..

I just sold an investment property up in NJ and was told as a seller I need to provide terminate treatment and that mortgage companies require an inspection and treatment report on the house. Wouldn’t this be true in FL?

Most lenders will require a termite inspection to get a mortgage. But, Florida law does not require a termite inspection when a house is sold.

Massey getting aggressive. I have been renewing my contract for 15 years.
 

These “inspectors” they send around are merely salesman. If they won’t renew your contract just drop them. Sooner or later they will accept your $85 insurance premium but if they don’t another company will. I abhor spraying for termites when there is zero evidence of them.

Only on sales do they require a Termite Inspection. Never heard of a mortgage company requiring a new treatment of poisonous chemicals if no evidence of termites.

You can easily spot evidence of termites by the tunnels they make long befithey get to your roof.

You can easily spot evidence of termites by the tunnels they make long before get to your roof.

Note that Massey doesn't use an insurance company to guarantee repair work for termite damage. They depend on their own resources. But some pest control companies do use an insurance company to pay for repair work.

Tented house in Duval
 

A house here in Duval was tented last week. Owner said it was for termites.

THAT does not look like termite damage at all Mr. Photo. Very suspicious but not termites IMO. I had termite problems up North and THAT does not look like it.