Talk of The Villages Florida - Lawn & Pest Control Question for New Owner

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Lawn & Pest Control Question for New Owner

Hi All, will close on my new home in Lake Deaton in mid April. I understand I need to hire someone to cut the lawn. However, is pest control necessary immediately or has The Villages already applied pest control as the house is new? What type of pest control is necessary and how much should I expect to pay? My property is only ~6200 sq feet. Thanks

When your home was being built, a termite protection was applied but you want to guard against pest like .... spiders and roaches. Keep in mind, new construction areas are disrupting habitats of such creatures. Better to be safe than sorry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc11257 (Post 853625)

We use Massey for our pest control. We've been plagued by ants in the yard and in the house since we've lived here (6 yrs). The pest control is one thing we couldn't do without. We tried doing it ourselves for a year and hubby just didn't keep on top of it. We do mow our own lawn and shrubs. I'm thinking the price is $65 per treatment and they treat 3 or 4 times a year for the pest control.

Superior pest control has an incredible annual program that covers pests inside and out, fertilizer, weed elimination for an annual fee. We have been very satisfied.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnieman (Post 853646)

We, too, turned to Massey for pest control after trying to do our own. Very pleased with their product, they also do our irrigation. However, we have a small private lawn service who cut the lawn once a week and they also offer weeding for a small additional fee. Unfortunately, they do not cross 466 into the southern part of TV, but I am sure you can find someone reliable in your area.

Just don't prepay, pay as you go. This way if your not satisfied you can get someone else.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc11257 (Post 853625)

It seems to me that most Villagers have a pest control contract
in place from the day they close on their house.

I originally moved to Florida in 1983 and have never had
monthly pest control service.
Yes, you read right -- never!
I am not a believer in the indiscriminate use of insecticides,
and that is what most people here are guilty of.

Finding an occasional cockroach or other bug does not warrant monthly pest service.
Yes, if you have an issue, call and get a one time treatment for the problem.
We had a fire ant mound which I treated with granules
I keep on hand for that purpose.

I cannot tell you or others what to do, but my suggestion is to see how it goes without any pest control service.
Your neighbors will tell you it's necessary and "everyone does it."
The pest control companies will put the fear of God in you.
If you find you have ongoing problems, that is one thing.
But for an occasional issue, I truly don't feel that a one-a-month service is necessary or worth it.

You can probably handle a onesy-twosy issue yourself.

Please don't contaminate this area any more than it already is.

Ultimately our marshlands, sea life, birds, wildlife, etc., will pay the price
because of run off and contamination.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnieman (Post 853646)

That's about average. If there is one thing I do recommend, is the sticky boards in your garage. I cut them up in half, and place around different areas in garage. You will be surprised on what you will catch on them. Worth the money.

I never spray chemicals inside my house! Outside is ok but if you have pets be careful. Do not over use pest chemicals either. Bugs have a purpose in the eco environment... Except for Fire ants.

Thank-you all, this information is very helpful. As this is a new house, would the developer treat for termites and pest when completed and I am OK for a few months?

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc11257 (Post 854240)

Thank-you all, this information is very helpful. As this is a new house, would the developer treat for termites and pest when completed and I am OK for a few months?

There should be a sticker on the Electrical Box in garage, stating they treated for termites.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc11257 (Post 853625)

Have had homes on Sc and Florida for 17 years and never had a pest control except for my first year in TV because "everyone had it." Waste of money. You can do it yourself with products from Home depot.