Pest control - Necessary?
 

We are first time Florida residents and it seems like having an annual pest control contract appears to be the norm. Compared Deans and Massey's general pest contract which includes 4 sprayings per year and on-call visits for the interior of the home as needed.

Seeking wisdom from long term residents ...anyone find this really isn't necessary or a must have?

We do have a water retention pond in our backyard - so perhaps may get more mosquitoes as well.

Have Massey for 12 years. Lots of little pests in FL so highly recommended. Also consider Termite protection.

Do it yourself. Go to Lowes and buy large bug spray with battery powered sprayer. Spray outside perimeter of home once every few months. Spray interior under sinks, kitchen floor perimeter etc about twice a year. Cost per year $20. No bugs

Pest control necessary? YES!! DIY or contract to a name company. There is an advantage to using a large named company (we use deans), if and when you find a bug(s) inside your house, additional call out is free. Also, we recently discovered rat(s) in one of our palm trees, again, rat control device free. We have had deans for 5 years and they have been very responsive to any concerns or problems.

We do it ourselves with home defense Spray perimeter of the house, eves, and interior under sinks, etc. have been doing this every few months foe past 5 years. No insects. You will however need a termite contract for about $100 per year

Sounds like it’s a must have whether we hire a service or DIY. Thanks for feedback.

Some one on here recommended to drive to Inverness and go to "You kill em" store. We did, purchased the liquid and the paste and it works like a charm for $35. I also sprayed around the outside perimeter of the house. For years I had been using the stuff you buy at Lowes but we somehow got some German cockroaches and this has killed them all.

Definitely not a must-have. Haven't had it in 5 years, haven't needed it. On a lake, none of my neighbors have it, never needed it.
Instead of asking someone who doesn't live in your house or your situation, why don't you go without and find out for yourself if you truly need it? If you do, get it. If you don't, no wasted money.

We purchased a preowned that had not had termite application done in 2 years. Before we closed owner had to have deans come with dog to sniff for termites. $500 for dog inspection, and application.

We had Massey and after a few years dropped the pest part of the contract ( retained lawn). Purchased a scotts handheld broadcast spreader and ortho perimeter bug shield. Very easy to do the perimeter of our home maybe three times a year. Also sticky traps under the sinks, refrigerator, laundry and garage etc.

Be sure to read #2
 

TERMITE CONTROL
You want to check and CONFIRM what I am saying.
If, you let a termite contract expire you will have trouble getting a new one and it will make your home difficult to sell.

As, to regular spraying. You mention a retention pond and mosquitoes. The Villages takes care of them for you/for us.

Based on years if gardening my findings as well as current research, you have more insect problems by spraying more.
I'm sure you've read, when you spray to get rid of insects you do more damage to the insects and animals that feed on the insects you are trying to control. Here your first line of defense is the tiny Lizards some mistakenly call them Getcos- most common are Arioles. PREVENTATIVE spraying is no longer suggested EXCEPT BY THE PEOPLE TRYING TO SELL YOU A SPRAYSERVICE.