Massey's
 

I just had Massey's out to give us estimate for pest control and he also gave me one for "Termite Protection" with a annual inspection.
What is that program and why would I need it if they are taking care of the outside of the house quarterly?

What they are doing outside quarterly has nothing to do with subterranean termites. Treating for subterranean termites requires pumping chemicals underground completely around your house to create a poison perimeter barrier. This is a one-time treatment with annual inspections and renewal. The Villages doesn't seem to have a major problem with termites, so some people do not get it done.

Today many services use "Baiting Traps". They put the traps all around the house then they check them regularly and if/and when the termites appear, then they treat them.

I believe it is a termite baiting program. They install termite bait stations into the ground so many feet between stations surrounding your home. They then revisit them every so often and check the stations, replacing them as needed.

I don't think Massey sells the bait system anymore. They only offer the perimeter poison method. One problem with the bait system is that it is more expensive, it requires regular monitoring, and landscaping alterations can affect the bait traps. Also, I think when Massey used the bait system, they owned the bait traps, not the homeowner. Personally, I would not purchase the bait system even if it was offered.

We did the Massy termite treatment. Not because I think there is a problem, but if I want to sell the house at some point. If I decide to stay I probably won't renew.

Buy a bag of Bio Advanced Grub Killer Plus. Apply it early spring and late fall. It kills all ground insects including termites for $22. Covers 5000 sq. ft. Apply at 2 pounds per 1000 sq ft.

It will not kill subterranean termites. They live under the soil and never come to the surface.

Bio-advanced makes a Termite Killer granular product specifically for subterranean termites, its' about $50 and will do the perimeter of most designer homes twice. I refused to pay Massey or Deans for nothing but an inspection and have used this product for over 7 years. I recently sold my home in TV and the inspection resulted in free of termites or any other wood destroying insects. I have never heard of a "documented" case of subterranean termites in any of The Villages other than the historic section, Deans and Massey are laughing all the way to the bank.

We just had them out and it seemed obvious from the brochures?

Seems unnecessary if you have a block house. I spray Home Defense monthly or as needed and never have a bug issue

Termites eat soft woods, like door frames and windows sills. They also eat drywall and carpet. They don't do much damage to structural wood. The largest issue with termites is that you don't know they are there until they have done significant damage. Once they move in, they never leave and they continue to reproduce until there are billions of them. You don't see them because they hate the light. Having a concrete block house does nothing to deter termites or to reduce the damage. And, spraying Home Defense is worthless against subterranean termites.

Apparently, this area of the country doesn't have a significant problem with termites. But, in some areas, like southern Georgia, termites are so prevalent that people would think you are crazy to own a house without termite treatment.

Someone previously said with the size and constant building going on in The Villages and every area being treated for termites it’s created like a force field that no termites penetrate. Sort of makes sense, but every choice is an individual choice about your own risk tolerance.

I've used Massy for both for years.
The inspected my house two weeks ago and they will refill the bait traps in mid Sept.
Now can you probably do the inspection and the traps yourself.
I'm sure YouTube will have a site to walk you through the steps.
But I keep Massy, because if there is termite damage while your covered by their service, they state that they're insured and will cover the cost of the damage.

I have asked the Florida Department of Agriculture for an opinion about this product. I will post it when I receive it.