Termite Protection/Re-Treatment after 5-7 years
 

Background: My house is 7 years old and was originally treated for termite protection during construction by Massey. That was supposed to last for 5 years, but, they found very few problems until the 7 year mark. I have paid the $99 annual termite protection fee that gets me an inspection and coverage/treatment should there be an infestation.

Ok, fast forward to today.... Massey says at 7 years I have to re-treat or risk not being renewed next year. I could just renew this year without re-treating and see if they hold true to their threat to dump me next year.

They have two treatment options... one is drill around the perimeter and inject liquid; other is to drill holes and install bait traps. Both options cost $499 (but this years 99 renewal is waived).

The liquid option is guaranteed for 10 years then has to be redone, but, I still have to do $99 annual renewal/inspection starting next year.

The bait option costs a $149 each year but is guaranteed 'forever'. So, the two options net out to about the same cost.

The rep cited a handful of termite infestation cases working their way down through Lynnhaven area to Sunset Pointe as these houses age. Still, not a huge problem.

So, for some of you that live say, in Glenbrook, Hacienda or other places 10 years or older...what is Massey telling you now? What did they offer/threaten you with 2-3 years ago?

Part of me thinks they are using scare tactics to force you to spend on re-treatment.

On the other hand, do many of you opt for a re-treatment after xx years for peace of mind?

Massey, overall, has been responsive, effective, and efficient in my lawn weed/feed, pest control, etc needs so I have no real issues with the company's performance.

Our home in Hadley hit the 5 year mark and we were told we needed to retreat. You could forgo the retreat and pay the $99 which would only get you an annual inspection - if problems arose you are on your own. Having had a $25000. termite hit at another newer home in Jacksonville Florida I paid the $499 for retreat and can now sleep at night knowing if those pesky little rascals start eating my house I am insured and have coverage for the damage. It all depends on your personal comfort zone. I will pay $99 for the next 4 years for an inspection and to keep the policy in place.

Massey is a large company in several southern states , they have been around for more than 50 years. I would think they wouldn't use scare tactics to get you to renew. I had a bating system put in in ny and it cost me 2800 dollars and a yearly fee of over 300 to keep it in effect. Peace of mind is a good thing.

Just curious, does Massey perform a decent inspection, or a cursory look around for their $99 fee?i

E flyer.... The inspection seems to be reasonably thorough...they do the full exterior perimeter, all interior walls and peek into the attic. Takes a half hour. The 99 fee is for the inspection and "insurance" to cover the cost of any treatment/repairs resulting from a termite infestation at any time of the year.

However the $99 fee only gets you an inspection if you have not retreated according to their recommendations.

I'm on my 7nth year also, and was told the same thing. For peace of mind, I am going to do it. Since living here (2006), I haven't heard of any neighbors having termites? Does anyone know if any of their neighbors had termites, and what area?

Gomo... Up to year 7 when they 'require' a retreat, the $99 fee gets you the inspection plus treatment/repair for an infestation.

After year 7, sounds like they are saying they won't even offer the $99 annual inspection/protection unless you do a re-treat. That's why I'm asking folks in 10+ year old villages what Massey is telling them. Do they still offer $99 annual protection?

From an economics standpoint, I can't imagine Massey will cancel all these $99/year customers who don't re-treat in order to avoid paying treatment/repair claims from the small handful that experience an infestation.

I am leaning to getting it done just for the peace of mind. But, it is enlightening to hear what others think and what they've been told.

I agree!
It's simple. If they continue to treat the home, they stand behind the service.

As young newlyweds, we bought our first home (up North, pre-owned), not knowing there was a large termite colony in the home's addition (a large den and art studio). The day we moved in, my (then) husband plunked down his easy chair and plopped himself in it with gusto. A three foot chunk of ceiling tiles fell on his head and around his shoulders- LOADED with wriggling termite larvae.
I don't think he has recovered- yet.
(We won't even talk about my having to gather them up into a garbage can until we could get someone out to the house the NEXT day.) OR the cost for removal of the addition- and the glorious 90 year old pear tree outside. Neither could be salvaged.

Yep. Peace of mind is a beautiful thing.

Villages07, I am in exactly the same situation. Our house is 8 yrs old, and Massey's been telling us we need to retreat for a few years now. We've been having the same debate in our house, so I'll be watching this thread with interest.

Last Wed we had our 5 yr treatment done and this one will last for 7 yrs using Florida Pest Control applying Premise. They dug a trench all the way around base of home including screened lanai with pool and applied the Premise. Took around 3hrs as well as inspection including attic. Cost us $259.

Once your "treatment period" is over and they tell you it is time to renew you can keep paying the $99 annual fee, but all it will get you is an inspection - not protection. If you get an infestation once the "treatment period" is over you are on your own - your insurance policy is up. Read the fine print.

Seriously.........................
 

It boils down to 0.41 cents a day.........................................
Termite Infestation Probability Map For The USA, Australia & The World

Any new comments? We just received a letter from Massey and I am wondering if there are alternatives.

We switched from Massey to Deans. It costs more for the annual inspection but they retreat every year and you never pay for the full retreatment again.
It's $125 every year because we have them for Pest Control also. Their usual charge is $150 per year.


Convert to Save with Deans Services